How to Build a Wooden Deck

A wooden deck can be a great addition to any backyard. If built correctly, a sturdy deck can offer years of enjoyment.

Things You'll Need

• Lumber (based on the size of the deck): 2-by-6s or 2-by-4s, 2-by-8s, and 4-by-4 posts
• Cordless drill or hammer
• Exterior wood screws or 3 1/2-inch galvanized nails
• Counter sink drill bit
• Miter saw
• Circular saw
• Level (laser preferred)
• Bags of concrete mix
• Concrete tubes
• Shovel
• Post-hole digger
• Post holder
• Tape measure
• Ground spikes
• String
• Joist hangers
• Wood protectant

Instructions

1. Pick your location and mark off the dimensions with ground spikes and string. Make sure that it squares out by measuring from front to back, side to side and diagonally. Each set of measurements should be the same.

2. Call your local utility company and have them mark the deck location for power and water lines before you start digging. Also find out the frost-level depth for your area. Footings must be dug deep enough or they will heave, pushing the deck out of square.

3. Dig your footings. You can hire someone with a mechanical post-hole digger or rent one. The other option is to use a shovel and post-hole digger. Dig your holes wide enough to hold a concrete tube. The diameter of the tubes is based on the size of your deck. Cut the tube to the depth of your hole. Pour the concrete directly into the tubes and mix with water (don't overwater your concrete). Before your concrete sets, insert a long bolt or a post holder into the concrete. This is where you will attach the posts that hold your deck frame.

4. Attach your 4-by-4 posts. Put one on each of the footings. In general, posts will be around 8 to 10 inches in height. Make sure that their top height is level all the way around. Then attach 2-by-8 redwood boards to the front, back and sides of the posts.

5. Attach the crossbeams, which should be the same size boards you used for the outer frame (in this case 2-by-8). Use joist hangers to attach the crossbeams to the outer frame and secure.

6. Add the decking using 2-by-4 (preferred) or 2-by-6 redwood. Start by laying out all the wood you have so that you get a feel for how the deck lays out from front to back. Then attach the boards to the interior crossbeams with the exterior deck screws. Use the counter sink bit to put the screws in so that they sit under the top of the wood. Attach all your decking boards with six to eight screws. Then apply a wood protectant to seal and protect your new deck.

Tips & Warnings

• Use wood that will withstand outdoor conditions, such as redwood. Constantly check your measurements to keep your project square and level. Being slightly off in either of these areas will dramatically effect the finished piece.

• Call before you dig. Always have the utility company come out and mark the underground cabling before breaking ground. Make sure you know the frost level for your geographic location.