construction tips

• Determine which pieces are best for visible areas and which for understructure.
  
• Butt deck boards together during construction to allow for initial shrinkage of treated wood.
• Reduce splitting by pre-drilling holes.
• Avoid excessive spans to minimize springiness and warping.
• Screws take longer to drive than nails, but hold boards securely and allow for easier removal.
• Orient embedded support columns so only pressure treated ends are in ground contact.
• Cover upper ends of posts with post caps or cut them at angles to shed water.
• For maximum protection, coat ends with wood preservative.