How To Build a Deck Yourself

A deck can be a wonderful place to relax and grill out on, or it can be the focal point for an intimate social gathering. Although decks may seem complicated to build, they really are quite easy, provided you are willing to take the time and do it right. You can use these general plans to build a deck of any size yourself.

Things You'll Need

• Treated 4 x 4 boards Treated 2 x 6 boards Joist holders Deck screws Screw gun ½ strip of plywood Level Quick set concrete mix Bucket and water Tape measure Post hole digger Circular saw

Instructions

1. Lay out the four corners spanning where you want your deck to be. Measure diagonally from corner to corner to get exact measurements so that all sides are equal. Use the tape measure for this step, and get a partner to hold the end so that your measurements are precise.

2. Dig four post holes at the corners to approximately 24 inches deep. Use the posthole digger, and do not dig these holes when the soil is very wet or very dry, as it will make digging a hole difficult.

3. Set your corner posts solidly in the holes. Plant the 4 x 4's in corner holes. According to the directions on the concrete mix, mix concrete mix in bucket. Pour into hole until it is filled halfway. Level off the 4 x 4 in hole. Fill the rest of the hole with concrete. You will do the same thing for each corner post to make sure it is solid and level.

4. Attach all corners together on the outside with 2 x 6's. Make sure to level each 2 x 6 individually. You can build your deck as low as the ground, or as high as is comfortable. If you will be attaching this deck to a patio, the attachment boards should be 1 ½ inches lower than the doorway.

5. Attach 2 x 6's to the inside of the corner posts. These boards should be parallel with the boards on the outside, and provide exttra stability.

6. Trim the corner 4 x 4 posts flush with the connecting 2 x 6's. This completes your deck frame.

7. Put all of the joists for the deck in place. Depending on which way you want your floor boards to lay, the joists that support them must be attached in the opposite direction. Every 24 inches, attach a joist holder to the frame, and then attach a joist inside the joist holder. Make sure that the screws are holding the joists firmly in place, or everything will wobble.

8. Attach a deck board running the opposite way that the joists run. Use the screw gun and deck screws to make sure that the board is firmly in place.

9. Attach the rest of the deck boards. Take your plywood strip and rest it next to the attached deck board. Slide another board that butts up against the strip, and screw it down. Remove the plywood strip, and you will have a perfect ½ inch gap between the boards. Repeat this procedure with each deck board you put on.

10. Finish off the edges of your deck. If there is any overhang, cut the boards flush with your circular saw, and there is your new deck.

Tips & Warnings

• Depending on how large you want to build the deck, you may decide to add another upright supporting 4 x 4 along the connecting 2 x 6's at 24 or 36 inch intervals. The same can be done for the interior of the deck to better support the joists. Use either a wood preservative if you like the natural weathering look, or any colored stain you'd prefer if you want to finish your deck and seal it.

• Wear clothing that will not snag in the blades of the saw to avoid accidental injury.

Resources

• Check out lots of deck designs here.