Your new deck looks fantastic and has added value to your home. You love spending time on it in the warm weather with friends and family. However, if you want to enjoy your deck for many years to come you need to build it according to code. Even if you are building a small 20’x20′ deck, it is important to code requirements.
There are many considerations when planning on building a deck. If you have the right tools and help, you should be able to ignore code issues. I recommend taking a look at deck plans and other related information.
How to build a deck to code
There are two major codes that govern the construction of decks in North America: the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC). The IBC is a model code developed by the International Code Council (ICC), while the IRC is a model code developed by the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO). Both codes are updated every three years.
The IBC has been adopted as law in 49 states, including California. The exception is Georgia, which uses its own building code. The IRC has been adopted as law in all but two states: Louisiana and Tennessee.
The main difference between the two codes is that the IRC contains more specific provisions for residential construction, while the IBC contains more general rules that apply to all types of buildings. This article focuses on how to build deck stairs to code using the IBC and IRC.
If you are building a deck, you will need to know how to build a deck to code. This is important, because decks can be dangerous if they are not built properly.
The following information will help you understand what is required for building a deck to code, and how to do so.
how long should a deck last?
You probably want your deck to last as long as possible. The average life expectancy of a wood deck is 10 years, but this can vary depending on the type of wood used in construction and how well it has been maintained, among other factors. A pressure-treated wood deck may last longer than non-treated wood decks because it has been treated with chemicals that prevent rot and decay from occurring.
how much does a pressure treated wood cost?
The price of pressure treated wood varies significantly depending on where you live and what type of wood you need (the most common types are cedar and pine). If you only need a few boards for an ikea project or something similar then you can get them for very little money but if you’re building a whole house from scratch then expect to pay upwards of $1 per square foot of board (this doesn’t include labour costs).
If you’re planning to build a deck, you’ll need to follow the building codes and ordinances in your area. Building codes are designed to ensure the safety of people who use decks. Local building departments generally enforce these codes.
Building code requirements vary from one jurisdiction to another, but there are some commonalities. For example, most codes require that decks be structurally sound and able to support their own weight and any objects that might be placed on them, such as furniture or barbecues. They also require that stairs have railings.
In addition, if your deck is more than 30 inches above grade (the level where the ground meets the bottom step), it’s important that you use pressure-treated wood for all structural members (such as posts) and 2x6s for joists. Pressure-treated lumber won’t rot as quickly as untreated wood does when it’s exposed to water for long periods of time.
Most jurisdictions also require that any openings in guardrails be at least 3 inches high so children can’t squeeze through them. If your deck is more than 30 inches above grade, most codes require guardrails on both sides of stairs instead of just one side; this is because it’s easier for someone to fall off the
You can build a deck without getting a permit. But if you want to build a deck without building codes, you’re going to have to follow some rules. That’s because decks have been responsible for hundreds of deaths each year since 1980.
Building codes are there to protect you and your family from injury or death. If you don’t follow them, you could end up in court with someone else who got hurt because of your negligence.
Here’s how to build a deck that won’t kill anyone:
Use pressure-treated lumber. The American Wood Protection Association (AWPA) recommends using lumber treated with CCA (chromated copper arsenate), ACQ (alkaline copper quat), or AR (alkaline resin) preservatives. These treatments will protect against termites and fungi and will last at least 20 years. If you don’t use preservative-treated lumber, then the wood should be pressure-treated by soaking it in an epoxy or urethane solution for at least six hours before installation — unless it has been heat-treated or kiln-dried first, in which case it doesn’t need further treatment with chemicals.
The first step in building a deck is to make sure you have the appropriate building permits. The city or county may require that you have a permit for construction. In some cases, a homeowner may be able to build a deck without a permit if the deck will be less than 30 square feet and not attached to the house. If you live in an area where there are no zoning laws, such as rural areas, you may not need any permits at all.
Deck codes vary greatly from city to city, so it is important to check with your local building department before starting any construction plans. The best way to find out what code requirements are in your area is by contacting them directly for information on how tall can you build your deck and what materials can be used on it?
Once you know what code requirements apply to your project, it’s time to start planning how big and what shape your deck should be. A good rule of thumb is that decks should be no more than 20 percent of the house’s total square footage when measured from the outside of its walls. For example, if your house measures 1,000 square feet then 200 square feet would be an acceptable size for your deck (20 percent). Once you’ve decided on
The short answer is no. You do not need approval to build a deck on your property. However, you should be aware of local building codes and have an idea of what they require before you begin construction.
Building codes are intended to ensure that homes and buildings are built safely and according to accepted standards. They can vary slightly from one jurisdiction to another but fall into two categories: national and local.
National building codes apply throughout the entire country, while local building codes apply only within certain jurisdictions, such as cities and counties. Some national building codes include the International Residential Code (IRC), the National Electrical Code (NEC) and the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC). Local building codes usually include zoning laws and ordinances that govern how structures may be built on your property.
Before beginning any construction project, including adding a deck, check with your local building department or city hall for information about any restrictions or requirements that might apply in your area.
If you’re planning to build a deck yourself, it’s important to know how to follow proper safety procedures so that you don’t injure yourself or others who may use the deck at some point in time. For example, if you’re installing stairs for access to a deck, make sure that
You do not need a permit to build a deck. However, if you are planning on having a deck that is over 50 square feet or over 30 inches above the ground, it’s important to follow the local building codes.
The International Building Code (IBC) is used in most areas of the United States. The IBC requires that all decks be able to support 150 pounds per square foot for residential decks and 300 pounds for commercial decks. It also mandates that all stairways have at least three treads and risers that are at least 11 inches high.
In addition, your local municipality may require further criteria be met before they will approve your deck plans. For example, many municipalities require that any wood-framed structure be built in such a way so as not to cause damage or harm to other structures around it or the area itself.
It’s important to note that if you plan on installing any electrical outlets or lighting on your new deck, you will need approval from an electrician first before proceeding with your construction project.
If you are building a deck on your own property, you will not need any permits. However, if you plan to build a deck that is attached to your house or garage (or any other structure) there may be zoning requirements that dictate the distance from the house and height of the deck. You will also need to check with your local municipality for any other zoning regulations.
In addition to zoning requirements, you should be aware of any homeowner association rules or covenants that may apply to your situation. For example, if there is a rule in your community that requires all decks have railings, then you cannot install an uncovered deck without running afoul of those regulations.
If you are planning on having a professional contractor do the work for you, then it is up to them whether or not they want to apply for permits or wait until after construction has begun.
If you’re building a deck, you’ll need to follow the local building code. In most cases, that means getting a permit.
There are a few exceptions where you might not need one, such as if your deck is very small or attached to an existing house (see below).
You’ll also need to know how high you can build your deck and how far from the edge of your property it must be.
In many places, these rules depend on how tall the deck is. For example, in New Jersey, decks over 40 square feet must be built at least 6 feet from the property line and no more than 30 inches above ground level.
Building a deck is a great DIY project. It’s also a good way to add space and value to your home. But there are some things you need to know before you start building your deck.
If you’re planning to build a deck, here are some tips:
1) Don’t build on unstable ground. It’s dangerous and unsafe — as well as illegal — to build on unstable ground. So if you have a slope or undulating terrain, it’s best not to build there until the ground has been stabilized by professionals.
2) Check local building codes. If you’re not sure if your property is zoned for decks, call your local city hall or municipal office and ask them what the rules are in your area. They’ll tell you if they require permits for decks or not and if there are limits on how high off the ground they can go or how many feet from the house they can be built.
3) Get a permit if required by law (and it usually is). Many municipalities require homeowners to obtain permits before building decks larger than certain square footage sizes or with certain materials such as wood that could rot over time and cause safety issues for homeowners who might fall through them into their backyards below them!