How to Construct a Deck

A Simple Deck

What is more inviting after a hard day at the office than a nice relaxing evening sitting on a deck you built yourself? Not that you would ever vie for the envy of your neighbors -- but it is a good feeling knowing that you have built something that friends and family can enjoy. Get ready for the barbecues and parties to be centrally located on your new deck. The instructions here are for an 8'x10' deck with 30'' handrails.

Things You'll Need

• Two 8-foot 2"x8" pieces of pretreated lumber
• Eight 10-foot 2"x8" pieces of pretreated lumber
• Forty-six 8-foot 2"x4" pieces of pretreated lumber
• Twelve joist hangers to fit 2"x8" pretreated lumber
• 1-¼" inch deck screws (for joist hangers)
• 2-½" inch deck screws (for assembly of deck)
• Sixteen 3" hex head lag screws
• Four 8-foot 4"x4" pretreated posts
• Four stakes
• Concrete
• Posthole diggers
• Skill saw
• Screw gun
• Ratchet and socket (for lag screws)
• Heavy duty extension cord
• Carpenter’s level
• Carpenter’s square
• Line level
• Heavy string

Instructions

Layout and Setting Posts

1. With sticks and string, mark out the 8'x10' area where the deck will be located. Mark the four corner posts. Dig four postholes 18" to 24" deep to determine the corners of the deck.

2. Set corner posts with concrete. Plumb with a carpenter’s level. Let concrete set up.

3. One one post, measure up from the ground to the desired height of the deck and make a mark. Drive a screw here and tie a string around it. Stretch string to the next post.

4. Place line level on string to enable a level mark on the other posts. Leave the line attached to the posts for now.

5. Measure the 8-foot 2"x8" treated lumber to be sure it is exactly 96", and be certain the ends are square. Secure them to the posts with the 2-½" deck screws (to hold them in place), making certain they are level (level line string). Screw two of the lag screws on each frame piece into the posts.

Setting Up the Frame

1. Repeat Step 5 for the 10-foot 2"x8" lumber, making sure the ends are square and the overall length is exactly 120"..

2. Starting at one end of the deck frame, make a mark every 16 inches. Center the joist hangers with these marks and secure them to the frame with 1-¼" deck screws.

3. Square the ends of the floor joists to fit into the joist hangers. Secure with 1-¼" deck screws.

4. For a more secure floor joist, drive 2-½" deck screws into the ends of the floor joists through the deck frame.

5. Starting at one end of the deck frame, lay out the 8-foot 2"x4" lumber for the floor of the deck. Leave a small space between the pieces for expansion in the heat of summer. Secure them to the frame and floor joists with the 2-½" deck screws.

Handrails and Completion

1. Lay out the 8-foot 2"x4" lumber for the handrails. Secure 27" vertical pieces on 16" centers to support the top rails with 2-½" deck screws. The corner posts will act as the vertical pieces on each end. Secure the handrails to the deck with 2-½ " deck screws.

2. Repeat Step 12 for the other sides of the deck. Leave an opening in one, to provide an exit off one side of the deck, if desired.

3. Clean debris and dust from the deck and seal with water sealer to protect the wood.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear safety glasses.

• Use four posts, even if one end of the deck is attached to the house.

• You may need a stair stringer if the deck is high enough off the ground to warrant one.

• Don't breathe concrete dust.

Resources

• Deck Basics for DIY’ers