🚀 go-pugleaf

> 
> 	Now that winter is almost here, it's times to start
> thinking about summer again! And what I want for next summer
> is a deck. But I need a good set of plans. So if anybody knows
> of any good sources for plans or any hot tips about decks and
> their construction, please let me know.
> 

I have built several decks and here is the my advice:

	Look at has many friend's and neighbors decks as possible. Learn
	from their mistakes.

	Several books are available. The Sunset book on decks comes to
	mind. It costs about 6 bucks. Othro has some "do it yourself" books.
	So does Time, Reader Digest, and Better Homes and Gardens.

	The Companys the sell treated wood also give out handouts on
	deck constuction. (Wolmanized comes to mind ) Even if you don't use
	treated wood, the handout are helpful.  ( Any deck that I build
	will have treated wood for the underside and frame, and either ceder
	or redwood for the top)

	Many lumberyards and homecenters have clinics on deck construction.
	Home Improvement shows sometimes have these clinics. These are usally
	free. The hope is that you will run right out and buy deck stuff from
	them.
 
The biggest mistake that I seen people make is that they build to much deck.
A deck with treated wood undersides and a tight knot ceder top should
cost about $2.50 to $3.00 per sq foot, labor (and beer) excluded (here in
Washington, prices may vary elsewhere). I have seen people with 1400 sq foot
houses decide they wanted 1800 sq foot decks. Drawing a deck on paper can
be deceiving. I find its better to outline the deck area with rope, or spray
paint, or lay out tarps, newspapers, or something to define the area. This makes
it easier to decide just what size deck you want. Also if you have friends that
also want decks, a group purchase of materials can be cheaper because of volume.
This is know as group decks (sorry). I hope this is some help.

							Good Luck

							Dave Van Ess
							John Fluke Mfg Co
							Everett WA