Education

The NADRA Decks Done Right Education Live Webinars – See schedule on tabs to the left.

So, who can take the courses?
NADRA Members, Professionals and laborers/apprentices in the deck and railing industry should take this program.  In order to earn your a certificate of completion you must pass an exam following this course. This is a virtual online 2 day program. Each day is 5 hours.

Description:

Program Overview

Code often addresses individual components and not systems.  Building codes are minimum requirements.  And, the resistance to various forces may not be required. This program has been developed for deck construction based on the entirety of the system.

This manual will help you understand the following;

• Know and comprehend all of the common terminology of a deck
• Understand what loads and forces need to be addressed and how to resist those loads and forces
• How to design and build to a continuous load path from the foundation to the top of the deck or porch
• Have the knowledge of how to choose and install all critical components including footings, connections, framing, flashing, guardrails, stairs and landings
• Identify options for lighting, railing and decking

NOTE: If you are an admin, registering multiple attendees, please use an “incognito” window to register each individual. 

Pricing Options: Important note: If you are a current member who is registering employees to take this class, they must sign up as a branch member of NADRA ($100) and then register for the class individually.

What are the costs involved?
NADRA Member: $349.00 / Non Member: $779.00 (consider joining HERE)

Master Deck Professional CODE Certification

On-demand courses provided by Building Code College.

Final certification exam provided by NADRA.

To register for this On-Demand course select the tab to the left: On Demand Education

Code Education Program

The following courses are developed and presented by Building Code College

Building Codes for Building Decks, a Four-Part Series.
Earn your Master Deck Professional – CODE Certification with NADRA – fees apply for certification

Description:
This is a 4-part series, which includes four core building code courses and provides a comprehensive explanation of how International Residential Code regulates deck construction, from initial design to project completion. These courses support the North American Deck and Railing Association’s Master Deck Professional Certification program and are intended to prepare the audience for the four exams, respective to each course, that are required for NADRA member’s to earn their MDP-CODE Certification.

So, who can take the courses?
NADRA Members & Professionals in the deck and railing industry should take this 4-part series.  In order to earn your MDP-CODE Certification you must pass a final exam provided by NADRA.

What are the costs involved?
BCC charges $45.00 per each of the 4-part series with $180.00 paid to BCC for the entire on-demand 4-part course. You need to pass a test for each of the four part series for a completion certificate from BCC.  Once this is completed you are eligible to take NADRA’s final exam for certification. Both members and non members are eligible to earn this MDP-CODE certification however NADRA members receive a significant discount.  Industry professionals wishing to receive credentialing from nadra.org are encouraged to join and register for MDP-CODE Certification.”

About Glenn Mathewson, Instructor

Glenn began his construction career in the trenches, starting as a laborer and carpenter’s apprentice, to framing homes as a subcontractor and later operating his own remodeling and deck-construction company. Glenn then spent five years working for the City of Westminster, CO as a building, plumbing and mechanical inspector, and earned a Master Code Professional certification from the International Code Council. He continues to work for the City as a part-time plans analyst and allots the remainder of his professional time to freelance work.

Drawing on his experience as a tradesman, contractor, consultant and building inspector, he is able to review, discuss and teach the standards of construction with a true understanding of the realities involved with applying them in the field.

Glenn has authored dozens of technical articles in the “Professional Deck Builder” and the “Journal of Light Construction”, as well as the International Code Council’s new book, Deck Construction Based on the 2009 International Residential Code. In 2011 he took the role as Technical Advisor to the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA), where he assists the association with code related initiatives and the development of the Master Deck Builder Certification program and exams. Glenn also works as a construction and code educator, with audiences ranging from contractors to building officials.

How To Build A Freestanding Deck

The following course is developed and presented by MT Copeland. Registration Open. To register for this On-Demand course select the tab to the left.

So, who can take the courses?
NADRA Members & Professionals in the deck and railing industry should take this series.

What are the costs involved?
$225.00 includes full course for members. Not a member? Consider Joining

Once you register, (see tab for on demand registrations) you will receive an email with a code to access.

Description:
Learn how to properly design, frame, and build a code-compliant freestanding deck, and take these skills onsite from start to finished product with expert builder and craftsman Mike Guertin.

1. Planning a Deck: Introduction

Step one in building a deck is getting organized. Your instructor Mike Guertin takes you

through the necessary steps: creating a materials list, equipment list, and developing a

set of design plans to submit for building permits.

2. Planning: Joist and Beam Size

Determine the appropriate sizes for your deck beams and joists, according to your deck’s dimensions.

3. Planning: Deck Code

Mike introduces the International Residential Code, which covers detached single family homes. In this course, he’ll reference the 2021 version of the code.

4. Planning: Deck Code Loads

Learn how to use the building code book to determine the load capacity of your deck, work with climate considerations, and choose appropriate lumber.

5. Planning: Framing

The more information and detail you can provide on your building plans, the better experience you’ll have with building officials. Mike shows you how to be meticulous with your framing on paper, so the framing in the field is seamless.

6. Planning: Footings

Learn how to choose the size and depth for your deck footings. Doing so will ensure your deck is properly supported.

7. Building a Deck 

Mike walks you through the specialty skills and design opportunities that deck-building entails, including excavation, foundations, footings, framing, and finishing.

8. Deck Framing Plan Review

Your framing plan must consider the physical space you’ll be building in. Mike takes you on site to visualize how to build a deck frame, and how to make adjustments so that everything translates smoothly from paper to ground.

9. Ledger vs. Free-Standing Deck

When building a deck, you have two basic options: ledger decks, which are attached to a house, and free-standing decks. Learn how to determine which is the right choice for your space.

10. Deck Footing Positions

Deck footings secure the foundation of your deck into the ground. Learn how to take precise measurements and mark the positions for your footings.

11. Footing Holes

Before you break ground, you need to know the bearing capacity of the soil.  Mike shows how to calculate it, and how that number affects the sizes and shapes of your deck footings.

12. Concrete Footing Forms

Learn how to set footing boxes, place your footing forms into the ground, and prepare the concrete to the perfect consistency to pour into the forms.

13. Post Base Hardware

A post base connects the deck footing with the post. Mike uses a wedge anchor as a connector into the concrete because it’s especially precise.

14. Securing Post Bases

Once the concrete has set, you’ll secure your post base into the deck footings. But first, learn how to prep your landscape underneath so that weeds and growth don’t poke through the decking boards.

15. Beam Post Height

How high do your beam posts need to be? Learn how to take accurate measurements to support the floor framing of the entire deck.

16. Installing Beam Posts

Learn about the different types of hardware you can use to install your beam posts into the post bases, and Mike’s thoughts on which is best for securing the deck frame.

17. Cover Beam Assembly

Learn how to choose the right kind of lumber for your beams to support the decking joists, and assemble the beam following your local deck building codes.

18. Metal Connectors

In order to make the connection between post and beam, you’ll needspecialty hardware. Learn what to consider when choosing your lumber connectors.

19. Joist Layout on the Beam

Mike explains the commonly used deck joist spacing methods: 12 inches on center, 16, 19, and 24, and how to choose according to the specifications of your deck boards.

20. Joist Hangers and Selections

There are two standard styles of joist hangers used for building a deck: an outturned flange hanger, and a concealed flange hanger. Learn which is the best choice for your decking material and environment.

21. Joist Setting

Mike walks you through setting your joists into the beams and shares hardware tips, like how the right joist length can make the process especially simple.

22. Squaring the Deck Frame

Mike takes you through the two methods for measuring the deck’s diagonals: using a good old fashioned measuring tape, and calculating with the pythagorean theorem.

23. Lateral Bracing

Learn how to install both temporary and permanent bracing to stabilize your deck frame.

24. Stair Assembly

Building deck stairs requires precision. Learn Mike’s  tried-and-true method for sketching, running numbers, and assembling stair boxes.

25. Guard Rails

Mike walks you through hand and guard rail uses, and how to take measurements to build your deck railing to code.

26. Stair Anchors

Learn how to anchor your stair boxes into the footings using fasteners and screws, securing them in place.

27. Load Paths

There are three main physical factors to consider when determining how to build a deck frame: gravity loads, uplift loads, and lateral forces, all which have an impact on your deck layout. Mike walks you through each force, and how you can build safely and securely with each in mind.

28. Tributary Area

Mike demystifies the concept of the tributary area, and shows how to properly measure  it in order to size up your deck footings and beams.

29. Joist Span

When designing the rough frame of a deck, it’s important to consider joist spacing and to calculate measurements to code.

30. Finishing Plan and Lumber Codes

Learn how to install the fascia boards, which serve as the protective trim around the end of the deck. Also, Mike explains how to select the appropriate lumber for your deck boards.

31. Fascia Board Finishes

Learn about various wood finishing types for your fascia boards and deck boards, and how to work with each kind. Finally, Mike takes you through a complete deck board installation.

Wood Restoration

The following courses are developed and presented by Everett Abrams.

So, who can take the courses?
NADRA Members, Professionals and laborers/apprentices in the deck and railing industry should take this program.

What are the costs involved?   

Wood Restoration Basic – $499

Wood Restoration Advanced – $999

Description:

Program Overview

“Wizard of Wood” NADRA Basic Exterior Wood Restoration Course:

This course will cover the basics of exterior wood restoration including Equipment, Chemicals, The Process and Staining/Sealing. This class is perfect for those just starting out, people with some experience and want to learn better methods, and employees that will not necessarily need the business aspects of a company that offers exterior wood restoration as a service. For the NADRA member this course will add revenue to your top line and keep you in front of your customer with continued revenue. It also gives you an opening to a new deck build or rebuild for your customer. Many of these customers will need a new deck and you will have the inside track offering this service. After completion of this course the “Wizard of Wood” and Staff will offer you support as you gain experience and confidence. We will also send you a hard copy of the manual, though you can also print it from the platform in each module. In summary, this course is for those starting out in Exterior Wood Care and Restoration. This course takes approximately 15-18 hours.

“Wizard of Wood” NADRA Advanced Exterior Wood Restoration Course:

This course will cover the advanced information of exterior wood restoration including Species of Wood, Equipment, Chemicals, The Process, Staining/Sealing, and business aspects like Estimating and Developing a Price List for this service. This class is perfect for those just starting out, people with some experience and want to learn better methods, and employees that need the business aspects of a company that offers exterior wood restoration as a service. For the NADRA member this course will add revenue to your top line and keep you in front of your customer with continued revenue. It also gives you an opening to a new deck build or rebuild for your customer. Many of these customers will need a new deck and you will have the inside track offering this service. After completion of this course the “Wizard of Wood” and Staff will offer you support as you gain experience and confidence. We will also send you a hard copy of the manual, though you can also print it from the platform in each module. In summary, this course is for those starting out in Exterior Wood Care and Restoration. This course takes approximately 20-24 hours.