Get matched with top deck cleaning pros in Clifton, CO

A covered deck can be a good investment that increases your home value—especially if you live in a hot region with a lot of sun. A covering over the deck means you can get more use out of it, even on the hottest summer days. With a permanent deck covering, you can even add ceiling fans to help cool down your deck for added comfort.

There are approximately 5.33 board feet in a 2x4. You can use the board foot calculator in this article to easily find the answer. A 2x4 is 2 inches of thickness by 4 inches of width, so you need to find the length, with 8 feet being the most common. You’d use the calculator here to multiply 2 times 4 times 8, and then divide by 12, arriving at a total of 5.33 board feet. 

To prepare a deck for a hot tub, start by thinking about safe and easy access in and out of the tub. Homeowners should plan for steps or consider built-in seating, a level surface around the perimeter, and a clear, slip-resistant path from the house. A hot tub requires sufficient space around it for comfortable entry and exit, ensuring no awkward squeezing or stepping over high edges. Good lighting and handrails can also make a big difference, especially for nighttime use.

Deck skirting shouldn’t touch the ground, especially if you have a wood deck, which is vulnerable to moisture. Ideally, you should leave at least 3/4 of an inch of space between the deck skirting and the ground for more ventilation. Pros also recommend that you incorporate about 1 square foot of space for ventilation for the underside of the deck to every 150 square feet of decking. Proper ventilation prevents mold growth and rot that can damage your deck.