Deck (building)
In architecture, a deck is a flat surface capable of supporting weight, similar to a floor, but typically constructed outdoors, often elevated from the ground, and usually connected to a building. The term is a generalization from the deck of a ship. A level architectural deck may be intended for use by people, e.g., what in the UK is usually called a decked patio. "Roof deck" refers to the flat layer of construction materials to which the weather impervious layers are attached to a form a roof. It is known as the "roof deck", and they may be either level (for a "flat" rooftop) or sloped.
Functions and materials
Wood or timber decking can be used in a number of ways: as part of garden landscaping, to extend the living area of a
Historically, the softwoods used for decking were logged from old growth forests. These include
But even with chemical treatments (such as
Due to environmental and durability concerns, composite decking (a mixture of two materials, typically wood pulp and recycled material such as plastic bottles or plastic bags) have appeared on the market. Proponents of
Generally, hardwoods used for decking come from
Construction
The deck of a house is generally a wooden platform built above the ground and connected to the main building. It is generally enclosed by a
Typical construction is either of a post and beam architecture, or a cantilever construction. The post-and-beam construction relies on posts anchored to piers in the ground. Typically, these types of structural decks are engineered and require an experienced construction company that specializes in structural decks. Cantilever decks rely on floor joists that protrude out further than the wall of the house. While this type of construction is common, it raises significant safety issues if the decks are not properly waterproofed and flashed. There have been a growing number of deck failures resulting in death and critical injuries. Another key component of decks are code compliant railings. Railings on decks above 760 mm (30 in) are considered
Residential decks may contain spaces for cooking and seating. Cooking areas ideally should be situated near the patio door while out of the way from general foot traffic. Dining spaces will include patio tables. For a typical six-person outdoor patio table building, an area of 3.7 m × 4.9 m (12 ft × 16 ft) is ideal. If deck space is available, homeowners may choose to include for the seating, outdoor couches and benches.
Larger buildings may also have decks on the upper floors of the building which can be open to the public as
Laying deck or throwing deck refers to the act of placing and bolting down cold-formed steel beneath roofing and concrete floors. This is usually done by an ironworker, sometimes in conjunction with a cement mason or carpenter. It regarded as one of the most physically demanding jobs in the iron working industry. In the United Kingdom the various bans on smoking in public buildings were expected to lead to an increase in the use of timber decking for outdoor spaces where smokers can gather.[9]
Urban rooftop decks
High-rise commercial and residential buildings with rooftop decks often utilize urban landscaping techniques to create "green spaces" or "sky parks". With this trend in outdoor living increasing, many landscape architecture firms are specialized in the design, construction and maintenance of these spaces. Adjustable hybrid pedestal system allow for a self leveling, single model for all height applications, screw adjustable, and PVC pipe adjustable for elevated roof decks.
See also
- Balcony
- Deck (bridge)
- Observation deck
- Porch
- Skyrise greenery
- Terrace (building)
- Verandah
References
- ^ "How to Choose the Right Lumber for Your Deck?". 5 Nov 2023.
- ^ "Lumber Pressure Treated with Chromated Copper Arsenate". New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. 2013.
- ^ "Choosing The Best Decking Oil". Blueprint Joinery. Retrieved 2019-02-08.
- ^ Paster, Pablo (2009). "Deck: Wood or Plastic?". Treehugger.
- ^ Keating, Tim (1997), Teak is Torture: Forced Labor Logging in Burma (PDF), Rainforest Relief, New York
- ^ Keating, Tim (1998), Deep Impact: An Estimate of Tropical Rainforest Acres Impacted for a Board Foot of Imported Ipê (PDF), Rainforest Relief, New York
- ISBN 978-1-85750-160-5
- ^ L.O. Anderson, T.B. Heebink, and A.E. Oviatt. (1972)."Construction guides for exposed wood decks. Agriculture handbook no. 432". Washington: USDA, Forest Service.
- ^ "Smoking Ban Good News For Decking", Timber Construction, 2007
External links
- Media related to Decks (architecture) at Wikimedia Commons