Black & Decker The Complete Guide to Decks 7th Edition Featuring the latest tools, skills, designs, materials & codes

Find inspiration in new designs and follow the latest codes as you custom build the deck of your dreams.

Architecture, building codes, and design are not static; they change constantly. That’s why there’s a new edition of the best-selling BLACK+DECKER The Complete Guide to Decks, incorporating updates to national building codes, as well as new developments in building materials and design. Calling attention to composite deckboards and railings, as well as other PVC products made from recycled plastic, the new materials systems featured in this book are environmentally friendly, easy to work with, rot resistant, and very low maintenance.

Whether you opt for manufactured deck products or wood, the success of your project depends upon a sturdy deck undercarriage. Accomplishing this isn’t difficult, but building the framework requires that you have the latest information on building codes. In recent years, these codes have changed significantly, affecting everything from post diameter to allowable joist hangers to railing height and even the size of concrete footings. BLACK+DECKER The Complete Guide to Decks Updated 7th Edition is the only DIY deck book that’s fully updated to conform to the latest codes.

Chapters covered in the book include:

• Deck Planning & Design
• Deck Materials & Tools
• Structural Support
• Decking
• Stairs
• Railings
• Accessories
• Finishing & Maintaining Your Deck
• Custom Deck Projects
• Gallery of Inspiring Decks

BLACK+DECKER The Complete Guide to Decks Updated 7th Edition offers complete step-by-step photos and instructions, so even homeowners with limited DIY experience are assured of a deck that meets their needs. So, don’t wait any longer; build the deck of your dreams and start enjoying it!

Introduction
GALLERY OF INSPIRING DECKS
DECK PLANNING + DESIGN
Evaluating Your Site
Deck Building Codes
Determining Lumber Size
Understanding Loads
Developing Your Deck Plan
Working with Building Inspectors
DECK MATERIALS + TOOLS
Structural Lumber
Wood Decking
Nonwood Decking
Fasteners + Hardware
Metal Connecting Hardware
Screws + Nails
Flashing
Footings
Specialty Tools
How to Build a Deck
Building a Deck: A Step-by-Step Overview
STRUCTURAL SUPPORT
Installing a Ledger
Locating Post Footings
Digging + Pouring Footings
Installing Posts
Installing Beams
Hanging Joists
DECKING
Decking Patterns
Laying Decking
STAIRS
Building Stairs
DECK RAILINGS
Deck Railing Basics
Curved Railings
Composite + PVC Railing Systems
Glass-panel Railings
Steel Cable Railings
ADVANCED FRAMING TECHNIQUES
Framing Low-profile Decks
Framing Multilevel Decks
Framing Decks on Steep Slopes
Working with Angles
Creating Curves
Framing for Insets
CUSTOM DECK PROJECTS
Underdeck Enclosure
Runoff Gutters
Boardwalk Deck on a Slab
Floating Octagon Island Deck
A Deck for Entertaining
DECK ACCESSORIES
Low-voltage Lighting
Deck Planters
Privacy Screen
Deck Benches
Deck Skirting
FINISHING + MAINTAINING YOUR DECK
Cleaning, Sealing + Coloring a Wood Deck
Finishing a New Wood Deck
Maintaining a Deck
Repairing a Deck
Cleaning Vinyl + Composite Decking
Deckbuilding Glossary
Metric Conversions
Resources
Photo Credits
Index