Building a deck is an exciting project that can add both value and enjoyment to your home. However, before you swing a hammer or lay the first board, it’s important to understand the deck codes that regulate construction. These codes ensure that your deck is safe, durable, and compliant with local regulations. Ignoring them could lead to costly penalties—or, worse, a structure that’s unsafe for use.
Here are essential deck codes you need to know and why hiring professionals, like the experienced team at Miles Bradley, is crucial for a smooth and successful deck installation.
Decks are often elevated or attached to homes, so safety is critical. Deck codes are established to minimize risks such as structural failure, fire hazards, or accidents. These codes typically address elements like frame strength, railing requirements, load capacities, and proper material usage. Deck codes protect both property owners and users, ensuring the structure is built to stand the test of time.
Failing to comply with these codes can lead to:
By understanding the rules upfront, you save yourself from financial headaches and potential safety risks down the line.
Before you dive head first into deck construction, you need to be aware of the deck codes that are relevant to your deck building. Here are important deck codes you need to know:
Before you start your deck installation, obtain the necessary building permits from your local municipality. Permits ensure that your project complies with local zoning laws and safety regulations. Skipping this step could lead to fines and, in some cases, having your deck torn down.
Deck footings are the foundation of your structure. To ensure stability, deck codes specify the depth and size of footings based on factors such as soil type and climate.
Every deck must support a minimum amount of weight safely. The two categories of load capacity are Live Load (temporary weight) and Dead Load (permanent weight). Failure to account for load capacities can lead to structural failure, especially during social gatherings or extreme weather conditions.
The materials you select for your deck should meet specific code requirements. For example:
Using substandard materials not only violates building codes but also decreases the lifespan of your deck.
While DIYing your new deck may sound like fun, the deck codes above are just the surface. In addition to other standard codes surrounding railings and stairs, there are state and local decking codes that need to be followed as well. This is where Miles Bradley comes in!
Miles Bradley is a full-service design and build custom deck and sunroom firm serving all of Michigan and Illinois including the entire Chicago Land area. In addition to being professional deckers who know all local and state decking codes, they have built their nationwide reputation on being an expert in low-maintenance decking and building products. If you looking for a new deck installation, contact Miles Bradley and see what we can do for you!
Ready to see our latest deck installation?
Miles Bradley recently just did a new installation in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Our decking professional did a complete overhaul, creating a new outdoor space for the clients to enjoy! So, what went into this new deck installation?
Wooden decks were the standard for outdoor spaces for years. After all, it’s a classic material that has a natural smell and texture to it that is appealing. However, constant maintenance can be a hassle and it is vulnerable to infestations compared to other materials. Furthermore, it can warp and bend over time and change colors, requiring staining to return it to its original color. When our clients asked for low-maintenance decking, our professionals tore out the original, old wooden deck to prepare for the new materials!
The low-maintenance composite deck material is ideal for the perfect outdoor space. Wood-plastic composite decking (PVC decking) is created to endure the outdoor elements, allowing the deck to stand strong for years to come! Unlike wooden decks, you do not need to stain, paint, or seal composite decking! Furthermore, it is also resistant to warping, weathering, and insects. As a result, you will don’t have to worry about replacing uneven, rotting, and infested boards.
One of the most popular composite deck materials is Trex! Trex comes with a wide selection of colors to choose from! For this latest installation, our decking professionals used Trex’s enhanced coastal bluff for the deck and fascia! While the main project was done, it was not the end of the project. After all, there were certain additions needed to complete this deck!
Although the current project was low to the ground, it absolutely needed a railing. In addition to preventing a tripping hazard, it adds another function component to the deck area. In this case, Miles Bradley used Trex’s black signature aluminum rail and black post sleeves. These post sleeves provide a barrier between aspects of your desk from the elements (sun, rain, wind, ect.). This prevents any deterioration over time and lowers maintenance needs!
Our latest deck installation is just one of the many installations that Miles Bradley has done over two decades! Miles Bradley is a full-service designer and builds custom decks and sunroom firms serving all of Michigan and Illinois. This includes the entire Chicago Lands area! Our firm provides a variety of services and products for your deck projects! We have built a nationwide reputation as expert maintenance decking and building product. Contact our firm today for your next deck project! You can also submit a quote form!
After 2020, I think we can all agree that we are relieved things are returning to normal. The state of Michigan is opening up and the restrictions are being lifted. Finally, you can interact with your loved ones and enjoy yourself freely. Now is the perfect time to relax outside on your deck. Don’t have one? Don’t worry! At Miles Bradley, we do local deck installations so you can enjoy yourself outside.
Are you thinking about decorating your deck, but aren’t sure where to start? There are so many ideas to choose from, but which one is right? When it comes to transforming your deck into an outdoor living space, there is no right answer. Each deck has its own style and brings its own personality to the table. Below are a few ways to decorate your deck with the style just right for you.
As you can see, there are many options to choose from when it comes to decorating your deck. However, choose what will make you happy. If you are currently looking for a company to do your deck installation, please call Miles Bradley or feel free to fill out our quote form. We are a full-service custom decking firm that strives to see our customers satisfied.
Installing your deck in the fall is easy, with Miles Bradley!
When the leaves change and back-to-school ensure you may have a few home renovations still on your list from the summer. While you may think that fall isn’t an ideal time to add “Hire a company to build my deck” to the list, you couldn’t be further from the truth! Fall is a great time to have your deck inspected, repaired, or build from the ground up! With the holiday season ramping up, hiring a deck building company in the Metro Chicago and Detroit area will help save your sanity and time this fall.
We here at Miles Bradley have been building decks in the fall (and even the winter) for years!
Installing a deck in the fall is a good alternative to installing a deck in the summer for many reasons. So if you’ve had to put off your dream deck installation this summer, fret not!
-Frost Hasn’t Set in Yet
Since the ground hasn’t quite frozen yet, fall is a great time to install the outdoor deck or patio. Posts can still be put into the ground and a deck can still be built before the frost sets in and the ground becomes hard.
-We’re Less Busy!
Summer is our peak season, and we are stretched thin as a business. In the fall the deck-building season slows down
-You’ll be able to Enjoy the Fall, Outdoors
Getting out and enjoying the great outdoors from the comfort of your backyard is a gift all its own. Enjoying the brisk fall nights with
Why not give your loved one the gift they’ve always wanted? Putting your down payment on a new Trex deck can ensure that your following spring and summer is going to be spent outside with friends and family!
So why wait to get the deck of your dreams? Contact us today!