Beyond the Boards
Articles, guides, and other resources written by master deck builders and industry vetrans.
Align Decking is Southern Ontario, Canada’s premiere deck design and construction group. Below you can find many great articles written by our winning team of master deck builders, deck designers, and other industry experts. This blog has articles for everyone from career deck builders to first-time homeowners and crafty DIYers.
Looking for care and maintenance tips for your current deck? You can find it here! How about some inspiration for your upcoming deck project? Yup, we have that too!
Whether you’re building your 100th deck, your 1st, or you’re just getting started testing the waters, we have all the decking articles you could ever wish for!
Featured Articles
About the Author
Hey, I’m Dale 👋, President and Chief Deck Officer at Align Decking. The Beyond the Boards Blog is a passion project started by the team and I to share the knowledge we’ve amassed over our decades of building custom decks.
How to Size Concrete Deck Footings
Constructing a deck is not just an addition to your home; it's a gateway to outdoor living. However, the strength and longevity of any deck lie in its foundation—specifically, the concrete footings that anchor it to the ground. "Mastering Deck Construction: How to Size Concrete Deck Footings" serves as your essential guide to understanding the critical role of footings in deck construction and ensuring that your deck stands firm against the test of time and the elements.
The 5-Step Deck Audit
The 5-Step Deck Audit is a comprehensive guide designed for homeowners to evaluate the condition of their decks. Many of the decks we inspect each year are in far worse condition than the homeowners think. Arm yourself with the knowledge and resources to preform a self-assessment of your deck, even if you have no construction knowledge at all. Think your deck is safe? You might be surprised…
Project Spotlight: Trex Composite Deck with Oak Tree Inclusion for a Century Home in Keswick, Ontario
Project: Custom Trex composite deck for a century home. Location: Keswick, Ontario. Unique Features: Large Oak tree-inclusion, Western Red Cedar railings, integrated benches. The project presented a unique set of challenges, intrinsic to the property’s age and the natural landscape (mainly the presence of a giant tree). Crafting a modern amenity like a Trex composite deck for a century home in Keswick, Ontario, required thoughtful navigation around several critical issues.
7 Red Flags 🚩 of Bad Deck Builders & Contractors
Selecting a reputable deck builder is essential to ensure your project's success. Our latest article guides you through identifying key warning signs to avoid in potential contractors. Discover the importance of proper insurance, WSIB compliance, and the dangers of engaging with those lacking in these areas. Uncover why full payment demands upfront, overly low bids, and contractors without a clear online presence can signal significant risks. We also highlight the critical need for clear contracts and strong communication to prevent misunderstandings and ensure project satisfaction. Armed with these insights, you can sidestep common pitfalls and choose a deck builder who will meet your needs and exceed your expectations, ensuring a hassle-free and quality deck construction experience.
Not Your Grandpa’s Deck
Exploring the evolution of deck construction, "Not Your Grandpa’s Deck" highlights the transformative journey from simple wooden platforms to sophisticated, safe, and stylish outdoor living spaces that leverage cutting-edge materials, design, and technology to complement modern lifestyles and architectural aesthetics. This article delves into the advancements in materials, building techniques, and safety standards that redefine decks as dynamic extensions of the home, offering insight into the future of decking that promises even greater innovation and integration.
What is Trex RainEscape?
Trex® RainEscape® is a revolutionary under-deck drainage solution that prevents rain, spills, and snowmelt from seeping through your decking boards, resulting in a dry and usable space below. The system consists of troughs and gutters placed above the decking sub-structure and underneath the decking, effectively shielding both the sub-structure and framing from the elements and increasing the longevity of your deck. Not only does it create a waterproof deck, but it also transforms the area below into an indoor-like environment where you can safely install ceiling fans, speakers, electronics, and furniture.
Is Salt Safe for Ice on a Back Deck?
Some ice-melting products are not safe for use on decks and can discolour or damage the decking and metal fasteners. Tools like metal shovels should never be used on any deck as the probability of causing damage is very high. Continue reading to learn more about the best ice and snow removal methods for your deck! You’ll help extend the lifespan of your investment and can even benefit the environment!
Can a Deck Support a Hot Tub?
Adding a hot tub to your deck can be a great way to relax and unwind after a long day, and many decks can easily support the weight of a fully loaded hot tub! But before you start shopping for the perfect model, it's important to make sure that your deck can support the weight of a hot tub. Not all decks are equal, and not all decks will be able to support the added weight of a hot tub. The goal of this article is to help educate you about hot tubs being placed on decks and other methods of incorporating a hot tub with a deck.
How does the deck-building process work?
Our top priority at Align Decking is providing our clients with a seamless and hassle-free experience, from conceptualization all the way through to final completion. As a full-service deck design and construction company, Align Decking takes care of the entire project from start to finish, providing updates and communicating with the client during all project phases. This guide will go over how an Align Decking project flows from beginning to end.
Do I Need a Building Permit for my Deck?
The requirements for building permits vary quite substantially between different regions and municipalities. As such, the only sure-fire way to know if your deck project requires a building permit is to contact your local permitting office. Some municipalities have very lax regulations, with others being extremely strict. Keep in mind that even if your project does not require a building permit, most areas require you to maintain the required zoning provisions.
How To Pick A Deck Contractor
Before you start calling deck builders, it’s prudent to have a basic plan or vision laid out. This by no means needs to be a detailed plan, but having a basic list of ideas and design criteria already in mind will help you greatly in finding the right contractor for the job. Because deck design styles can vary between contractors, with each contractor having their own signature flair, it can be of benefit to review builders’ portfolios to see if their style matches what you have envisioned for your own deck.
Wood Deck Maintenance Guide
Aside from being the best place to spend time outdoors, your deck is an investment. Taking regular maintenance steps will keep your deck looking its best, and will drastically extend its overall lifespan. Failing to regularly maintain your deck will cause the look and finish of your deck to degrade over time. It will also cause premature failure of your deck. If rot isn’t mitigated and sets in, a dangerous or even life-threatening situation can be created.
Wood Deck Staining and Sealing Guide
Decks are often the centerpiece in a backyard landscape. A great place to enjoy time outdoors with friends and family, cook and enjoy meals, or just lay back with a cold drink. Our decks go through a lot, and to keep them looking their best, regular staining or sealing is necessary. Not only does staining protect your deck’s finish and extend its lifespan, but it allows you to explore colors and tones to help your deck really compliment your backyard. Staining a deck really brings out the natural beauty of the wood and can take the appearance to an entirely new level. For old decks, staining can provide a new lease on life.
Helical Piles vs. Concrete Foundations for Decks
One of the most overlooked, yet most important aspects of building a new deck is the footing or foundation. After all, a deck is only as good as the foundations it is built on. This becomes increasingly true when building a deck in areas with drastic temperature fluctuations and harsh winters, such as here in Southern Ontario. Improper foundation selection or installation can result in the need for costly repairs or can lead to the premature failure of the deck. A deck can be a significant investment in many homeowners’ lives. It’s important to understand the foundation options available to you in order to maximize the lifespan and potential of your investment!
What is the best decking material?
The first, and most important step in the deck planning process is determining which type of material to use. What is the best deck material? The answer may not be the same for everyone. With the help of this guide, we are confident you will find the perfect decking material for your next deck project.