So, you are looking at your backyard and dreaming of a new wooden deck, or maybe your existing deck needs some serious work. I understand. A good Deck can change your outdoor space, especially in a city like Cambridge where every square foot is important. But before you grab your hammer or call a contractor, there is a lot to think about. We will talk about what you can realistically do yourself and when it is smart to bring in someone like us at Cambridge Deck Solutions.
Before You Start: Planning and Permits for Your Cambridge Deck
First, you cannot just start building or making major changes to a Deck here in Cambridge without checking with the city. You do not want to get halfway through a project only to find out you are in violation. It is a headache for everyone involved.
- Permits are almost always required for Deck work in Cambridge: Any Deck that is attached to your house or more than 30 inches above grade needs a building permit from the Inspectional Services Department (ISD). Even a freestanding Deck under 200 square feet and under 30 inches high might need a zoning permit to check setback compliance. This is especially true in Cambridge, with its tight lots and specific zoning districts.
- What you will need for a Deck permit in Cambridge: You will typically need a site plan showing your property boundaries, existing structures, and the proposed Deck with dimensions and distances to property lines. You will also need construction drawings with structural details, footing details, and railing or guard details if the Deck is over 60 cm (about 24 inches) above grade.
- DIY Permit Application for your Cambridge Deck: If you are a homeowner of a one or two-unit dwelling and plan to do the work yourself, you can often apply for the permit and act as your own construction supervisor. But if you are hiring a contractor for your Deck, they need to be licensed.
Dealing with permits can be confusing. While you can do it yourself, especially for minor Deck repairs, for a new Deck build or a significant structural alteration to an existing Deck, it is often worth having a professional handle the permit process. We have done it many times and know the details of Cambridge's ISD. It saves you time and potential problems later on. For homes and businesses in Cambridge, Cambridge Deck Solutions provides Deck services.
During the Project: DIY vs. Pro Deck Work in Cambridge
Once you have your plans and permits ready, it is time to get to work on your Deck. This is where you really need to be honest with yourself about your skills and comfort level.
What You Can Probably DIY for Your Cambridge Deck
- Minor board replacement on your Deck: If you have a few warped, cracked, or splintered decking boards, you can often replace these individually. Just make sure the underlying Deck structure is solid.
- Fastener tightening for your Deck: Loose nails or screws? You can tighten them up. If nails keep popping out, replace them with deck screws.
- Surface cleaning for your Deck: This is an important step. A good cleaning in early spring, and maybe again in the fall if your Deck is shaded, can remove mold, mildew, dirt, and pollen. Use a mild soap or specialized cleaner and a garden hose, or a pressure washer on a low setting to avoid damaging the wood on your Deck.
When to Call a Pro for Your Cambridge Deck
Some Deck jobs are just too big, too complex, or too important for safety to do yourself. This is where a company like Cambridge Deck Solutions comes in for your Cambridge Deck project.
- Structural issues with your Deck: If you notice sagging, a bouncy floor, wobbly railings, tilting posts, or a rotted ledger board, which is where the Deck attaches to your house, stop using the Deck immediately and call a professional. These are serious safety hazards for your Deck. A rotted ledger board, for example, is a very important safety issue and a common cause of Deck failure.
- Footing problems for your Cambridge Deck: In Massachusetts, footings need to be 3.5 to 4 feet deep because of the frost line. If your Deck posts are sinking or tilting, or if there is erosion around the footings, you need professional help with your Deck.
- Widespread rot or insect damage on your Deck: While replacing a few Deck boards is fine, if you have extensive rot, especially in hard-to-see areas like under the decking boards or around the ledger board, or if you suspect insect damage, such as from termites or carpenter ants, it is time for an expert to look at your Deck.
- New Deck construction or major alterations to your Deck: Building a new Deck from scratch or making significant changes to its size or layout involves complex structural calculations, code compliance, and proper fastening techniques. This is definitely professional territory for your Deck.
After the Project: Deck Maintenance is Key in Cambridge
Once your Deck is built or repaired, the work is not over. Regular maintenance is what keeps your Deck looking good and lasting for many years in our tough New England climate.
- Annual inspection of your Cambridge Deck: Every spring, give your Deck a thorough look over. Look for loose railings, balusters, deck boards, and any protruding nails. Check for signs of rot, especially in damp areas of your Deck.
- Cleaning your Cambridge Deck: As I mentioned, clean your Deck every spring. If it is in a shaded area, like many triple-decker Decks in North Cambridge, consider cleaning it twice a year to fight mold and mildew.
- Sealing or Staining your Cambridge Deck: For wooden Decks, you will need to reapply a sealant or stain every 2-3 years, depending on exposure and the product used. This protects the wood from UV damage, moisture, and prevents warping and cracking. The best time to do this in Massachusetts is typically May through September, when it is dry and mild.
- Clear debris from your Cambridge Deck: Keep leaves and other debris from accumulating on and under your Deck. Poor ventilation and trapped moisture can lead to rot and mildew on your Deck.
Your Deck is an investment, and like any investment, it needs care. Knowing when to roll up your sleeves and when to call in the professionals can save you money, keep your family safe, and make sure you enjoy your outdoor space for many years to come. Cambridge Deck Solutions provides Deck services for homes in Cambridge, MA.