Receiving Helpdesk

should deck be flush with door

by Ashlynn Howe MD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Never put the deck flush with a door threshold, unless you want the flooring ruined when a blowing rain pushes water under the threshold. Click to see full answer. Also question is, should a deck be level with door? Unless a deck is covered, it shouldn't be at the same level as the door to your home.

No, your door should not be level with your deck. Athough a level transition between your door and your deck would look smooth, it's not a good idea because it would invite water into your home. The minimum step down from the door to the deck is 2 inches, but between 2 inches and 4 inches is acceptable.May 27, 2022

Full Answer

Is water infiltration at doors with flush decks dangerous?

Back when I was a siding contractor, water infiltration at doors with flush decks caused all kinds of problems. We frequently found rotten doorsills, damaged flooring and the beginnings of serious structural damage on houses only a few years old.

Should you install decking at the bottom of a door?

When decking is installed up tight to the bottom of a door, that door is not only subject to falling rain, but also to the rain that splashes off the decking. And if you live in a northern climate, even a modest snowfall will expose your door to the powerful forces of water melting and refreezing.

Should my deck be level with my home?

In a nutshell, the easy answer is this— no, your deck should never be level with your home. That’s because of the threat most feared by even the bravest DIYers and homeowners: water damage.

Why is deck maintenance so difficult?

This constant exposure to water will eat away at foundations, rot door frames, and make wooden deck maintenance even trickier. Every deck is made up of several different components including bridging, decking, railings, and supports.

Can a deck be flush with door?

No, you cannot do it with standard door installation or deck building techniques. The problem is keeping water from getting into the house through the door openings that are adjacent to the flush deck.

What should you not do when building a deck?

12 Deck Building Mistakes to AvoidBeing Inattentive to Local Deck Building Code.Building Inadequate Deck Post Footers.Attaching the Beam to the Sides of the Support Posts.Incorrectly Spacing the Joists.Installing the Wrong Deck Boards for Your Use.Attaching the Ledger Board Directly to the Siding.More items...•

Should there be a gap between deck and house?

A proper connection would have a 1/2” to 3/4” gap between the deck construction and the house to allow rain and meltwater from snow to flush through; this prevents rot from forming in the deck timbers, and/or in the adjacent wood of the house framing.

Should a deck be sloped away from house?

When sloping your deck, always be sure to slope it away from your home in order to keep any foundation issues from arising. Once your deck is properly built and sloped, you're ready to apply a waterproofing system. Depending on the kinds of materials you used in building your deck, your waterproofing may vary.

Should deck boards run parallel or perpendicular to house?

The default direction decking runs on an attached deck is parallel with the house. A few reasons for this are deck framing construction, water runoff and appearance. Decking running parallel to the house is beneficial structurally, aesthetically and costwise.

Do you screw deck boards to every joist?

Each deck board should be fastened with two screws at each point where the board crosses a joist to ensure the stability and durability of your deck's surface. Boards should be fastened to rim joists with three screws.

How far below a door should a patio be?

There's no magic number, but I would recommend a minimum of 2 in. from the top of the decking to the bottom of the patio door threshold. I opted for 3-1/2 in. Many doors have a sill or threshold that needs to be supported, so don't forget to install a kick plate under the door.

Can house and deck be same level?

Timber-slatted decks can be installed at the same level as the floor inside to give level access but you must have a gap of at least 6-12 mm between your wall cladding and the deck to allow for drainage and prevent water pooling.

How close should deck boards be to house?

The Sweet Spot – Most people agree that 3/16” is a good gap between boards. Going more than a ¼” may get a little too wide. The width of a nail head is just about right. Treated Lumber – Usually treated lumber will have some shrinkage so you can butt the boards almost right against each other during installation.

What is the minimum slope for a deck?

A solid deck needs to be sloped between a 1/8″ (3mm) and ¼” (6mm) per foot to encourage water drainage. Decks with properly gapped decking boards require no slope as rain will naturally run off the boards even when level.

How do you drain water from a deck?

0:311:50How to Install an Under-Deck Drainage System - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCut off the excess trough about an inch from the back of the basin. All along one side of the troughMoreCut off the excess trough about an inch from the back of the basin. All along one side of the trough there is a score mark parallel with the edge. About an inch and a half in align.

Do you lay decking level?

Decking is much easier to lay on a level surface. If it isn't level, you can still lay decking but it might be more difficult. Raised decking can give you extra height that may mean you're not overlooked by neighbours.

Why do you need flashing on a deck?

The Flashing. Deck flashing is critical when it comes to making sure you keep unwanted moisture (in other words, all moisture) away from your home and its foundation. Flashing connects your deck to your home while redirecting water away from it .

Why is my deck at the same height as my house?

If your deck or patio sits at the same height as your home, you’re making it easy for water to get inside and wreak havoc.

What is deck ledger flashing?

Deck ledger or deck ledger flashing is the lid to your flashing. It sits over the point where the flashing sheets meet the house. The deck itself is actually connected to the house by the ledger flashing. Should this become loose due to wet boards separating, safety can be an issue, along with the threat of water damage.

Why are deck boards dropped?

The slatted boards make it easier for water to leave your deck on those rainy days. Decks and patios by their very nature are more exposed to the elements than most of the other parts of your home. That is why decks are typically dropped 1/8'' per foot. To be too level with the home could lead to extensive water damage.

How much does a deck cost per square foot?

While a beautifully installed deck or patio can be an expensive project ranging between $15 and $30 per square foot, there’s no doubt that it can also add value to your property and joy to your life. Just make sure you get that slope right to make sure your happy home is also a dry one.

What is a deck made of?

Every deck is made up of several different components including bridging, decking, railings, and supports . However, we’re going to spend our time here talking about the parts of the deck that are the most affected when you build your deck level with your home.

What are the joists on a deck made of?

Moving away from the house itself and into the deck, we have the deck joists. These long, central, perpendicular beams are most commonly made of wood. They also serve as the main supports of your deck.

Deck Door Experts: flush threshold with good seal?

I'm looking for the best deck doors that have a flush threshold for a remodel with an existing glass deck door in place. Either sliding or french door OK. Prefer contemporary/modern/minimalist design aesthetic and durability. Mild weather, non-hurricane area; but good seal rating (PG) also preferred.

Comments (8)

What type door? Slider? That is the only type I am familiar with that has a flush sill. Pictures of the area may help as well.

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