How to Build a Patio Deck Using Treated Lumber
Building a patio deck using treated lumber is very similar to building one with regular lumber. The only difference is you do not have to be concerned with rot and stains. Your new patio is also going to last longer. The best way to begin is by getting plans for your patio deck. You find them online for free, at a lumber store, or you can sketch out your own. Once you have your plans drawn up, determine how much wood you will need, by counting the number of flat boards, posts and railings your deck is going to use.
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Things You'll Need
- Treated patio planks (2 x 6" boards)
- Treated support planks (2 x 8" boards)
- Treated post beams (4 x 4" boards)
- Railing beams (2 x 4" or 4 x 4" boards)
- Hammer
- Nails (at least 2")
- Deck screws or anchors
- Metal braces, 90 degrees
- Concrete foundation forms or cinder blocks
- Saw
- Power driver
Instructions
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Laying the Foundation
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1
Measure your patio deck using a chalk line or large tape measure.
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2
Use spray paint to mark the ends of the deck and where the post beams will go, as well as the steps, if you are going to include any.
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3
Dig holes for your post beams and insert your concrete forms inside. If you are using cinder blocks or are using a foundation, skip this step.
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4
Lay your post beams into the holes and fill with concrete, or insert them into the cinder blocks. Use a level to ensure that they are straight, adjusting them as necessary as the concrete settles and dries.
Building the Patio Deck
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5
Cut your support planks (2 x 8" boards) to length by measuring from the outside of the post beams. Leave a two-inch overlap on the first two parallel support beams, since they will overlap the ends of the other beams.
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6
Attach the first two parallel support planks to the post beams using strong galvanized nails. Check them with a level to be sure the support beams are straight.
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7
Attach the second set of post beams to the other side, using a carpenter's level to ensure they are straight and flush.
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8
Measure and cut a center support plank, and install this dead center in the patio deck frame using metal 90 degree angle braces to secure the support beam.
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9
Install support beams in this fashion every 24."
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10
Lay your top patio planks on the frame of your deck. In most cases, you can lay a single treated board all the way across the deck. However, if your deck is very long, you may decide to stagger your planks, cutting them to form a pattern that is aesthetically pleasing and makes sense based on your deck dimensions.
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11
Secure the planks to the frame using 2" galvanized nails or deck screws, spacing each one about a quarter of an inch apart. An easy way to ensure each plank is the same width apart is to insert a screwdriver or 1/4" spacer between each plank before you nail it to the frame.
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