The JLC Guide to Decks and Porches

Decks and porches are a favorite with homeowners, but can represent a challenge to contractors. It’s difficult to build attractive, structurally-sound; low-maintenance outdoor spaces that survive the rigors of weather, varying soil conditions, while battling rot and mildew damage.

Now there are new building codes and a host of new products to complicate and, hopefully improve, building decks and porches. In fact, they may even make decks and porches look better, last longer, and offer more possibilities than ever before.

This new book is filled with large, full-color photos and illustrations that show you how to use the latest technology to build ledgers, railing connections, and footings that with withstand the test of time. You’ll find the most common code violations and how to avoid them. You’ll find footing and framing techniques for decks and porches that succeed and some that failed. You’ll find finishes that will last for years, water prevention techniques, and low-voltage lighting that will make the deck you build look custom and one-of-a-kind. There are even proven ideas for adding brick, stone, and tile to decks and porches.

It’s been said that a contractor is made by his reputation. Any contractor can build a deck. But a deck to that passes Code, and still looks beautiful after a few seasons stands as a tribute to your ingenuity and reputation. You’ve built something that will drive customers to your door for years to come. This book will show you how to do that.