A dip in the pool is a refreshing way to relax in the heat of a summer’s day. Building a pool deck will add to the experience and is a fairly straightforward project. All that is needed is a good plan and a few friends.
Required Materials
- 2×6” pressure treated stock
- 4×4” pressure treated post stock
- floor joists
- joist hangers
- prefab railings
- 2 ½ inch galvanized deck nails
- cement
- sand
- water
- bolts
- galvanized deck nails
- 2 ½” deck screws
- spray paint/stakes
- foundation tube
- post anchor
- floor joists
Required Tools
- hammer/air gun
- circular saw/table saw
- wheelbarrow
- shovel
- tape measure
- level
- pencil/paper
Instructions
- Layout – The layout of your pool deck depends upon the type of pool you have installed. An in-ground pool will likely mean a concrete or tiled pool deck. An aboveground pool will likely dictate a wood platform pool deck. Either way, you will need to decide upon the width of the pool deck. Mark the dimensions on the plan or draw a plan including the dimensions if you have not already done so. Try to use standard board lengths to minimize cutting.
- Foundations – Most standard 2×6” stock comes in 10’ lengths. Measure and mark the locations of footings with spray paint or stakes. Dig foundation holes below the frost line (approximately four feet.) Place a concrete foundation tube so that the top of the tube is approximately 3” below the ground. If required, get approvals first. Then fill the tubes with cement and place a post anchor into the concrete before it sets.
- Framing – If access to the pool deck is from a doorway, measure 4” down from the door sill to find the top of the deck joists. Install a 2×6” ledger board as a level and height point. Make sure that the posts are vertical with your level board. Using 2×6” stock, pre-drill and bolt the deck frame. Install the frame on to the posts using bolts. Install floor joists hangers on to the deck frame with nails at a spacing of 16” apart. Nail floor joists into place.
- Installing the Decking – Cut 2×6” stock to length. Sand over all ends and corners to prevent foot injury. Be sure not to leave any overhang, as railings will attach to the deck frame. Lay out decking stock, making sure to alternate the grain patterns up and down. This will help to keep the deck flat if boards are slightly cupped. Leave a nail’s width between boards for drainage. Pre-drill and install decking with 2 ½” deck screws.
- Installing Railings – Most home stores will carry pre-made railings. Drill and bolt railing posts to deck frame, checking for horizontal and vertical level as you go. Pre-drill and screw the railings to the posts and deck frame. In some instances, you may want to check the stiffness of the railing stiles and shore up with screws.
- Other Considerations – Some pressure-treated stock does not accept paint or stain very well. Check before you buy. If you will be staining, try to do so before you install the pieces. Most localities require a fence around pools. Check with your building inspector.
For more information on How to Build a Pool Deck read:
How to Build a Pool Deck
How to Build a Pool Deck
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