PORCH DECK CONSTRUCTION:

It is best to build decks at the same time the subfloor is built. The decks will provide walk-around areas during the log wall construction. Always use C.C.A.-treated wood or the equivalent (cedar, redwood, etc.) when constructing exterior decks, even if they will have roofs covering them.

If a wider sill plate was used under the subfloor where porch decks join, (as previously discussed) you will have a 2” ledge for your deck joists to rest on. If not, we recommend the use of 2x8 joist hangers. Use 2x8 porch floor joists, keeping their bottom edge flush with the top of the subfloor sill plate. This will keep the top of the deck floor 1” to 2” lower than the house subfloor. A lower deck floor prevents blowing rain and water from seeping under your log walls.

Porch support footers and piers should be built to the specifications of your local building codes and/or the Tennessee Log Homes’ specifications in your blueprints, and must be precisely located so that the porch deck and roof are properly supported. Wooden deck support posts which come in contact with the ground must be CCA treated and also located directly under the porch roof support posts. Solid blocking must be built under each porch roof support post if the post will not sit directly over a joist or header. The porch deck alone will nto support the weight carried by the porch post.