Deck Information Kit

Even if you're just thinking about building a deck yourself or having a contractor perform the work for you please read on...

If you are intending on building your own deck project, armed with solid working deck construction plans and details, the correct information and step by step guidance:  you should walk away with the sense of self accomplishment, experience the pride of your workmanship and be able to jump into the pile of money you've saved and roll around.  Plus you can tease your brother-in-law.

If you are considering hiring a builder or deck company to perform the actual work you must still gain some basic knowledge about the journey you are about to embark upon.  Hiring a deck contractor sometimes is the smartest thing to do.  If your deck project is high in the air or over a steep hillside; think twice, because it's probably time to call a professional.  By the way, you can still tease your brother-in-law.  NOTE: Insert any word you choose from the family collection in front of -in-law.  CAUTION: Burying your son-in-law under any structure in your back yard is still illegal in most states.

But seriously, learn fast and learn now.  You may have already noticed that deck companies traditionally do not teach you how to build decks.  Sure, they'll give you some stain and sealing tips, and where to put the grill, but that's incidental to the big picture.  They don't give away this knowledge because this is how they make money.  As a matter of fact, on average, only 25% - 35% of the deck project dollar actually goes towards the material needed to build a deck.  A reputable contractor also has other overhead, including, but not limited to: labor, insurance, advertising, sales commissions, etc.  But you don't incur these expenses when you build a deck yourself.  You can save this money, about 70% of a typical deck project, with a little sweat equity.

QUESTION: Why does Decks USA distribute this valuable information?

ANSWER  It's simple.  We want to earn your trust.  We feel that if you have confidence in us we can then earn your future business pertaining to products and services such as plans, specialty hardware, like the Deck Bracket, stains, sealers, cleaners, etc.  Plus you'll tell your circle of influence about us.  Decks USA is in the business of delivering knowledge; through deck construction packages, deck accessory plans, custom deck design services, complete consumer packages ......  

THE KNOWLEDGE

These things are important, regardless of your do-it-yourself or contractor status.  Once you learn the answers to these questions you will get any contractor's or material suppliers attention.  It may even help you rule out certain builders because of their lack of knowledge.  You're making an investment in your #1 asset, your home.  Don't make a bad decision.  Do your homework!

1. What is the retention value of the lumber you use in your deck projects?
2. What is your pound per square foot calculations?  Regular deck and spa deck?
3. What's live load and dead load?
4. What do your foundations consist of?  How are they constructed?
5. How do you make the house connection?
6. How much of a gap do you leave between deck boards?
7. Post and beam construction or corn cob method?  What's the difference?  What's better?
8. Do you use sub-contractors or employees?  Why is this important?
9. What is the code for spindle spacing?
10. What is the code for when I need railings on my deck and stairs?  One side of stairs or both?
11. What is the code for stair riser height and tread depth?
12. Should I use gravel and/or plastic under my deck?
13. How close to the door sill can I build my deck?
14. When is it a good idea to change deck flooring pattern direction?
15. Should I run the deck boards on an angle or keep them horizontal?  Why?

The above list shows some of the questions and answers included in the Decks USA Deck Information Kit.

You will also receive:

	What to look for in a deck project contract
	What to look for in a builder warranty
	The Builder Checklist.  (great for contractor selection)
	The #1 most important step in the actual building of any deck project
	Zoning and Building permits report
	Lumber sheet for price comparison, fax lumber yards
	Care and Feeding of your new deck.  What to do after your deck is completed
	Layout and design 1/4 inch grid sheets to rough out deck ideas for bids or design service
	design cut-outs for furniture, stairs and common octagon and deck sizes (push them around the above sheets then trace them when you decide on a design)
	Negotiating a deck deal with a builder.  Could save hundreds of dollars
	Stair guide chart.  Easily look up the amount of stair treads you'll need
	What to expect report
	$5.00 off Rebate for any complete deck construction package.
	$20.00 off Rebate for any custom deck design project

NOTE: the contents of the Deck Information Kit is subject to change without notice.  (the lawyers made us say that).  Actually, we keep adding to it.  The kit, not our legal staff.

This Deck Information Kit is included for FREE with any purchase of a Deck designs CD-ROM

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or Deck designs Photo CD-ROM.

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The Complete Consumer Package includes this Deck Information Kit, the Deck Designs CD-ROM, the Stair Guide Kit, and 10 Deck Accessory Construction Details.  Save over $34.00 by combining these items into one convenient package. Click here for details.

Ordering Instructions: 

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NOTE: all orders shipped within 24 hours
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Order the Deck Information Kit online, safely and securely, at The Decks USA Store