How To Build a Wood Deck

Easy to Moderate

Introduction

So you want to build a deck? Building a deck is a task that will take some major planning and preparation. You should carefully determine exactly what purpose you want that deck to serve, and then plan the most functional design to match your space. Decks are used for many purposes, they surround hot tubs, they house BBQ equipment, they are often integrated with fire pits and waterfalls. The highest and best use of your new deck depends on the planning you put into it. Will you build a budget friendly design that can be added onto over time to eventually become the deck of your dreams? or does your budget allow that now? Will your deck be multi level or one single surface? Does it encompass stairs and railings or will it be accessible from all angles and gradually step down in every direction? Whatever the design and purpose for your new deck, we will help you achieve exactly what you are after. All you have to do is follow the step by step instructions described in the information below and you will soon be enjoying the benefits of having your own brand new deck. We have rounded up a few resources that will send you on your way to laying out and building your new outdoor space. Below you will find several videos describing the how too's of deck building. There are also text pages and books to reference your new project. Remember, The DIY Home Pro rockets through cyberspace to find the best and most informative information to guide you through all of your projects. Anytime you need to find out how to do something yourself, The DIY HOME PRO is the place to come first!

Quick Links

Introduction
What You'll Need

The Technique
Books and DVDs

Hire A Contractor
Ask Our Experts

Tools Needed
Materials Needed

What You'll Need

We have provided links below for tools and materials needed to complete a professional looking and very functional wood deck. These are all provided with the online discount so you can save money while having them delivered directly to your door!

The Tools You'll Need

Circular Saw

We have provided links for both; a basic economical circular saw that will easily help you construct your new project, or a little more expensive model that has a few more options. Either one of these saws will be sufficient in creating your new deck and many more projects to come! The circular saw will be used to cut all beams, all joists, and all of the horizontal decking to the correct lengths.

Level

Here is a link to a professional rated "Box level" these box levels are extremely accurate and hold their accuracy a little better if they get banged around like all levels eventually are. Don't spend a bunch of money building a deck without having a good level on hand! Great Deal on a Level at Amazon

Tape Measure

A tape measure is one of the basic tools needed for this and almost all indoor/outdoor projects. The DIYHomePro recommends that you get a good quality tape measure, one that is easily readable, and one that is constructed well. Great Deal on a Tape Measure at Amazon

Hammer

A hammer is another basic tool that will be used for many various projects. A good quality hammer is important to avoid any unneeded frustration when using the tool. Great Deal on a Hammer at Amazon

Square

A carpenters square will come in very handy for layout of the deck, after all, you do want it square to the house or attached structure, don't you? Great Deal on a Square at Amazon

The Materials You'll Need

Brackets

You will basically need two different types of brackets for this project; a heavy bracket for which you will only need one at each corner, post-base brackets to secure the support posts to the cement foundation, these are very important for securing the deck structure!

Deck Screws

We highly recommend deck screws to hold your structure together. Screws do not pull out over time like nails do, leaving your deck weak and flimsy. Make sure you purchase outdoor rated screws such as these on the provided link to avoid any rust problems.

Sealer

When you complete that deck you will want to seal it to preserve the wood. This will help it stay beautiful and last a long time.

4" X 4" Cedar or Redwood Posts

These posts come in 8' to 12' lengths and can be cut as needed for your specific application. The posts can be purchased at your local home improvement store, the price will vary according to the length and the store from which they are purchased. The posts are used to support the frame of your new deck.

2" X 12" Redwood or Cedar Boards

When building your new deck the dimensions of the framing boards are regulated by the length of the span that the board will run and the load it will bear. In most cases the span will be 12' or longer so we recommend 2"x12" boards to handle the load. This will give you a stronger frame structure keeping the deck from bouncing when you walk on it. These boards can be purchased at your local home improvement store.

2" X 6" Redwood or Cedar Boards

These boards will be used to cover the surface of the deck. Good quality and straight boards are needed for this part of the project! You can purchase these boards at your local home improvement store, the prices will vary according to the lengths and quality of the boards.

Cement

Cement can be purchased at your local home improvement store. The purpose of the cement is to secure the support posts in the holes you dug at the beginning of the project. Cement can be purchased by the bag and sold in a ready mix formula so all you have to do is pour it in the hole and add water!

The Technique

Building a deck is a very large process, one that takes a lot of planning, encompassing several steps. For your convenience we have provided 4 different videos breaking the steps down one at a time. We have also provided a printable version of a step-by-step article click here.

Starting with the Base

Here is a very informative video showing you how to layout your deck and set the support posts for the main structure. In this video you learn how to attach your base to an existing structure, like your house for example. This allows weight transfer to your house foundation and aids in stabilizing your new deck. You will learn about cementing your posts below the freeze/thaw line. You will also find out how to set up the parameter by intersecting masons lines to make sure your project starts out square and true.

Moving to the Frame

The next step in your project will be attaching the horizontal support beams to the posts you installed in phase one. Next you will attach the support joists to the horizontal beams, this will give your decking something to be nailed to. Be sure to pay attention to the local codes for span lengths. These are the allowable distances between support posts or blocks. Basically, more support is always better!

Installing the Decking

This is always my favorite part, putting on the surface. If you have carefully followed the previous instructions, you will now have a sturdy frame structure to mount your surface to. Putting on the surface goes pretty fast and it is exciting to see some real progress. Be sure to stagger your joints when installing the decking. This will make the deck sturdy and provide a longer lasting surface. Lets get going!

Steps and Railings

Well now that it is starting to look like a deck, lets go to the finishing steps. Many decks (especially those that are over three feet above the ground) have railings around the parameter, these railings help to insure that people don't walk off an area that does not have steps. Railings also add to the aesthetics of your deck by defining the edges. In this video you will learn how to calculate and build steps that join one surface to the other. Whether it is the deck to the ground or the deck to another surface of a multi level deck, it is all here. Enjoy!

From Start to Finish

The following link is a text article in much detail including pictures showing each step of the process of laying out and building a deck. The article takes you through planning, materials, and design. We found this article very informative, supplying all needed information to help you accomplish building your new deck. As always The DIY Home Pro came through for you again! Enjoy! View the Article >>>

Books and DVDs

Building A Deck

"Building a Deck", is an excellent book that covers everything from designing your new deck, creating a plan to build that deck, estimating size and cost of the materials for the deck and finally the complete construction. Yes everything from digging the support holes to nailing down the decking boards is covered in this book! This would be a great tool for this and every other deck you ever build.

Decks

Well the title is basic but the book is not! "Decks" covers virtually every phase of planning, designing and building your new deck. Whether you are a seasoned builder or a first timer, this book has all of the information to successfully get you through the job. You will see detailed information types of wood, suggested building methodology and standard safe practices for constructing your project. This is a good reference manual for building any type of decking surface.

Hire A Professional Contractor

Not convinced you want to go it alone? Angie's List is a great place to find a licensed professional contractor who specializes in working with tile. Angie's List allows you to view ratings and read reviews from other customers who have hired these contractors in the past. When hiring a contractor always remember to check references and get a written estimate.