What Is a Cantilever Deck?

Residential decks are often framed vertically from the foundation to the railings. However, some homeowners prefer a slight overhang past the beam. This structure is known as a cantilever.

A cantilever deck is simply a deck with joists extending past the beam creating a cantilever or overhanging end on the deck’s exterior. The decision to have your deck cantilevered often comes with the wish to extend an existing deck. 

However, a cantilever deck may not be as simple as a regular deck. The extension requires precise measurement as recommended by the local building code.

Employing the services of expert deck builders can help you in putting your cantilever deck without any issues.

What Is the Purpose of a Cantilever?

A cantilever deck design is often chosen to add space. In addition, the overhang provides an additional area which is advantageous if your yard is small.

In terms of structure, the cantilever also adds aesthetics as the design can be an intuitive solution for lack of space or limited footprint drive.

Cantilever decks also function to save more money.

One example is a second-floor cantilever deck. Instead of putting up a foundation on the ground, specifically footings, and piers, you simply use two large brackets connected to the house’s exterior in a diagonal position.

What Is the Difference Between a Cantilever and a Beam?

In a standard deck design, the beams are placed perpendicular to the main house structure supported by the columns, piers, and footings. In contrast, a cantilever can simply be a flat surface attached to the house through the ledger and without a foundation.

However, it is important to remember that a cantilever can simply be a beam. But instead of being attached to the underneath structure, it overhangs on the outer side of the frame.

In short, it could be simply an overhang of joists extending from the beam.

Nevertheless, when it comes to decking, the description of a cantilever may be versatile depending on the presence or function of the beam.

How Far Can a Deck Be Cantilevered?

Joists cantilever should have an overhang limited of up to 24 inches. The drop beam can extend to a maximum of ¼ of its length over a post.  

For example, if the back span of the joist is at 16 feet, you can cantilever for up to 4 feet.

Advantages of a Cantilever Deck

While cantilever decks are uncommon in residential areas, they are still considered a reasonable choice with several benefits.

For starters, you can choose a cantilever design if you want a larger deck without spending too much on resources.

Of course, to achieve this purpose, you will have to make sure that your deck is building code compliant. Also, you will need quality decking materials from trusted brands and manufacturers like TimberTech.

Check out some of the advantages of having a cantilever deck.

1.      More Space

Since you will be extending your deck, its substructure and flooring, naturally, would give a larger space for your household to hang out.

This is advantageous, especially for those who had their deck made on the second floor.

In some cases, people choose to have a cantilevered deck if their backyard space is too small. This way, the area underneath the deck, since it is located on a higher floor, will remain unoccupied for a significant part. 

2.      Panoramic View

Cantilever decks can be designed in such as way that the exterior is elongated in the middle. With this form, you can have a panoramic view of your neighborhood or immediate area.

Unlike a regular deck, you can have the freedom of adjusting the shape and angle of a cantilever deck.

Houses near the beach or mountains where the scenery becomes a vital highlight can go for cantilever decks.

The overhang adds a spot where you can see a wider view of the sea or the mountain ranges making your stay in the deck worthwhile.

3.      Visually Appealing

It is pretty tricky to design a regular deck into whatever form you want, as you may need to add more materials on the way. 

But in the case of cantilever decks, you can choose to accentuate the overhang without the hassle.

Cantilever decks provide a visual appeal that adds value to your entire house. Modern designs often include cantilever decks to enhance the façade of the house, especially with curved especially if it is also treated as a balcony.

On the other hand, if your cantilever deck is on the ground floor, you can have it formed in shapes or add several corners, depending on your style.

Disadvantages of a Cantilever Deck

Cantilever decks may add the pizzazz you want for your home, but they also have disadvantages that often occur if the structure is not built correctly.

While a do-it-yourself project can be an exciting way to build your cantilever deck, it may not be the best way to go if you’re inexperienced. Here’s why.

1.      Complicated to Make

Cantilever decks may look simple, especially the balcony type, but they require precision and the proper knowledge of choosing quality materials.

Also, you will have to abide by the standard and calculations prescribed by the local building code. Otherwise, you may end up tearing your deck apart.

The length of the cantilever should not exceed the recommended measurement, or else it could create structural issues in the long run.   

2.      Requires Added Support

A cantilever deck that only has one side for support may require other ways to strengthen the structure.

Although an overhang fixture to the house’s exterior can suffice a smaller deck, if you’re building a larger one, you may have to consider your choices when it comes to support materials. Unless, of course, you will stick to a joist or drop beam overhang.

But if that is not the case, it is still best to ask for professional assistance.  

Are Cantilevered Decks Safe?

Cantilevered decks are safe if built the right way. That’s why hiring a contractor, and professional deck builders like TNT Home Improvement can be worth the money as it guarantees proper construction.

The deck has to abide by the prescribed length via the local building code to keep the overhang safe and well-built.

For instance, the length of the cantilever has to correspond with the lumber species, grade, and size. Another attribute you need to consider is the size and spacing between the joists.

According to the building code, the standard cantilever length for a 40-pound load per square foot is 40 and ½ inches. If you wish to extend, you will have to consult with your contractor or engineer.

Other Deck Designs You May Want To Consider

Cantilever decks are worth your time and money as it gives a modern and stylish aesthetic to your property.

But in some cases, a cantilever deck design may not be suitable for your location and house structure. Nonetheless, you can still choose from other designs that builders may recommend, such as the following.

1.      Attached Deck  

This is the most common type of deck design wherein the deck is connected to your house through a ledger board, and the framing sits on groundwork.  

2.      Floating Deck

This deck is not attached to any structure. Instead, you can put the pier blocks straight on the ground.

3.      Wraparound Deck

A wraparound deck in an exterior structure that surrounds the entire house.

4.      Multi-level Deck

This deck has multiple levels or stories strategically raised on top of the other.  

5.      Roof Deck

A roof deck is simply a flat surface on the roof designed for casual foot traffic.

Summary

Consulting with professional deck builders is essential when you are building a cantilever deck. Not only will your deck have quality construction, but you can also ensure that the installation is done according to the standards of the building code. If you are located in the Northern Colorado/ Southern Wyoming area, then give us a call today at 970-663-2868 or visit the deck services page and fill out the contact form to make an appointment to discuss your next home improvement project.

How To Build A Second-Story Deck

Adding a second story deck to your home is not only a great home improvement idea, but it can increase the living and entertainment space of your home and also increase its value. Decks can be at ground level but can also be constructed for other house levels as well. You may wonder if a second-story deck is right for your home and how to build a second-story deck.

Building a second-story deck on your home requires special consideration for the design, structural engineering, and material choice for construction. The structural requirements and design are more complex than ground-level decks and usually require professional construction and advice.

Building a second-story deck has some additional considerations to be mindful of over a ground-level deck. The support requirements will be different, as well as the design aesthetics and the costs involved. The support of the upper-level deck is of particular importance. It should not be neglected at the design phase of your planning.

Considerations For Building A Second-Story Deck

Building an upper deck is a project that many homeowners choose to undertake because of the benefits a deck provides to increase the home’s living space and increase its value.

Suppose you are planning on building a second-story deck. In that case, you may want to consider the following before you embark on the project.

  • Aesthetics of the deck. How is the deck going to impact the look of the outside of your house? The designs of some homes do not lend themselves to the construction of a second-story deck.
  • The support of the deck. Because of the deck’s height, there are additional code requirements and engineering requirements to factor in to ensure the deck is sturdy, safe, and will last a long time.
  • Access to the second-story deck. You will need to modify a second-story room to allow access to the top deck, which will involve structural changes to your home that you need to plan for and factor in as an additional cost to the deck’s construction.
  • External deck access. Suppose you intend to add stairs to the deck to make it accessible from the outside. In that case, you need to design the stairs carefully to minimize the visual impact they will have on your home and any lower-level windows or access point. Stairs also need specific types of support to make sure they are safe and robust.
  • Additional taxes. A deck adds value to your home, and as such, you will pay more in taxes for your home once the deck is complete.
  • Insurance costs. You may want to consult your insurance provider to determine any insurance risk requirements and costs before going ahead with your second-story deck project.

Some of these points of consideration can be tricky to decide on and get right from a code and structural point of view, and that is where we at T-N-T Home Improvements can help you out.

Deckbuilding is one of our specialties. We have in-house engineers to help you with designs and structural concerns, as well as advice on the best materials to use for your deck construction!

How To Support A Second-Story Deck

Structural support is certainly one of the most important considerations for an upper-level deck. The deck’s height will be a dimension that will dictate the type, structure, and distance between the deck’s supports.

Supporting a second-story deck has different requirements to be remembered, not only for the deck itself but also for the house.

Some homes have a gap between the ceiling of the ground floor and the floor of the second-story to accommodate air conditioning and heating ducting, electrical wiring, and bathroom plumbing. This height difference between the two stories must be factored into the deck’s final height calculations and how the deck is to be secured to the house.

The support posts of the deck need to be sized correctly for the height of the deck. Generally, a 4×4 post is recommended for a deck that is 8 to 9-feet above ground level, but if your deck is going to be higher than this, then the 4×4 posts will not be the best choice to support the deck.

If your deck is higher, you may need 6×6 posts or even 8×8 posts. These posts are significantly thicker and thus more expensive than 4×4 posts, so to design your deck cost-effectively, you need to know what the right size posts are to use for your deck. This is easily determined by our on-site engineer, but if you don’t have one of those, you will need to read up on the requirements and building codes in your area. 

Using unnecessarily thick posts can lead to unnecessary expenses. While using posts that are too small could result in a deck that is dangerous or that will not last long.

You may opt for a different support material altogether in certain instances, such as structural steel support or even giant glulam beams. But these are usually found on very custom decks and not as common as just 4×4 posts and 2×8 joists.

The footing (or caisson) for the posts is also important. As is the connection hardware between the post and the caisson.

Second-Story Deck And Patio Ideas

If you are considering adding a raised deck to your home, you may have a basic idea of what you want but not sure of a design that would fit in with your house layout and design.

Often, the biggest problem is visualizing the design and seeing it in your mind’s eye and how it affects your house’s look.

A good idea is to get a CAD drawing done of the deck and your house, which will leave you in no doubt about how the design will look in real life and how it will affect your home’s appearance.

T-N-T Home Improvements can render a 3D CAD drawing of your proposed deck so you can get an excellent feel for what your proposed project will turn out like.

Design aspects for your upper deck that you should also consider include: adding a roof for the deck and the railing design around the deck.

A roof could provide you with shade, shelter, or both and improve your deck’s usability across the different seasons and the weather they bring.

The deck railing is not only a safety feature but also an aesthetic element that needs to fit in with the style and décor of your home.

The material you choose to build your deck will determine how it fares and weathers over the years and ultimately how it makes your home look. The material used will also be a factor determining how much maintenance will cost you over the years.

An excellent way to get some ideas for second-story decking is to look at what some other people have included in their deck designs to see what could work for you. Take a look at our T-N-T Home Improvements deck gallery to view some of the projects we have completed for our customers.

How Much Does It Cost To Build A Second-Story Deck?

The cost of building a raised deck is subject to the material you use, the height of the deck, and the dimensions of the deck.

The material used is a factor that affects the initial cost to build the deck and the ongoing maintenance costs of the deck. Synthetic materials have a higher initial price than natural wood. Still, they have a significant saving in the long run on maintenance and replacement costs.

Natural lumber has a cheaper entry-level cost to get the deck installed. Still, the deck will require annual maintenance costs that will significantly increase your home’s maintenance cost. 

In certain applications, wood works better than synthetic materials, and you may still want to go the natural material route. 

Finding a contractor who can give you practical advice from experience with both materials could quite possibly be the best choice you can make in the construction of your deck.

Conclusion

The decision to embark on a project to put a second-story on your home is a good idea to add outdoor living and recreational space to your home and increase the value at the same time.

While a second-story deck is a little more complicated than a ground-level deck, it is not beyond the reach of most homeowners and adds an attractive and functional feature to your home.

Wherever possible, use an experienced contractor who specialized in deck construction to give you valuable input on the design, materials, and construction of your deck. 

We at T-N-T Home Improvements can not only offer advice on design and materials but have in-house engineers to advise you on the structural aspects and choices of your deck. We can assist you from design to engineering and construction of your deck to make sure you have a professional outcome and the deck of your dreams!

What to Look for in a Deck Contractor

picture of a huge deck and cover built in Loveland, CO

Throw a stone in any direction and you’re bound to hit deck contractors in Loveland, CO. This is because decking is considered basic construction and, unfortunately, anyone with a tool belt can call themselves a contractor. The reality is that deck construction isn’t as easy as it looks, and many homeowners are left with decks that fall short of expectations because they don’t take the time to vet their deck builder.

Taking the time to pick a qualified deck builder means more than just going through a few reviews online. To ensure you’re getting the very best deck for your money, you’ll want to take things a step further and put in the time to do some thorough research. Here are a few tips:

  • wood deck contractorWhen you contact a decking contractor, ask them how long they’ve been in the business. This means how long they have been a certified contractor and how many years they have accepted decking jobs specifically. The more time in the industry, the more references and examples they should be able to provide you with.
  • Piggybacking off the first tip, make sure you ask for references when you’re considering hiring a contractor. If they have local examples to provide you with, take a quick drive and check them out for yourself. While you should stay off of private property, it’s a good idea to look at the design and appeal of a deck from afar. You’ll be able to tell quality work from haphazard jobs even at a distance.
  • While reading online reviews isn’t the only thing you should do before hiring a contractor, it is a good idea to pay some heed to them. Read reviews and see what the common themes are between them. Do people keep mentioning a single good trait or a single bad trait? Keep these patterns in mind when vetting your options.
  • See if you can set up a meeting with prospective deck contractors in Loveland, CO. Being able to meet with and talk to a contractor about your vision and their capabilities is going to give you great peace of mind when decision time comes. It’ll also clue you in as to who is paying attention to your needs versus who might just consider this another general decking job.
  • Ask if the contractor will be on-site themselves for the duration of the job, or whether they subcontract out to other managers. This is important because it determines accountability. Whenever possible, try to work with contractors who are always on-site themselves.
  • Ask a candidate about permitting and written quotes. A good contractor will be able to take care of or help you with permitting, and they should provide you with a written quote that you can use to base your decision on.

Play it smart when selecting a decking contractor and you’re bound to get the high-quality deck you’re paying for. Remember, quality workmanship boils down to more than price—it’s about the person(s) behind the job. Get in touch with TNT Home Improvements today to learn more about how we can help enhance your home with a new deck.

Looking for a deck construction contractor for your next project? Give TNT Home Improvements a call at 970-663-2868 or fill out the contact form at https://tnthomeimprovements.com

Now’s the Time to Start Planning Deck Construction in Fort Collins, CO

pic of a second story deck built in Fort Collins, CO

You can just about picture it: Your own beautiful deck, a little oasis right outside your house where you can enjoy the outdoors in comfort and convenience on a warm spring or summer day. You’ve got an icy cold beverage, a couple burgers and hot dogs on the grill and you’re relaxing with friends and family. During these cold winter months, this vision sounds pretty ideal, right?

Fortunately, it’s just the right time to begin planning your deck to enjoy during the warmer part of the year. If you’re looking for the best deck construction company in Fort Collins, CO, you’ve come to the right place. Our expert craftsmen can construct the deck of your dreams at a price that won’t break the bank. For more than a decade, TNT Home Improvements has been making homeowners happy.

Permits and codes for deck construction

You’ll want to investigate whether your town requires permits before beginning construction. Nothing is worse than starting to build a deck only to have construction stopped because of red tape. Check with relevant government officials to find out if you need a permit, how much it costs and when you need to secure it. When you choose TNT Home Improvements, our on-staff engineer will guide through the entire process.

You’ll also want to check city and county codes to find out design requirements, which are typically detailed in zoning laws. If you own a condominium, you’ll want to discuss this with the homeowner’s association to ensure you don’t run into any problems. Now’s the time to sort out all the logistics so you can begin enjoying your deck once the first warm days of 2017 roll around!

trex decking contractorHow do you want your deck to look?

Consider meeting with a licensed contractor to discuss the style of your deck and what materials you’d like to use. From stains to protective railings, our trained professionals will take all of your preferences into consideration. You’ll want to consider flooring, footings, materials and other options. We can customize everything to what you’d like to see.

This is also a good time to establish a budget. Decks come in relatively simple, value-friendly options all the way to high-end options with hot tubs and other luxury items. We’ll work with you to fit your space, needs, and budget. No matter what you choose, you can rest assured we’ll build a beautiful, functional deck.

TNT Home Improvements is a locally owned and operated company that’s the leader in deck construction in Fort Collins, CO. We’re a fully licensed and insured company with an expert engineer who oversees all our work. Our customers keep coming back to us because of our prompt and friendly customer service, combined with our expertise in home improvement.

Our trained team will work with you every step of the way to construct the deck of your dreams. That’s why people in Fort Collins have trusted us with their business for more than a decade. Contact us today for a free estimate and to learn more about our exciting deck options perfect for your home.

Looking for a deck contractor for your next project? Give TNT Home Improvements a call at 970-663-2868 or fill out the contact form at https://tnthomeimprovements.com

Five Benefits of Investing in Deck Construction in Fort Collins, CO

pic of a second story deck built in Fort Collins, CO

Spring will be here before you know it, and this is the perfect time to add a deck to your home. If you are unsure that deck construction in Fort Collins, CO is right for you, consider all the benefits you will reap through this new home addition. From increasing your home value to adding more space to entertain, you will get plenty of use out of a deck at your house. Here are some ways that you will benefit from a new deck construction:

  • Increase home value: If you are looking for a way to add some value to your home with minimal investment, deck construction in Fort Collins, CO is the ideal way to do it. This simple addition adds extra living and entertaining space to your home and is a feature that many homebuyers look for in a house. It will increase the overall value of your home and make it easier to sell when the time comes to do so.
  • Add more space to entertain: Who doesn’t love a backyard barbecue? A deck is a perfect spot to entertain family and guests, as it provides you with a defined area for sitting and is an extension of your home. Enjoy the warm days and nights outside with a deck addition in your back yard.
  • Save money: With deck construction in Fort Collins, CO, you can have a new look to your home with a relatively minimal investment. The construction of a deck is less expensive than if you were to remodel your kitchen or another room in your home, and it will provide you plenty of enjoyment all throughout the year. This is a great way to transform your home without spending a fortune to do so.
  • Look forward to quick construction: Adding a deck to your home can be done relatively simply and quickly. You won’t have to contend with the dust and noise of a remodel in your home, as the construction of a deck often occurs in as little as a week’s time. You’ll have the deck you always dreamed of without the headache of a major construction project going on inside your home.
  • Enhance your home’s appeal: The design of a deck just adds to the overall appearance of your home. It is really the finishing piece that caps off your home’s architecture, enhancing its overall look. If you are looking for a way to spruce up your home, a deck can add that extra touch you are looking for while providing plenty of functionality for you and your family.

With deck construction in Fort Collins, CO, you will have that extra space at your home that you have always desired. You will enjoy its convenience and functionality throughout the year, making an investment in a deck a wise choice for anyone. To have deck construction at your home, contact TNT Home Improvements. We are a fully licensed home improvement company that offers deck construction, as well as patio cover and deck cover installation and window replacement. Call us today to schedule a consultation!