project of the month decks - timber mart · project of the month: decks plan your deck for the long...

Project Of The Month

DECKSWe Are Deck Experts

Start your deck project at TIMBER MART. We’ll answer your questions, explain your options, offer expert advice and help you

choose the right materials for you and your budget.

Whatever your decking needs, TIMBER MART has the solutions.

Create an outdoor living spaceA deck is the ideal way to expand your living space and enhance your

entire property. For a fraction of the cost of building an indoor room,

decks provide entertainment space and three-season living. Not only

can the addition of a new deck increase the enjoyment that you get from

your home, it can also increase the resale value. Only your imagination

and your comfort level with doing it yourself limit your deck design.

P R O J E C T O F T H E M O N T H : D E C K S

We can help!Pick up a TIMBER MART worksheet and sketch out your project with as much detail as possible including measurements. Our Project Experts will turn your vision into an accurate design plan including a complete list of materials and cost estimates.

But where to start?When you’re ready to start your backyard project come to TIMBER MART and get

started at the right place. At TIMBER MART we know that everyone has different tastes

and budgets – that’s why we carry a wide assortment of materials. And our friendly

experts are ready to help you – from start to finish. Come in and talk to one of our

Project Experts. Once you have decided on the material, design and size of your project

we’ll provide a total materials cost estimate.

Bring in a sketch We’ll need your help to design your next project. Whether

it’s a deck, fence, garage or gazebo, bring in a sketch with as much information as

possible including rough layout and measurements. You can even pick up a copy of one

of our worksheets to help you plan your fence or deck. Once we’ve got that, we can

turn your vision into an accurate design plan including a complete materials list.

Build it to code Check with your local bylaw officer to ensure that your design

meets the building code, or if you require a permit.

Build with

Trex decking is a composite of plastic film and wood fibers giving

it the beauty of wood but without the maintenance. It requires no

sanding, staining or painting, resists insects and moisture and won’t

split, rot or warp. Trex is excellent at withstanding the elements

and holds up to the test of time, lasting between 25 and 30 years.

Trex offers three collections: Select, Enhance and Transcend. While

all three collections will transform your backyard into the ultimate

space, Trex Transcend is the top of the line. It’s engineered with an

exclusive low-sheen, high-traffic formulation and available in nine

rich colours. Trex Select offers quality decking materials at a more

affordable price and available in five nature-inspired Earth Tones

to complement your outdoor decor. Trex Enhance combines the

durability of composite decking with the affordability of wood and is

available in two different options: Basics and Naturals with a total of

9 colours to chose from. It narrows the gap between composites

and wood in terms of cost and ease of use.

All Trex decking collections come with a hidden installation option

that installs between deck boards with no visible screw heads on

the walking surface. This option also creates equal spacing between

boards for a flawless look across the entire deck. Each of the three

collections blend well with all Trex Railing lines, allowing you to mix-

and-match and create a completely custom look.

Trex | Transcend Deck Review

0:15

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VIDEO A homeowner

reviews her Trex

deck four years

after replacing her

wood deck.


Still a popular decking choicePressure treated wood, usually pine, is engineered to resist wood rot

and insects. The biggest advantage of treated lumber used as a decking

material is cost. It is budget friendly. It is also easy to build with and stands

up beautifully to normal wear and tear. A regularly cleaned and sealed deck

can last around 20 years. Brown treated lumber is the most popular colour

on the market. It’s dark at first then fades to a more natural wood colour.

No need to stain when first installed but can be eventually stained if you

want to keep that dark colour.

We carry a wide variety of pressure treated

lumber as well as stains and sealers to keep your

deck looking great.

Pressure treated decking


Build a safe, strong deck


Plan your deck for the long term. Not only should your top decking material be considered for longevity but so should

the integrity of the structure. The success of a sound deck rests on the structure below the decking. TIMBER MART

Deck Specialists can help with expert, informed advice on the build portion of your project. From building codes and frost

footings specifications to installing a ledger board, we’ll advise you of your local requirements.

Pressure treated wood is a good economical choice for the structure of your deck, the part you won’t see. Use premium

grade, kiln-dried lumber for portions of your deck that will be within 6 inches from ground contact. This lumber has been

treated to a higher level of wood preservative to resist rot. Treated lumber is available in various widths and lengths.

Choosing the correct size and number of joists and beams is critical to the structure of a deck and that depends on the

size of your deck and local building codes. As a general rule, the larger the deck, the larger the joists. It’s important to find

out just how many joists you’ll need to safely support your

decking and our Deck Specialists can make those calculations

for you. Give us a detailed sketch of your project and we

provide you with an accurate design plan.

There is a right way to build your deck and it starts from

the ground up. We have years of experience and great

tips to make your deck building easier. We will guide you

to the right materials for a strong structure that will

withstand the elements for years to come.

A word on structural wood connectorsUsing correct structural wood connectors is

important. This technology has changed over

the last decade, due to the changes in the deck

market itself. For any deck project, you will need

an assortment of joist hangers, lag bolts, different

sized screws, all depending on the design of

your deck. If installed properly, connectors will

keep your deck structurally strong as it ages.

Choosing the proper connectors goes a long way

toward extending the longevity of both the deck’s

appearance and structural soundness. Our Deck

Specialists know which hardware is correct for

your deck project and how much of it you will need.

VIDEO This video shares info about five

warning signs of an unsafe deck and how to

build and maintain a safe, strong deck.

Simpson Strong-Tie | Build A Safe Strong Deck

4:34

STEPBY

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Wondering what kind of screw and how many for your deck project?Choosing the correct screw for the different

elements of your deck project can be confusing.

RELIABLE FASTENERS have provided this simple

chart to help guide you to the right size and right

type of screw for each step of your build.

Once you decide which screws and fasteners,

next figure out how many you need for your

size deck. If you are building a standard size

deck, see the RELIABLE FASTENERS chart for

quantities. If your deck is a more custom size,

use the math formula provided. Not good with

math? A TIMBER MART Deck Specialist can

calculate the number of screws you’ll need for

the size of deck you are building.

From treated wood to cedar to composite

decking, TIMBER MART can provide the right

deck screws and fasteners to get the job done.

We can also answer your questions and provide

helpful tips and advice.


The railing you choose can make or break the entire designA railing is an important structural and safety feature that you expect to last as long as your

deck. The trick to finding the perfect railing is to decide the look you want while remaining

within your budget and adhering to local building codes. Railings offer protection and stability,

but no one says they have to be boring. We’ve got the right railing for you and your budget.

Options include wood, glass, vinyl, aluminum and a combination of any of these. Balusters

come in many styles and colours that will enhance the character of your deck. You may want

to blend your railing to your deck style or have it contrast as an accent. You can combine

materials for a custom look or add decorative post caps, or caps with lighting. Talk to the

experts at TIMBER MART about all the design options open to you.

Deck railings

Trex | How To Install Trex Select Railing On Stairs

6:31

STEPBY

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VIDEO Trex deck railing

installs simply and quickly for an

elegant look that complements a

wide range of decking.


Beauty and strengthWith Outdoor Accents®,

a line of decorative wood

connectors and fasteners

from Simpson Strong-Tie,

you can bring both design

elegance and structural

strength to your outdoor

living areas. This hardware

accommodates 4x and 6x

lumber sizes, providing the

flexibility you need when

designing and building

custom outdoor structures.

ShadeWe’ve got you covered

When planning your outdoor space, include at least one source

of shade in your design. Not everyone wants to be in direct

sunlight on a hot day. Adding a pergola to your new or existing

deck is easier than you might think. It’s a great way to add

shade and privacy and a perfect way to define an outdoor living

room. Pergolas can be attached to your home or constructed

as a freestanding structure, and can be completed in less

than a weekend by a do-it-yourselfer with an average level of

experience. If you would like a simpler shade solution, you can

go with a patio canopy or umbrella. A patio canopy or a large

umbrella can cover your entire outdoor living space or you can

include an umbrella in the centre of your outdoor dining table.

TIMBER MART has the right shade solution for every deck

project and deck budget.

Sunroom Solutions provides customized and affordable 3-season windows for any

outdoor structure. These windows offer the flexibility to easily convert your space into an

outdoor enclosure, extending your enjoyment of the outdoor season.

Vinyl Pane Windows protect you from sun, wind, rain, snow, insects, dust and allergens!

These windows are constructed with powder-coated aluminum frames that surround

heavy duty, lightweight sliding window panels. Vinyl Pane Windows feature durable

weather-resistant, 10 mil vinyl panes that can be raised or lowered with ease in the PVC

track. If the vinyl is stretched or dented it will return to its original shape in seconds.

The window panels are spring loaded and can be easily removed to achieve a 100%

screen opening. These windows are well designed to make the installation process easy

and inexpensive. In most cases, an average 10x10 room with a roof structure would take

6-8 hours to install based on the window openings being framed ahead of time.

Come in and talk to a TIMBER MART Deck Specialist about the benefits of a Sunroom

Solutions 3-season sunroom.

Extend your outdoor living with a 3-season sunroom

VIDEO Non-Glass window systems easily transform

any outdoor space into your favourite retreat!

Sunroom Solutions | Features And Benefits

4:04

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Nuvo IronAdd functionality and improve the look of your deck

with Nuvo Iron’s modern and innovative accessories.

With so many options, we are sure you will find a

Nuvo Iron product to enhance your outdoor style.


LightingBeautifying your deck with lighting not only

enhances your property, it allows you to

enjoy your outdoor space well after the sun

goes down. Installing low-voltage and solar

lighting are two of the most economical

and simple ways. Installation is simple

and can be completed in a few hours

with little more than a screwdriver. The

cost is reasonable and the effects can be

dramatic. Check your local TIMBER MART

for the latest in deck lighting.

Stair stringersYou want your stairs to be level and safe.

Stair stringers shape the stairs and act

as a frame. Available in metal or wood,

talk to us about your stairway needs.

Trex | How To Install Trex Deck Lighting

7:14

STEPBY

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VIDEO How to install Trex

LED deck lighting, including

how to quickly connect the

lights using the simple plug-

and-play LightHub system.

LatticeComplete your deck project with versatile lattice

panels, available in cedar, pressure treated and

maintenance free vinyl. Visit your TIMBER MART

store to see the selections available.

Accessorize

Post capsPost caps protect the exposed top of your deck post and also add

a decorative element to complement all deck styles. Choose from a

wide variety of materials, finishes, colours and sizes. Solar post cap

lights offer a soft glow and are great for accent lights or ambiance.

If you’re considering a DIY deck project, there are essential tools you’ll need. Below is a list of BASIC tools that every deck project requires.

Tools to get the job done


Circular saw This will probably be the tool you use

most for your deck project. Look for a 7-1/4 inch blade and a

motor that draws 10-13 amps. A carbide-tipped combination

blade will generally last longer than a steel blade and

make cleaner cuts. Remember to protect yourself with eye

protection and a face mask when cutting boards.

Hand saw While you’ll use a circular saw for most of

your cutting, you’ll need a hand saw for detail cuts.

Chalk line A chalk line will give you the straightest edge

possible and act as a guide when cutting boards. Note: use

white chalk, blue and other colours can stain your deck.

Tape measure Correct measurements are one of

the most important details in any building project. In order to

follow your deck plan, you’ll need to correctly measure and

mark the boards before making your cuts.

Carpenter’s level The last thing you want is an

uneven or sloping deck. At every stage of building you’ll be

checking for level and adjusting as you go. Levels are simple

to use and crucial for a successfully built deck.

Power drill Using screws instead of nails for your deck

will make for a stronger and safer deck down the road. An 18

or 20 volt cordless drill has become one of the most popular

fastening tools. An impact driver makes it even easier.

Framing hammer With any DIY project, you need

a good hammer and a deck project is no different. Use a

traditional hammer or a more modern design, whatever feels

best to you.

There are a few more tools that will make your deck build

easier and faster. Talk to our Deck Specialists about building

tips and expert advice.

Makita | How To Reduce Circular Saw Kickback

0:41

STEPBY

STEP VIDEO

VIDEO Once

you know what

causes circular

saw kickback,

you are halfway

to preventing it.

King Canada builds quality tools for

homeowners and professional trades.

Their innovative products offer solutions

that will meet your highest expectations.

The best in class for cordless power

tool technology. TIMBER MART

carries a wide selection of Makita

power tools and at great prices.


Protect a wood deckAny wood deck, without proper care, can become weathered and tired looking. Wood

that is left unprotected will soak up moisture, leading to serious damage and rot. Regular

maintenance is a simple process of cleaning and sealing. Start by scraping off loose

finish and sweeping clean. Scrub the surface with a stiff brush and a deck cleaner then

rinse with a pressure washer. If your deck is stained or is overly weathered looking,

there are stain removers, wood brighteners and wood restorers to fix these problems.

After your deck is clean, let it dry completely before sealing it. Decide how you want

your deck to look after sealing, then choose that sealer. If you want the deck surface

to look like natural wood, go with a clear sealer. If you would like to change the colour,

go with a semi-transparent stain, opaque stain or paint. In most cases, the best finishes

soak into the wood. Products that coat the surface, including paint, tend to wear and

peel sooner. As a result, they require more frequent re-coating. Whichever way you go,

follow the label directions and you will have a deck that provides years of lasting beauty

and enjoyment. TIMBER MART has a wide selection of protective sealants and stains to

prevent premature aging and protection from the elements.

Preserve and protect with Thompson’s WaterSeal Thompson’s WaterSeal

Waterproofer has

an extended brand

line that includes

specialized cleaners,

waterproofing products

and Waterproofing Stains

that offer wood stain and

sealer all in one.

MaintenanceA deck needs regular cleaning and maintenance to keep it safe for those using it and to extend the

life of the deck. There are many deck maintenance products on the market, talk to a TIMBER MART

Deck Specialist to find the best solutions for your particular deck. See our selection of affordable

pressure washers and other products made specifically for deck cleaning.

Thompson’s Water Seal | Deck Makeover

2:46

STEPBY

STEP VIDEO

VIDEO Watch as Jeff

Wilson takes you step by

step through the ABC’s &

D’s of wood deck care.

Choose natural coloured stains If you are looking for ways to refinish your deck

to provide a warm and comfortable environment

for your family and friends, wood stains in

natural colours is the best way to do it. Unlike

paint, wood stains require less maintenance and

allow you to enjoy a rustic natural look for your

deck. Olympic Stains provide exceptional

protection and durability for all wood types.

project of the month decks - timber mart · project of the month: decks plan your deck for the long...

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