Build a Deck

From Builditwiki

• Decide on the location of the deck and the dimensions of the deck. Make sure there is adequate drainage where the deck will be built and fix the grading to make certain water will drain away from the house. Make certain the soil where the footings will go has been undisturbed to prevent settling later on.




• Set a ledger board against the outside of the house wall and attach with lag screws. Remove any siding to make sure the ledger lies flat and install flashing.




• Mark the foundation with string line, then mark the footing and post locations.




• Cast concrete footings in the ground with either pre made forms or build your own, then attach the concrete piers on top to hold the posts. (Check building codes for depth for footings.)




• Let footings cure for a week.




• Cut a post longer than the desired length, then set it in the post anchor on top of the pier.




• Using a carpenter's level, check that the post is plumb. Use a line level or water level to mark the post so it is the same height as will be the bottom of the joists. If the design calls for the joists to sit directly on the posts, mark the level and cut the post. If the design calls for joists to sit on a beam set on the post, subtract that height, then mark and cut the beam.




• Secure the post in place.




• Follow the same procedure for all other posts, marking and cutting them individually to allow for any height variations.




• Nail or bolt beams in place. Attach any necessary temporary bracing.




• Add any Rim joists.




• Starting at one end of the ledger, mark the location of the first joist. Continue marking along the ledger. Transfer the joist markings to a scrap piece of wood, then mark the beam opposite the ledger.




• Add joist hangers, then fasten the joists in place. Set the joists so the crown, or bowed side, faces up. Add blocking between the joists for stability.




• Set posts for railings and install railings that go through the deck.




• Add stairs now to make it easier to access the deck




• Apply protective finishes to the joists, posts and beams




• Cut the decking boards to the correct length, then start laying them across the joists, beginning at the ledger and setting the convex side up. Don't worry if the boards are a bit too long, they can be trimmed later.




• Fasten boards to the deck with nails or screws. Add spacing between the boards for drainage and to allow for air circulation.




• Adjust the width of the final board as needed, either by setting a slightly wider board in place or cutting one so it is less wide. Check as you go along to plan for this. Once the final decking board is in place, cut off any long ends.
• Add any remaining railings that are needed, check your local code for baluster spacing requirements, generally spacing should be less than 4" for child safety




• If pressure treated wood was used and it is still damp then wait till the surface of the wood is dry before applying paint or protective finishes.