How to Plan and Build a Deck Patio
There's nothing quite as relaxing as lounging on your deck, sipping a cool drink and enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. If you've always wanted a deck, you can plan and build it yourself. A deck can be any size, so even if your yard is small it can still accommodate one. You can also build a raised deck, which is perfect for an above-ground pool. Take the time to plan out your deck, then gather the materials and start building. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Marking spray paint
- Shovel
- Square
- 4x4x8 lumber
- 2x6 pressure-treated lumber
- Stringers for steps
- 3-inch lag screws
- Screw gun
- Circular saw
- Hammer
- Joist hangers
- 12-inch-square patio stones
- Precast concrete piers
- Paint or stain
- Nails
- Decking lumber
- Decking screws
Instructions
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1
Determine where the deck will sit, and decide its length and width. Also decide whether the deck will be up off the ground and require stairs, or if it will be ground height.
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Measure out the deck on the ground, and use marking spray paint to draw those lines. Also mark where the stairs will be placed if required. Clear this area of stones, stumps and any other debris. Use an herbicide to kill grass and weeds.
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3
Use 4x4s for posts if the deck will be raised. Cut the posts to the proper length, using one post for every 6 feet of patio length. Set the posts aside.
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4
Build the foundation of your deck a short distance from the spray-painted lines. Use four pieces of pressure-treated 2x6 lumber, positioned vertically and joined with 3-inch lag screws, to make the rectangular or square frame of your patio. Use a square to check the angles of the corners.
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Use nails to attach joist hangers and 2x6 joists to the inside of the frame. Place joists no more than 16 inches apart.
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Attach posts to each inside corner of the frame, if building a raised deck. Use at least two 3-inch lag screws on each side of the corner. Attach additional posts at 6-foot intervals.
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Place 12-inch-square patio stones at each corner of the spray-painted deck image, and at 6-foot intervals that match the posts on the deck frame. Level the patio stones. If erecting a raised deck, place precast concrete piers in each corner and wherever a post will sit. Level the concrete piers.
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Using helpers, carry the frame to the deck site and set it in place on the patio stones or piers. For a raised deck, use a level to be certain the posts are vertical, and then attach diagonal supports between each post using 2x6 lumber and 3-inch lag screws.
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Attach two stringers for the raised deck's stairs with at least two 3-inch lag screws on each stringer, drilled through the inside of the frame. Attach decking boards to form the treads of the steps.
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Lay decking boards perpendicular to the joists and attach them to the frame's edges and joists using two decking screws at each place the boards intersect. Leave a 1/8-inch gap between each piece of decking board.
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Paint or stain the deck.
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Tips & Warnings
There are many different decking materials available. Some are made of recycled material and require little to no maintenance. Learn about the different choices before purchasing.
Wear gloves and eye protection when sawing and/or drilling.
Keep children away from the construction area.
References
- Photo Credit altrendo images/Stockbyte/Getty Images
