FAQ's
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
MATERIALS
Q: What type of material will be used for my deck?
A: All framing lumber is grade #2 ACQ (Alkaline Copper Quat) which replaced the old CCA (Chromated Copper Arsenate ) treatment of lumber. This treatment was replaced because of safety and health concerns. We only use the ACQ approved treated lumber. If you choose to have a treated wood deck you can pick #1 or #2 grade lumber for your decking and railing systems. The #1 grade is a little more expensive.
Q: What dimensions of lumber do you use for framing decks?
A: Standard decks: Support post: 6x6/ Girder 2-2x10/Ledger: 2x8 /Joist 2x8 16”o.c.(On center). Most decking boards should not be spanned more than 16” o.c. However, if you choose a diagonal or herringbone decking design we will need to frame the deck 12”o.c. to avoid over spanning the structure. For heavier loads and designs 2x10 or 2x12 framing can also be used.
Q: What dimensions of lumber do you use for decking?
A: For treated lumber there are 5/4x6 bull nose ( 1 1/8”thick) or 2x6 ( 1 ½“ thick ),This can be #1grade or #2 grade.
For vinyl decking 6/4x6 ( 11/2” thick )
Composite decking most of it is 5/4x6(1” thick )
For exotic hardwoods Ipe decking is ( ¾ “thick )
For more information go to www.justwoodworking.com (click on chart, click on lumber dimensions )
Q: How do you fasten or secure my decking boards?
A: For treated 5/4x6 we use 2 3/8”galv. ACQ approved ring shank nails. Can be upgraded to screws.
For treated 2x6 we use 3” galv.ACQ approved ring shank nails. Can be upgraded to screws.
For vinyl we use only ACQ approved screws.
For composite we use trap ease composite deck screws ,for more info see info@fastenmaster.com
For IPE we use stainless steal trim head and predrill for each screw. Or hidden fasteners. www.headcote.com
Q: What is the material that is used for my railing?
A: Pressure treated wood www.deckorators.com
Composite, go to www.composatron.com
Vinyl, go to www.fairwayvinyl.com
Exotic woods like IPE, go to www.diamonddecking.com
Q: How high is my railing?
A: Most residential railing is 36” tall, however this is a minimum and can be changed to 42” tall for decks that are high off the ground.
Q: Do you use flashing when attaching my deck to my house?
A: Yes we do. All decks that are attached to a house needed to be properly flashed. We use either galvanized flashing, vinyl flashing, 3oz copper flashing or rubber.
Q: What kind of hardware is being used on my deck?
A: All the hardware that goes on your deck will be triple galvanized like joist hangers, bolts, washers, nuts and all nails. This is to protect it from the new treated wood with ACQ.
Q: What do I need to do to maintain my treated wood deck?
A: The preservatives in treated wood protect against insects and rot, but not against weather. Therefore, treated wood needs to be sealed to protect it from the weather. www.cabotwoodcare.com
Q: How soon after my deck is built should I seal it?
A: In spring and summer we recommend waiting three to six weeks after your deck is completed to seal it. The UV rays from the sun work on a deck immediately to break down the wood fibers.
Q: Is composite and vinyl decking really maintenance free?
A: Low maintenance is the best it will get. All decks have some maintenance, regular cleaning to prevent mold and mildew or to wash away pollen but low maintenance is more accurate.
Q: Is IPE, low maintenance too?
A: Yes, you can let it weather to a silver gray. A regular cleaning is needed, you can also apply a coat of oil to it depending on the look you want.
Building my deck
Q: How long will it take you to build my deck?
A: It depends on the size deck and the material being used. For every 200 sq. about one day to a day and a half.
Q: Do you give free estimates?
A: Yes, we do.
Q: Do I get a proposal with all the information and final cost?
A: Yes, you do.
Q: Do I need a permit for a deck and if so who takes care of this?
A: Most of the time you will need a building permit and we will obtain all permits required by your county.
Q: Do I need to call the county for inspections?
A: No, this is the responsibility of Dominion Decks. We will post the permit at your house so it is visible from the street and call in all inspections as needed.
Q: If I have a Home Owners Association; do they need to know I’m building a deck?
A: Yes, please contact your H.O.A. and tell them what your plans are. Two dimensional deck plans in most cases are enough for the H.O.A.
Q: Is Dominion Decks licensed and insured?
A: Yes, we have been licensed and insured for over twenty years License# 2705013409 BLD ELE PLB #2710024911
Members of the Better Business Bureau . Please call and check us out.
Q: How do you accept payment?
A: Payments are broken down into four parts (25% of total cost).
1st at signing of proposal.
2nd the day the work begins on the deck.
3rd after framing and decking are down.
4th to be considered final payment on completion of all work and homeowners approval.
Q: Does Dominion Decks give a warranty?
A: We guarantee all workmanship for two years from date of completion.
All material is guaranteed as specified by manufacturer and or supplier.