More living space, better views, quiet getaways without a lot more money…

Lee Lumber’s decks are the answer.

Most lots in the city of Chicago are 25 feet wide.  Often, residents have little or no lawn.  Summer sunshine and autumn colors need to be celebrated while looking out a window.  Living spaces are cramped and often need to be expanded. It can be absolutely claustrophobic.  But architects, builders, and remodeling companies can change that with a little creative thinking.

Professionals are looking up – to roofs – for green answers to urban space problems.  With minimal expenditures and construction disruptions, consider building a deck on your client’s roof or above their garage.  This will not only bring a breath of fresh air into their lives, but it will protect their roof from the sun, its main enemy.  It will also lower their heating and air conditioning bills by insulating the roof from ultra violet rays.  Plus, it will add to the sale-ability and value of their home.

And, face it, it will be so cool on a warm, clear night for the homeowners to relax alone or with their family, entertain their friends, read a book, view our vibrant city, or just kick back and close their eyes after a hard day at work. 

Decks, porches, gazebos and screen rooms all allow the homeowner to enjoy the summer and add to livable space.  They also share many of the same material possibilities.  Southern Yellow Pine (SYP), treated to resist weather, insects, and in some cases, fire, remains the overwhelming choice for the structural elements (joists, posts, and beams). 

There are now many alternatives to pressure treated woods, especially if the requirements do not include structural strength.  When building the deck’s surface, railings, and accessories, you and the homeowner may decide upon one of the following woods:

·        Cedar, a wood that naturally resists rot and insects, has been a top choice for years.  It weathers to a soft gray tone if left unfinished, but also takes stains and paints well.

·        Ipe, a South American hardwood, is dense, hard, and incredibly durable. It resembles Mahogany in color and grain and holds its beauty for years with little maintenance (It is warranted for 20 years without additional treatment).

·        Some people prefer redwood for their decks.  It has the same type of natural resistance to weathering and insects and is harder than cedar.

There are also several variables of SYP that have replaced CCA treated lumber.  These preservatives (ACQ and MCQ) offer safety from the copper arsenic used in CCA treatment, which is only available for specific uses.  The new SYP products come in different quality grades, ground contact ratings, and either kiln dried or air dried.  Composites are being used for decking and accessory items like benches and planter boxes.  Most are produced with a plastic-like material, sometimes recycled, mixed with wood chips. They are attractive, long lasting, hold their color longer, and require little upkeep, BUT DO NOT HAVE THE STRUCTUREAL STRENGTH TO BE USED AS JOISTS, BEAMS, OR POSTS.  Some are being tested for fire resistance for roof-top decks in urban environments.  Ipe is also approved for fire ratings in some communities.

CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL BUILDING DEPARTMENTS to be certain that you are building to all local codes. In Chicago, go to www.cityofchicago.org, then to “your government”, then to “city departments” and see the decks and porches information.  Also, be sure to check the life safety section for fire codes.  Or, call the Department of Building at 312-743-3600.

Fasteners (screws, bolts, and nails) and connectors (hangers, straps, and bracing): Treated Southern Yellow Pine is more corrosive than the old CCA variety.  This means that you will require either a different galvanizing process or stainless steel for making connections.  For City of Chicago residents, use www.cityofchicago.orgfor all the newest specs, as well as a discussion of types of construction and configuration.  If you are building in the suburbs, check with your local building department.  Or, of course, ask your Lee Lumber professional.

Stairs are also a structural concern, and once again, your local building department will have the answers to your technical questions.  Codes only concern the safety of your stairs.  However, stair design, as well as benches, flower boxes, built-in lighting, privacy fences, hot tubs, etc. contribute to the look and personal enjoyment of the homeowner.  We highly recommend planning for these accessories during the design stage, before substantial work begins or materials are ordered, to make your job go smoother and keep it on budget.

If the new deck requires stairs, it may also require railings. This can be as simple as carpenter-built handrails and pickets…or as difficult as rail systems that incorporate lights and stereo speakers.  Many systems are available, from wrought iron pickets to wire horizontal members (spaced for safety) to glass panels. Homeowners and contractors should review actual samples before making a decision.  That way, they will know that the parts selected are a good match to the overall design of the outdoor structure.

Samples can be seen in person at either Lee Lumber full service lumberyard.  Lee is located on the north side of Chicago at 3250 N. Kedzie (Belmont and Kedzie), 773-509-6700, or on the south side at 633 W. Pershing (near White Sox Park), 773-927-8282.  Of course, you can also get information right here, at www.leelumber.com.