How to Build a Frame for a Small Deck

Finished deck on deck blocks

A small deck can be a special space that invites you and your guests to bring your lifestyle outdoors. A deck off the living room or kitchen is ideal for enjoying a meal al fresco, while an intimate deck off the bedroom can become your private outdoor hideaway. If you've wanted a deck, but have been fretting about the cost of hiring a builder, relax. Start with something small and simple: a free-standing deck. The experience will teach you some of the most important tricks of the trade.

Things You'll Need

• Deck blocks 2-x-6 pressure treated lumber Galvanized wood screws, 2 1/2 in. Screwdriver or power drill Level

Instructions

1. Before you pick up a board or a tool, do some preliminary work. Decide the dimensions of the deck and draw a plan. Select the perfect spot before you begin to build the frame. Position it to make the most of the natural environment whether it's sun, shade or simply the best views. In addition, contact the local building authorities to learn if you'll need a building permit.

2. 

   For a small simple free-standing deck built close to the ground, use deck blocks for your foundation. You might want to pour round concrete footers (use 8-inch fiberboard forms to keep things easy) to set your deck blocks, especially if the soil expands and contracts with the weather. The aim is to provide a firm foundation for the deck blocks.

3. To create a rectangular deck approximately 10-x-10 feet, set the deck blocks in three parallel lines of five blocks each, leaving 4 feet between lines. In each line, set blocks approximately 2.5 feet apart so you have five lines of three blocks each.

4. Cut support boards for the deck frame. Measure and cut five 2-x-6 treated boards to the length that will give your deck the dimensions you want. In this example, each board should be cut to approximately 10.5 feet in length.

5. Starting at one end of the foundation with a three-block line, fit a treated 2-x-6 support board into the grooves of all three deck blocks in the line. Continue until you have set all five boards. Use a level to even up the support boards.

6. Measure and cut two end boards 10 feet long. Attach the end boards to each open end of your deck's frame. Use 2 1/2-inch galvanized wood screws or lag screws to attach the end board to the butt end of each support board. Place at least two screws in each support board.

Tips & Warnings

• Select the best materials for the frame---after all, it's the foundation for the rest of the structure. Use real wood, pressure treated 2-x-6, to build the frame; it provides the best structural support.

Resources

• Deck Blocks