Year: 2021

Have you thought about building a deck on your property?

If you want to expand the usable space in your home, a deck is a must-have. The area can bring family and friends together and it can also be a place for you to hang out and relax.

However, not all homeowners can say that they know how to build a deck. Before you DIY, let’s look at the basics of building a deck, as well as some common mistakes that you should avoid.

How to Build a Deck: What You Need to Know

It can be tempting to take on a deck-building project by yourself. However, a DIY approach might not follow the best construction practices. You could end up with a deck that isn’t up to code. 

The results of mistakes made when building a deck range from minor inconveniences to life-threatening situations. More than being an eyesore, a badly built deck can be dangerous to use. Consider engaging the services of a professional deck builder or at least consulting them for expert advice. 

5 Avoidable Mistakes When You’re Building a Deck

Most deck-building project mistakes stem from oversight. Here are five things to watch out for when figuring out how to build a deck to extend your home space.

1. Failure to Check Local Codes or Get the Required Permits

Before you draw up your deck plan, consult local codes, and ask if you need a permit. 

Regulations are often based on the International Residential Code (IRC), though each locale will have its amendments. You will often find this information on official county or city websites.

2. Incorrect Materials, Fasteners, and Hardware

For low maintenance, PVC materials or composite woods are best. However, they won’t feel like exotic hardwoods common in high-end homes. The floorboard treatment must also match where the deck will be built for maximum durability.

DIY homeowners may attempt to use screws and nails leftover from other renovations, but this would be a mistake. Use only fasteners, joist hangers, brackets, and other hardware specifically approved for deck-building projects. 

3. Wrong Placement of Beams, Joists, and Support Post Footers

Footers should be in soil that’s undisturbed. The minimum extension below the surface level is a foot. With disturbed soil, you may need to double the depth. 

Horizontal beams should rest on top of support posts before being attached with bolts, nuts, and washers. Do not attach them to the side of your supports.

Joist spacing underneath deck boards depends on the material. For example, composite boards are not as solid as hardwood, so the spacing underneath them should be tighter.

4. Failure to Seal the Deck With Waterproof Coating 

Apply waterproof coating as soon as your deck-building project is done.

A deck that’s swept clean is in the best condition to be sealed. Sealing won’t work as well when the wood is covered in dust and dirt. Coatings applied without preparing the deck may cause discoloration and provide way less protection. 

5. Not Installing Handrails to Cut Costs

If you have more than four steps on the stairs of your deck, it must have at least one side with a continuous handrail.

Many local building codes don’t require handrails for decks with an elevation under 30 inches. However, that’s still a drop of over two feet. No handrails can save you money but it won’t give you peace of mind – particularly if your household includes small children or older people.

Let Nortex Fence & Patio Help With Your Deck-Building Project

A deck you can count on needs to withstand constant foot traffic and changing weather conditions. 

When you entrust building your deck to Nortex Fence & Patio, expect high-quality workmanship and professional services with a personal touch. We also recommend deck plans based on your property, needs, and lifestyle. 

Looking for a Dallas-based team of builders for your deck-building project? Contact Nortex Fence & Patio for a free estimate today.

There is a wide variety of automatic driveway gates for home and business owners to choose from. You’ll be able to choose the design, materials, and style of your gate, as well as what kind of power source and motor it depends on. This gives you the flexibility to find the perfect gate for your needs.

Swing Gates

Single swing gates use a single gate piece and open in the same way that a standard bedroom door would. Typically, swing gates open inward to avoid stretching out beyond the property they protect. Swing gates are generally the least expensive type of automatic driveway gate due to the simple opening mechanism compared to other gate styles. These gates cost between $500 and $3,000.

Bi-Fold Swing Gates

Bi-fold swing gates use two pieces for the main gate and open simultaneously, similar to French doors. The prices for bi-fold swing gates are slightly higher compared to standard swing gates, averaging between $1,000 and $4,000.

Sliding Gates

Sliding gates are some of the popular options because they can look more substantial and potentially offer greater privacy depending on what materials they are made of. These may cost between $500 and $3,000.

Vertical Pivot/Lift Gates

These gates are more common on commercial properties and warehouses, or residences where space is especially limited. Basic metal lift gates can be relatively affordable ranging between $500 and $4,000. Custom luxury-designed wooden or aluminum lift gates can cost as much as $12,000 or more.

Curving Sliding Gate

A curving sliding gate can be an excellent option if you prefer the design and aesthetic of a sliding gate but are restricted on spacing. With curving sliding gates, the gate will round a corner and change directions when opened. In some designs, the gate itself may also be curved at an angle and simply slide along an angled track when opened.

Wrought Iron Gates

Wrought iron gates provide a classic look, and durability, and can be very cost-effective. However, they generally don’t provide the same level of privacy as wooden gates. Prices for wrought iron gates typically range between $600 and $4,000.

Wooden Electric Gates

Wooden gates can give you a sophisticated or luxurious look to any property, with the added benefit of the increased privacy that comes with a gate that can’t be looked through. Wooden gates can be some of the most expensive options ranging between $300 and $4000. Certain premium options like cedarwood can provide enhanced durability but come with a higher initial investment.

Vinyl Electric Gates

Vinyl gates provide a less expensive alternative ranging in price between $200 and $1,000. However, vinyl gates can be more prone to damage and offer less durability.

Aluminum Electric Gates

Aluminum gates can provide a sleek and modern look, as well as a lightweight design, but they tend to carry a higher price tag and can be more prone to denting, ranging between $2,000 and $4,000.

Steel Electric Gates

While heavier than aluminum gates, steel gates can be more affordable and more durable to damage. Steel gates typically range between $600 and $4000.

Other Automatic Driveway Gate Costs to Keep in Mind

The average installation cost of an automatic driveway gate is between $820 and $3328. You will need to include this figure in any gate option you consider.

The total cost of your gate investment will ultimately depend on the materials, size, and features you chose for your gate, as well as local labor costs. Luxury or custom gate designs and additional security options such as cameras, detection sensors, and intercoms can add hundreds or thousands to your total costs. Fully equipped automatic driveway gates can cost more than $12,000.

Looking for a simple swinging metal gate or a more luxurious custom cedarwood slide gate? Let a trusted professional help you find the ideal gate that will cater to your needs.

How can you make sure your wooden fence looks good and has a long life? It’s simple – stain it! Staining a wood fence is relatively easy and inexpensive, and should be done periodically.

What Materials Do You Need?

Before you get started staining your fence you need to assemble all the materials you might need throughout the job. These include:

• Natural bristle paint brush 
• Stiff bristle cleaning brush 
• Garden hose with a high-pressure nozzle
• Five-gallon bucket
• Bleach
• Rubber gloves

Of course, the most important component of the staining process is the stain itself. For best results, Invest in a semi transparent oil-based stain designed for exterior use, from Olympic, Varathane, or another well-known brand. Use this online Fence Paint and Stain Calculator to determine how much stain you need to buy.

Step-by-Step Instructions for How to Stain a Wood Fence

With all your stain purchased and all materials assembled, it’s time to get started. Follow these steps for a successful stain job.

1. Examine and Prepare the Wood

The first thing to do when staining your fence is to examine and prepare the wood. Look for broken pieces, nails, screws, and the like that you can easily remove or fix. The goal is to create a smooth surface to take the new stain. You may also need to sand the wood if it’s too rough or strip old stains or paint from the fence. If the fence is chipped or cracked, use wood filler to smooth over the imperfections.

2. Clean the Surface

Next, make sure the surface is ready to receive the stain by giving it a thorough cleaning. You typically do this by rinsing or power washing it. You can also apply a wood cleaner to remove all dirt and debris. 

3. Treat Mold or Mildew

If your fence is older, it may have mold or mildew deposits. You can remove these with a solution of bleach diluted with water. Mix the solution in a bucket and use a garden sprayer to apply it to the affected areas. Make sure you wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from the bleach. 

4. Apply the Stain

Now you come to the main event, applying stain to the fence. You can apply wood stain with a brush, roller, or sprayer. If you’re staining with a deep color, you may need to apply more than one coat.

When you’re using a brush, make sure you’re using one with natural bristles then dip just the tip into the stain. Apply the stain from top to bottom on vertical slats and from left to right on horizontal slats. 

If you’re using a roller, pick a roller cover with a medium nap. Make sure you fully saturate the roller, then apply the stain in two- to three-foot sections at a time. The same technique should be followed if you’re using a sprayer. 

5. Allow the Stain to Dry

When you’re done staining, give the fence an appropriate amount of time to fully dry. That’s probably between 24 and 48 hours, depending on the humidity. 

Let Nortex Fence & Patio Do the Staining for You

Staining your wood fence is a necessary task but not necessarily one you want to do yourself. If you’d rather hire out the work – and make sure it gets done right – give the experts at Nortex Fence & Patio a call. We’ve been doing professional fence and deck staining in the Dallas and North Texas area for more than two decades. We’ll properly prepare your fence beforehand and use our commercial spraying equipment to make your fence look better than new. 

Contact Nortex Fence & Patio today to find out more about our professional fence staining services.