Information on How to Build a Deck

Many people design and construct their own decks.

Many people build their own decks because the project is often not too difficult, and leaves plenty of room for creativity. In an afternoon a deck can be designed and measured to accompany any dwelling space. Many new materials for building decks are now available to consumers; poly composite decking and recycled wood decking are common choices because they resist the elements. Once the area for the deck is measured out, and you know where you'll attach it to the house, your deck can be built within a few days.

Things You'll Need

• Pencil
• Tape measure
• Level
• Post hole digger
• Shovel
• 8-inch cylindrical forms
• Cement mix
• Post saddles
• 4-by4-inch post
• 2-by-10-inch treated lumber
• Joist hangers
• 2-by-6-inch treated lumber
• 2-by-4-inch treated lumber
• 1-by-6-inch treated lumber
• Screw gun
• Corrosion-resistant wood screws

Instructions

Deck Foundation

1. Dig 8-inch diameter holes spaced no farther than 8 feet apart for the footings for your deck. If your deck is only 6 feet away from your house, still dig the holes to support the outside corners of your deck. If your deck is 16 feet away from the house, have one hole between the edge of the deck and the house. Dig holes below the frost line, or until you hit rock. Place the forms in the holes, and pour your cement mix in.

2. Screw your 2-by-10-inch board to your house 1 inch below the height you've planned for the deck. This is called a ledger board and is what the joists and joists hangers will be attached to. While attaching it to a house, siding is removed for the board, and then installed again once the deck is finished.

3. Screw the post saddles on the concrete forms. Be sure they are perpendicular to level ground. Screw in the 4-by-4 posts so the reach the desired height, minus 1 inch of your deck. Around the perimeter the posts can span as high as the rail, to use for supporting a rail.

4. Screw a 2-by-10 to the house side of the 4-by-4 posts. It should be at the same level and parallel with the ledger board on the house. If your deck is more than 8 feet away from the house, attach 2-by-10 boards to the posts between the perimeter posts and the house.

Fastening Joists and Decking

1. Screw joist hangers 16 inches on center on the ledger board and the 2-by-10 boards on the posts. They should be exactly 14 3/4 inches apart on both boards. The joist hangers on the ledger board should also line up with the joist hangers on the other 2-by-10 board.

2. Slide the 2-by-6 boards in to the joist hangers once they are cut for appropriate length. Screw through the joist hangers into the 2-by-6 boards so they stay secured. Always double-check to make sure the joists are perpendicularly on edge.

3. Lay your decking perpendicular to the 2-by-6 boards, and screw two screws into each 2-by-6 it lies across. If you are using treated or cedar decking, space the boards with a 1/4-inch gap to allow for expansion of the wood. If you are using a synthetic composite decking, there is no need to space out the boards.

Tips & Warnings

• Synthetic composite decking can be used instead of 1-by-6 treated lumber.

References

• Creative Back Yards: Deck Building Tips

Resources

• Start Remodeling: Deck Building & Repair
• Home Depot: Building a Deck