How to Build a Deck
A cool summer’s night does not need much more than a nice comfortable place to enjoy it. A backyard deck can add a special touch to that evening, while serving as a wonderful entertainment location. With the right tools and a good set of plans, building a deck is fairly simple.
Required Materials
- 2’x4” stock
- post stock
- 2×10” stock
- post anchors
- floor joists
- bolts
- quick-set cement
- sand
- foundation tube
- nails
- screws
Required Tools
- hammer
- circular saw/table saw
- wheel barrow
- shovel
- drill with assorted bits including counter sink
- level
- hose
- pencil/paper
Instructions
- Layout - In most instances, a deck will be accessed through a doorway. The doorway is usually a kitchen door, or a sliding door. In either event, there should be a 2-3 inch step down to the deck from the door threshold. Use stakes to layout the shape of the deck, keeping in mind standard board lengths. Sketch your plan with preliminary dimensions and show it to the building inspector for requirements.
- Digging & Filling Foundation Holes - Begin by digging foundation holes below the frost line (generally four feet), approximately 18-24” wide. Place the cement cone into the hole. It should be 3” below ground level. Ask the inspector for a sign off, and mix/pour concrete into the foundation tube. Attach the anchor when the cement is still slightly wet.
- Framing - Measure and attach the 2×10” ledger board. To find the ledger board location, go to the doorway and measure down three inches and then another inch for the thickness of the deck. This will be the top of the floor joists. Make sure the ledger board is level, and nail it to the house. Lay out the deck edges using the ledger board as a level guide. Install posts and bolt face boards to the posts. Attach floor joist hangers at 16” on center. Install floor joists.
- Install Decking - Install the decking with a drill and deck screws. Make sure to alternate the grain patterns of the floor boards to aid in preventing warping pockets. Use a nail to space the boards, so water may drain through. There are many choices when it comes to decking material. Several species of wood work very well, while recycled material has become very popular, not only for its recycled elements but for it’s durability and look. Once the decking has been laid and nailed, the board sides will be hidden until you pull them up. Painting the decking before it is laid down is a good idea.
- Installing Stairs - If you are good at math, you can take measurements and build your own stair stringers. If not, you can buy stringers and build with them. In either case, make sure that there is plenty of room at the entry portal for two people to enter or leave. If you will be using a stair riser that blocks water flow, make sure to drill a few holes to prevent rot. Railings can also be purchased. Just remember to check with the building inspector to make sure that the rules are being followed.