Replies

1. 
   calvin | Apr 18, 2010 07:10pm | #1

   Welcome back Wanda

   Darnit Wanda, couldn't this just be a social visit?

2. 
   DanH | Apr 18, 2010 07:54pm | #2

   So, Wanda, you think there was something fishy about his advice?  A load of carp?

   Some folks do advocate placing cheap, not fully dried treated decking boards cheek-to-cheek, since they will indeed shrink by 1/4" or more within the first year.  Obviously the same rule doesn't hold for composite boards, or for relatively dry boards, especially if placed during a drier part fo the year.

   The deck level can be anywhere from flush to 2-3 inches below the door threshold.  (Any more and a stoop is called for.)  Generally more or less flush is better (less trip hazard, etc), so long as the deck drains well so that there is no danger of water being pushed into the house.

   2x8 does seem a bit "heavy" for the top rail.  But it's a matter of taste, and the effect you're after.

1. 
   Wanda200 | Apr 19, 2010 11:20am | #3

   Hi guys,

   Thanks for answering my questions. I have to commend the guy.. It was a miracle he was able to construct the deck considering the crappy pressure treated lumber he had to work with. The deck looks great.

   The cost of lumber where I live is ridiculous. I went to the building center to see if I could get a couple of replacement boards for the deck (5/4 decking boards) but came home empty handed. Doesn't come as any surprise considering the way they stack the lumber and the fact that it is left outside. I wasn't permitted to pick through the unopened stacks.

   Hope they have a new supply of lumber next time I go back to pick out lumber for my privacy fence. This time I will look over the boards very carefully before my carpenter puts up the fence.

   It's easier to find lumber to build furniture!

   wanda 

3. 
   HWG | Apr 19, 2010 01:15pm | #4

   Decking

   Wanda, sounds like you need to find a new lumber yard that will let you see what you're buying, but in some areas that is not an option. If he is building the deck from wet pressure treated lumber then it will indeed shrink.  Leave on the smallest of gaps as they will soon open up in the drying sun. I build my deck at the threshhold level as the house is on a slab and I couldn't drop it much lower without digging in the deck. I was concerned about wind blown water getting in the house but it hasn't been a problem -- be sure to design in adaquet drainage.

1. 
   HWG | Apr 19, 2010 01:18pm | #5

   PS.  I used 2x8 as the top surface on my rails because it is low enough to use as seating and is also used for flower pots -- it is all a matter of taste and intended use.

1. 
   DanH | Apr 19, 2010 01:58pm | #6

   Note that in most parts of the country the railing on any sort of elevated deck is required to be tall enough to reasonably eliminate sitting on it as an option.

4. 
   pegasush | Apr 22, 2010 12:25am | #7

   Wanda

   If you live on the Wet Coast, this won't apply.

   But I like to have the deck surface at least 3 1/2" below the threshold, especially with an out-swing door.  In snow country, every time that door opens on a fresh coating of white, it pushes most of it away, but pulls a small bit of snow back into the bottom corner of the door, building a lump of ice in no time.

5. 
   Piffin | Apr 22, 2010 09:54am | #8

   Howdy girl

   I wood have thuink by now you'd have learnt to detail things BEFORE hiring a guy to do it., Dahrling, LOL

   I have a 2x8 top rail and love i love it

   Wet PT decking does shrink, but it is also a lousy choice of decking materials, if that is what you chose. Composaite stuff or IPE is far better. With those premium materials you do not leave them touching. The goal is to END UP with about a 1/8 to 1/4" gap.

   In anyplacve other than the dry SW US, I want the deck about 4" below the interior finishe floor. snow and water become problems otherwise.

   But with it even, you are good to go for renting to folks in wheelchairs.