Things You'll Need:
- Lumber of assorted sizes
- Concrete piers
- Decking material
- Level
- Chalk box
- Measuring tape
- Circular saw
- Lag bolts
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Step 1
Create a set of drawings for the deck design. Place measurements, locations of rail, steps and entryways on the drawing. Show the angled decking as you would like for it to appear when finished.
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Step 2
Use measuring tape to locate the corners and support post for the deck. A rectangle design can be repeated at different heights to form a more complicated deck. Make the deck any shape you like.
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Step 3
Joist bolted to existing houseBolt one joist to the house on a level line as shown. Extend it from one end of the deck to the other. It must be secured to a solid structural part of the house.
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Step 4
Deck post -- side viewPlace concrete piers and post at support locations. Cut a notch in the post and bolt the joist and post together as shown in the diagram. Make each notch level with all other notches and the joist that is bolted to the house. Use a temporary joist to mark each post if necessary.
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Step 5
Deck joist locationsBuild the floor joist to run perpendicular to the house. One joist should be used as an end joist placed parallel to the side of the house. Place temporary braces underneath to hold the joist square with the house. The joists must be placed at 90 degree angles from the house.
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Step 6
Chalk line locationMeasure 3 feet from one corner in two directions and chalk a line on the joist.
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Step 7
Decking placed on joistPlace decking in line with the chalked line. Place the decking so the ends extend past the outside joists. Leave 1/8 inch cracks between each piece of decking and cover the entire deck.
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Step 8
Chalk a line on top of the decking flush with the edge of the outside joist. Use a circular saw to cut all the decking pieces at the same time along this line.
