Deck (building)
| This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Pretzelpaws (talk | contribs) at 22:03, 13 July 2006 (+see also section). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision. |
In architecture, a deck is a flat surface capable of supporting weight, similar to a floor but typically constructed outdoors and usually connected to a building. The term is a generalization of decks as found on ships.
Wood or timber "decking" can be used in a number of ways - as part of garden landscaping, to extend living areas of houses, and as an alternative to stone based features such as patios. Decks are made from treated lumber, composite material, Aluminum, redcedar, teak, mahogany and other hardwoods and recycled planks made from PET plastic.
A deck of a house is generally a wooden platform built above the ground and connected to the main building. It is generally enclosed by a railing for safety. Access may be from the house through doors and from the ground via stairs. Residential decks can be constructed over steep areas or rough ground that is otherwise unusable. Decks can also be covered by a canopy or pergola to contol sunlight.
Larger buildings may also have decks on the upper floors of the building which may be open to the public as observation decks.
A deck is the surface used to construct a boardwalk over sand on barrier islands.
