Inspectors see any number of decks. Some are well built. In this wet climate, we like to see the structure built out of pressure treated lumber and concrete piers that isolate wood from soil. As the composite deckings get better looking, to look much like wood, they are becoming more common. Even though these materials are good, weather-resistant decking, many people who install the material do not follow the manufactureer's installation guidelines -- which are quite specific. The manufacturer's define where you can, or cannot, use the material and also the distance to centers (joist spacing) is important and depends on the decking that is chosen.
The photo below was odd. The deck structure was well-built, and the centers were correct, but then they got into being speedy when installing the decking. You will notice that the butt-joints and all decking is held in place at joists with a single screw at the center. I checked that method, against the manufacturer's specifications and sure enough it is wrong. This manufacturer calls for two screws per joist, with the screws near the edges of the decking and going down with minimal slope. It is weird when someone does a good job, and then botches it up at the end. Maybe the homeowner had a builder do the structure and then did the decking himself on weekends. I have seen that sort of scenario, the idea being that nobody could mess it up once the structure was built. Unfortunately, that is wrong.
Thanks for dropping by.
Steven L. Smith
Check out "This Day In History" -- music and vintage television from the 1950's through the 1980's. I enjoy writing these articles because they take me back to my days in radio broadcasting. Click on Elvis' gold record, below, to revisit those golden hits of yesteryear.
Bill,
I can say that at least 60 percent of decks I inspect have earth to wood contact of non-pressure treated lumber somewhere. Is is allowed? Well, if the deck was inspected the municipal authorities, if they saw it, would not like the wood to earth contact of non-pressure treated lumber. However, many, to most, decks have little to do with what is "allowed." People put in their own decks and patios without permits or plans and often, in so doing, screw up the basic home -- decks with no flashings that encourage water into the wall, patios sloped in towards the house, so rain runs that way, or concrete poured over wood. As long as people can do their own thing, "allowed" is not what is common place at homes.