Getting Decked – And Choosing How That Happens

In Getting Decked – And Choosing How That Happens, you'll learn ...

• Material options for decking and balconies, including wood, aluminum, porcelain, concrete and man-made products
• Advantages and disadvantages of each decking material
• How decking material impacts the chosen method of support
• Installation, durability, maintenance and life-cycle considerations for the various deck material options

Overview

Preview a portion of this course before purchasing it.

Credit: 4 CPD

Length: 52 pages

Despite our need for shelter from elements that can kill us, we have always sought opportunity to get back into or close to nature. We do prefer to do so on our terms, rather than whatever climate and circumstances nature decides to offer when we feel that need. A large part of our effort to reunite with nature has revolved around creating outdoor spaces adjoining our houses. There, we can get outside to enjoy favorable climate conditions, at whatever time we choose.

These outdoor spaces go by many names and have manifested as lanais, porches, screened enclosures, patios, etc. The most common outdoor spaces, constructed and attached to homes in western cultures, are outdoor decks, balconies and patios. In this course, we will explore options available to build decks and balconies, structures that are usually supported at some point above grade.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Identify the evolving use of different materials to construct usable outdoor surfaces.
• Explain the strengths and weaknesses of each available outdoor surface option.
• Describe different coating options, used to cover and protect outdoor wood surfaces.
• Classify the principal elements associated with the strengths and weaknesses of different coating materials used to protect wood surfaces.
• Analyze new surfacing options that have been developed to overcome decking material limitations.
• Evaluate how surfacing materials are being combined to minimize weaknesses and maximize strengths.

Certificate of Completion

You will be able to immediately print a certificate of completion after passing a multiple-choice quiz consisting of 30 questions. CPD credits are not awarded until the course is completed and quiz is passed.