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Building a Composite Deck

Bob joins Wes Lohr of Lohr Construction as they install the deck framing and deck on one of the Mashpee, Massachusetts houses. The footings are poured and the deck posts are set in place with high-density plastic feet to repel moisture. The frame is being built with pressure-treated lumber, which no longer poses health risks as it once did. They look at the ledger board that is spaced 3/4 to one inch away from the house to allow for drainage and to avoid snow buildup. Lohr installs the ledger board with a six-inch lag bolt that will go through the board and into the sill plate of the house. The joist hangers are already in place on the ledger board, and the frame is completed with a base board that is mitered at the corners and fastened all the way around the deck. The first piece of composite decking is notched to go around the deck posts. They have chosen a grain pattern for this WeatherBest composite decking, which gives a wood-look appearance to the deck. The decking boards are spaced one 16-penny spike apart for proper drainage and are pre-drilled to receive the colored screws that match the decking. The base of the deck will be painted in a year, once it has dried sufficiently. More information