Deck-building is a project you’ll tackle in stages, no matter what deck design you choose. The photos on these next four pages provide an overview of the primary stages involved in a typical deck project. The chapters that follow will explore each of these stages in depth.
In this overview, an old, worn deck is replaced with a slightly larger new deck with approximately 180 square foot of outdoor living space (not including the steps). As decks go, it’s average in size and the structural techniques are standard. The deck is supported by a ledger board attached to the rim joist of the home, and three main posts set atop large concrete footings. A second set of smaller posts supports the stairs. The 2 × 2 railing balusters are custom-cut on site and topped with a 2 × 6 cap. The structural elements are all made with pressure-treated pine; the decking and the more visible lumber is also pressure-treated pine, but it is pre-colored to a cedar tone so it does not require a finish coating.
An average size deck built with standard construction practices is still a major undertaking. Be sure to plan well and arrange for plenty of help at key points, such as when digging and pouring the footings and installing the central beam. In most areas any deck attached to the home requires a building permit issued by your municipality, and there likely will be several on-site inspections required. For this deck, inspection of the footing holes was needed to confirm that they are sufficiently wide and that they extended past the frostline (here, a minimum of 42 inches deep). An additional inspection was done once the undercarriage was completed (before the decking was installed), and a final inspection also was required.
Step 1
Install a ledger to anchor the deck to the house and to serve as reference for laying out footings. Use batterboards and mason’s strings to pinpoint the right locations for the footings, and check to make sure the layout is square by measuring the diagonals.
Step 2
Pour concrete post footings, and install metal post anchors. Set and brace the posts, attach them to the post anchors, and mark the posts for cutting at the point where the beam will be attached.
Step 3
Fasten the beam to the main posts with post caps. Install the outside joists and the header joist, using galvanized nails. Measure between the outer rim joists and then cut and install a front rim joist parallel to the ledger.
Step 4
Install the internal joists using metal joist hangers at the ledger. Attach the other ends using hangers or nails according to your approved plan.
Step 5
Lay decking boards, and trim them to length after installation (pages 107 to 119). If desired for appearance, clad the structural members with fascia boards.
Step 6
Build the deck stairs. If three or more stairs are built a grippable handrail is required.
Step 7
Install a railing around the deck and stairway. A railing adds a decorative touch and is required on any deck that is more than 30″ above the ground.
