Planning and Purchasing
Step1
Choose a relatively level area of your yard for your deck.
Step2
Measure the area. Then measure it again.
Step3
Using graph paper make a diagram of the area. Each square will be a foot. So, if your deck is going to be 12 x 9 feet, you would count out 12 squares going across, and 9 squares going down. Draw around these.
Step4
Count three squares across and draw a line down, then three more and continue until you have reached the end. These will be one half of your deck supports.
Step5
Count three squares down, and draw a line across, then three more and continue until you have reached the end. These are the rest of your supports.
Step6
At the intersection of each line place a large dot. These will represent where you will place the deck anchors.
Step7
Determine the direction of the top of your deck. That is do you want the top boards parallel to the house or perpendicular. Using a different color draw three lines through each row (or column), these will represent the top boards.
Step8
Verify your measurements. Then purchase pressure treated 2x4's to match each of your lines, base and top. Though the 2x4's for the top do not necessarily have to be pressure treated.
Step9
Count the dots and purchase a corresponding amount of deck anchors.
Step10
Place your tent stakes at each corner of your soon-to-be-deck, and then every three feet in between, all the way around.
Step11
Run your string between the tent stakes. You will have a giant tic-tac-toe board made of string and dirt when you are finished, and it should match your diagram.
Assembly
Step1
Now verify your measurements. Measure your string model. Measure it again. Then using your circular saw, cut your wood. Remember, if you cut it wrong, you can't put it back, so be sure your measurements are correct.
Step2
Place deck anchors at the intersection of each string. Make sure the string matches the slots.
Step3
If your floor boards are going to be perpendicular to the house, place the parallel boards in the slots provided on the deck anchors. Place the perpendicular ones first if the floor will be parallel.
Step4
Then place the perpendicular boards in the remaining slots. You should now have a wooden tic-tac-toe board.
Step5
Screw the frame together at the corners.
Step6
Level the deck frame. Place you level everywhere. Dig out under the deck anchors to make it perfectly level.
Step7
Place the floor boards parallel on top of the perpendicular frame boards, with the 4 inch side up. Do not place them tight against each other, leave a small gap for drainage.
Step8
Drive a screw every place the floor board touches a frame board. Make sure that the boards are even at the ends. Continue like this all the way across.
Novice 
