ABSTRACT
Deck Components and Effects .......................................................................... 542 Decking and Its Effects .......................................................................... 542
Natural Wood in Deck Construction .................................................................. 544 Preservative Treatment of Decay-Susceptible Species .......................... 545
Plastic and Composite Lumber in Deck Construction ...................................... 546 On-Grade Decks ................................................................................................ 547
Carpinteria Marsh, Carpinteria, California ............................................ 548 1010 On the Green, Anchorage, Alaska ................................................ 549
Elevated Decks .................................................................................................. 550 Foundations for Elevated Decks ............................................................ 551 Curbs and Railings ................................................................................ 551 Prefabricated Bridges ............................................................................ 554 Elm Brook Crossing, Minuteman National Park, Massachusetts .......... 554 Arcadia Sanctuary, Easthampton, Massachusetts .................................. 556
Decks in Practice ................................................................................................ 557 Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chanhassen, Minnesota .................. 557 Columbus Zoo, Columbus, Ohio............................................................ 557 Riverwalk, Jacksonville, Florida ............................................................ 558 The Landings, Skidaway Island, Georgia .............................................. 559 Puncheon Boardwalks in Alaska ............................................................ 560 New River Gorge, West Virginia ............................................................ 561 Mar-Vista Restaurant, Longboat Key, Florida........................................ 561 Japanese Garden, Missouri Botanical Garden, Saint Louis .................. 561
Trademarks ........................................................................................................ 562 Acknowledgments .............................................................................................. 565 References .......................................................................................................... 565
Decks are surrogates for pavement that are porous and permeable as long as their surfacing components are spaced or perforated. They differ from pavements in that they are not coverings of the earth surface; they are bridge-like structures that span over the soil without bearing continuously on it. They are built either with a ramping surface to conform to a slope, or level with connecting stairs as necessary. Decks
are rapidly drained, easily cleaned surfaces, potentially accessible to all but those wearing the narrowest spike heels. They can integrate fixed seating, shelters, planters, arbors, tables, storage bins, and lights. They can be configured to fit a huge variety of site-specific conditions and requirements.
