How to Understand the Parts of a Deck

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Constructing a deck will be much easier once you are familiar with the correct terms for the various elements of a deck. Though there are some differences between attached decks and freestanding decks, for the most part the following elements remain the same.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Pre-made Concrete Footings W/straps
Lumber

Step1

Concrete support footings: These provide the base for the pier blocks and the posts. Building codes determine the exact size and spacing. Footings are cast in place in undisturbed soil. In some areas you may need to add gravel for drainage.

Step2

Concrete pier blocks: These attach to the footings and provide support for the posts. Pre-made concrete pier blocks come with cast-in-place straps or post anchors. If you cast your own blocks, attach post anchors to them.

Step3

Posts: These are generally made from 4x4s. Anchor them to the concrete piers in order to provide support for the beams and joists.

Step4

Ledgers: These large 2 by 8 boards attach to the house or an adjoining solid structure. They provide support for the beams or joists.

Step5

Beams: These provide support for the joists. When you build an attached deck, one beam will sit opposite the ledger. For a freestanding deck, this beam will take the place of a ledger. Beams can sit directly on a post or can fit into the post. They are usually built of solid lumber - 4x6s or 4x8s.

Step6

Joists: These provide support for the decking and allow you to lay decking that wouldn't span from beam to beam. Joists can be attached directly to the ledger and beam (or beams) or they can sit on top of them.

Step7

Rim joists: These provide a finishing touch to the edges of a deck's substructure by covering the ends of the joists.

Step8

Bracing: These provide added support for tall posts and deck substructures. Blocking (lumber nailed between joists) helps reinforce joists and prevents them from twisting or buckling. Check building codes for bracing and blocking requirements.

Step9

Decking: This is the finished top of a deck, generally made with 2x6s. The pattern you choose for decking will affect the substructure and the overall look of the deck. Redwood, cedar, and pressure-treated pine are traditionally used for decking; newer synthetic materials that resemble these products are also available.