Get Ready for Deck Season

There are two main types of deck post base: post-installed bases for existing concrete, and cast-in-place for new concrete. Our training manager Sam Marcoux reviews the basic steps for constructing strong, safe post base connections. We will highlight the available options to help you select what’s best for your project.

Properly attaching the ledger to the structure is one of the most important steps in constructing a safe, strong deck. In fact, ninety percent of deck failures are caused by the ledger pulling away from the house. Our training manager Sam Marcoux reviews the basic steps for constructing strong, safe ledger connections. We will highlight the available options to help you select the best option for your project.

Deck beams are the horizontal framing members that support the joists. We highlight the available beam connection options to help you select what’s best for your project.

Deck joists may terminate at a beam or ledger, rest on top of the beams, or terminate at the rim board. We highlight the available joist connection options to help you select what’s best for your project.

A deck’s guard posts are the vertical members along the open sides of the deck that connect the handrails to the framing. In order to provide the required 200 lb. load resistance at the handrail, the post must not only be fastened to the rim joist, but also tied back into the joist framing. We will highlight the available options to help you select what’s best for your project.

Stair stringers need to be properly connected to the deck, and treads properly connected to the stringers, in order to resist loads and perform reliably over time. Our training manager Sam Marcoux reviews the basic steps for making strong, safe-stair-stringer tread connections. We will highlight the available options to help you select what’s best for your project.

Decking materials are typically either wood, or composite or synthetic. We highlight the available deck board connection options to help you select what’s best for your project.

Together fasteners and connectors create a system that ensures the strength of your connections and the safety of your structures. Whether you’re a professional contractor working on a jobsite or a homeowner planning your next project, we’re here to help.

If you’re looking for ideas, inspiration and design resources, visit our Deck Center, which features deck planning and design tools as well as product information and safety tips that will help you get started on building a safe, strong and stylish deck. 

Whether you’re taking on a project for the love of the challenge, in need of a place to unwind, or creating spaces for family and friends — a strong, beautiful outdoor structure can make all the difference. Look through our ideas, tools and plans to find a project that sparks your interest.