How to Build a Wood Deck
How to Build a Wood Deck
Enjoying the comforts of a nice drink on the backyard deck is a joy on hot summer nights. Quiet relaxation out-of-doors is just so right. Building your own wooden deck is easily accomplished if the right tools and plans are followed. Patience is the key, relaxation the reward.
Materials and Tools
You will be using a variety of tools and materials to build a wooden deck. If you find that you are unsure about how to use one of these tools it is wise to ask a home store sales person about it. Do not be afraid to keep asking questions. The costs associated with even a modest size deck are enough that they should be very willing to help. Although not definitive, some of the tools and materials that you will find yourself working with include: pressure treated lumber of various sizes, Skill Saw, hammer, drill with various bits, joist hangers, chalk line and a post hole digger.
The Layout
If you are building a wooden deck you need access to the deck from the interior of the home. This is likely a doorway or a sliding door. You will begin the process of layout at this point by making marks for the ledger board. By starting with the ledger board you are about to enter the domain of the building inspector. Because of this, it is wise to take a trip to the building department with a crude set of plans. He can give you guidance as to what is needed from his perspective.
Layout the ledger board with the knowledge that a step down of between 2-3″ is expected by most people leaving a doorway. Then add another inch for the deck board. This is the top of the ledger board. Make a mark on the building or transfer it to a batter board if the mark is too high off the ground to easily deal with. Measure down again and mark the bottom of the ledger board. This is also the top of your posts. Layout the deck and transfer exact measurements to your rough plan. The building inspector will tell you how many posts you will need for your footings.
Footings and Posts
Once you know how many footings you will need it’s time to dig the footing holes. Use your post hole digger to get going and then use your spade - it will likely be faster. If you live in a frost area make sure that you dig at least four inches past the frost line (generally four feet.) Buy some cardboard forms from the home store and put them in your holes. They should come up to a few inches short of the top of the hole. Fill with pre-mixed concrete. After they set put a metal clasp into the cement. This will accept your posts.
Measure your posts to the bottom of the ledger board and lay out the decking. You have a choice of wood types ranging from pressure treated lumber to recycled materials. Lay them out leaving spaces made with your galvanized deck screws and screw on the deck boards. Complete rails to code and you’re ready to relax.