The wood deck has been a real craze for several years. It has gradually become the reference for landscaping around the house. Indeed, what better than wood to ensure a smooth transition between the house and the garden?
The wooden deck has many advantages :
- easy adaptation to different land configurations,
- a natural and relaxed look that adapts to all styles
- good value for money (the price of a wooden deck)
- Wood is a pleasant material to live with,
- wood is easy to work with,
- low maintenance,
- durability over time.
A simple construction
Depending on the case, the administrative formalities can be reduced or simply non-existent.
Moreover, a wooden deck is easy to build. It is a project within the reach of a beginner. However, the most important thing is to follow the rules of the trade because there are many mistakes made, whether the deck is installed by a beginner or an experienced handyman.
Because there are things that cannot be invented. A good source of information, complete and up-to-date documentation, is therefore a must.
Do the deck yourself
In an estimate for a professionally installed wood deck, the total price is the surface area of the deck multiplied by a flat rate per square meter. This price per m² depends on the complexity of the supporting structure. It includes the price of materials (structural wood, deck boards, fasteners, supplies, finishes, etc.) and the price of labor. The installer includes overhead, social charges and an additional margin. It's normal, he has to earn a living like everyone else. As a result, the price per m² may seem exaggerated at first. There is no exaggeration, but only the addition of very real costs.
By doing it yourself, the savings are very important. You can cut the bill in half and even save 60% or more.
Adopt the right structure
A wooden deck is composed of wooden slats, the decking, attached to a structure.
There are different types of structures depending on the nature of the land and the height:
- laying on concrete slab
- laying on PVC blocks
- laying on concrete blocks
- laying at ground level
- laying on beams
The choice of a type of structure depends on the nature of the ground supporting the wood deck and the height of the wood deck in relation to the natural ground.
It is essential to properly size the structure, otherwise the solidity and safety of the work will be compromised. On the other hand, an oversized structure represents an unnecessary extra cost of several hundred euros and will require much more effort during assembly.
Beware of the "ready-made" solutions offered by some merchants. They are not necessarily the best solution for you. For example, the dimensions and spacing of the joists depend on the section and mechanical characteristics of the deck boards. The dimensions of the beams and joists depend on the loads and spans to be crossed.
Wood decking and sustainable development
Of course, wood is a natural, non-toxic (if not treated), renewable material. At first glance, there is no greener building material.
But BE CAREFUL, choose a wood labeled FSC, if it is an exotic wood.
But the ideal is to use a local wood. Choosing a local wood, it is to support the local economic fabric. It means more jobs. Choosing a local wood is an incentive to exploit the forests, to maintain them, and therefore to promote their growth. For example, Robinia and Chestnut have an excellent resistance to xylophagous agents. Oak, Douglas fir and Larch can also be used with a few precautions.
