How to Build a Wood Deck

Having a wood patio deck built for the back completes a back yard into additional living space. In this article, you will learn how to assemble on yourself.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• level
• power drill
• circular saw
• tape measure
• framing square
• chalk line
• hammer
• goggles
• gloves
• dust mask
• shovel
• landscaper cloth (optional)
• auger
• jig saw
• 5 4x4
• 14 2x8x12
• decking
• decking screws
• rail kit

1. Prior to ever starting, you want to draw out the plans for what you are going to build. Take measurements and know how you want the deck to look. In this article, it will only describe a basic 12 x 12 deck.

2. Once you have the plans of the deck mapped out, it is time to clean up the area. The first thing that you want to do is to remove the grass. Once you remove the grass, you will need to level the ground and make sure that it is solid. Once it is level, you can lay landscaping cloth down to prevent weeds from growing though.

3. Once you have the ground leveled off, the footers can be set in place. Prior to setting the footers, you need to build the outside frame. The frame is built out of 2x8 or 2x10. All the under boards will be this size The backside and front side will need to be 12 foot exactly with the sides being 11 foot 8 inches each. The side boards will then be attached inside the back and front boards. When attaching, use 3 6" screws per board. This will help to reinforce the frame.

4. Once the frame is laid out, you want to set the 4 corner footers. If you are not using prebuilt footers, then it is recommended to use 4x4 post. Plant the post 24 inches and set them with cement to 2 inches from the top. Cover the rest with dirt. Make sure that the back board butts up to the frame of the house. You will need to get anchor screws to attach it to the home for more support. The frame should be level with the top of the 4x4 as well. (do not attach the frame yet) Once the corners are set, then you can set the other post. Each post should be no further than 4 foot apart at the most. The closer they are, the stronger it will be.

5. Once you choose the distance apart for the footers, this will tell you how many boards will be needed on the interior frame. You should have one board per footer going north and south and one per footer going east and west. All of these will need to be cut to size. Lay out all of the north and south first and attach each of them to the front and back board with 3 screws each.

6. Once the bottom has been laid out and all north/south boards attached, it is time to attach it to the footers. This will take a few people, so make sure that you have ample help. Using 4 inch screws, preset 3 on each side board where the corner post is. This will make it easier while trying to attach it. Also, if you predrill a hole in the board, the screw will go in easier. get one screw partially in on each corner before anyone lets go. Finish screwing in all the 12 screws.

7. Once all those screws are in, you can predill the holes for 3 screws per post and insert all of them. This will help to reinforce the deck throughout the structure. Once all is connected, then you can move forward.

8. The next process is simple. You will use the jig saw to make a 2 inch wide notch 4 inches deep if you used 2x8 and 5 inches if it is a 2x10. this will be on all of the interior north/south boards and will be right beside the footer. Once the east/west are cut to length, they can be mark to match the same notch spot. This will help to lock the boards together at ever spot. Once the east west is notched and slid in place, attach will 3 screws on the outside. This should be done on each side. Once that is done, then you can add three screws to the interior attaching them to the footer as well.

9. Once these steps are done, it is time to lay the floor. Make sure that your boards are at least 12 foot long, but I recommend buying 14 to 16 foot long. This way, you can either set some hangover, or butt it up. The oversize allows for precise cutting. Butt one side and let the over hang go to the other side. This way, you will only cut one side. Attach using screws at least every 4 feet.

10. Once you are ready for the steps and railing, my recommendation is to buy the premade ones. This is easier assembly and gives more variety.

Tips & Warnings

• Plan before doing.

• Have plenty of help

• Wear safety equipment.