
Decks & Piers
Pilings and Timbers
Round pilings or square timbers are usually used for the foundation of piers. The water depth and the soil penetration will determine the overall length of the round piling or square timber needed for your project. For salt water or brackish contact of the pilings and timbers, CCA treated material with a 2.5 pcf concentration is recommended. For fresh water or ground contact of the pilings or timbers, CCA treated material with .80 pcf concentration is recommended.
Cross Bracings
Cross bracing is required for the support of the pilings and timbers of the pier. Longitudinal cross bracing may be required depending on the height of the pier as well as horizontal bracing. 2”x 8” or 3”x 8” lumber is recommended for cross bracing.
Stringers or Joists
Stringers or joists add additional support to pier structure and can be bolted onto the pilings or timbers or to the vertical cross bracing. 2” or 3” CCA treated material is recommended for stringers or joists.
Decking
The decking is the part of the pier that one can stand and walk on. The decking is fastened to the stringers or joists. To reduce waste, decking should be ordered and installed in two-foot lengths (8’, 10’, 12’, 14’, 16’, 20’). Several lumber options are available for selecting the type decking to be installed on your pier, however, to reduce cupping, decking should not exceed 6” in width. Choose from 1×6, 1.25×6, 1.5×6 Radius Edge Decking (RED); 1×4 or 1×6 Rough or S4S; 2×4 or 2×6 Rough or S4S lumber.
An alternative to wood decking is AZEK decking. AZEK decking is made from polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, which is the same material used in vinyl siding. AZEK decking comes in a wide range of colors and wood grain options and is stain and fade resistant. AZEK decking comes with a 30-year warranty.