How to Build a Circular Deck
How to Build a Circular Deck
Circular designs are by far the most optimum choice when it comes to curved decks that need railings. However, most
circular curved decks need a long cantilever, which is a limitation that limits the size of your circular deck. It is
fairly easy to lay down circular decks and you can easily do it by using the simplest of geometrical concepts. All you
need is a long compass tool, known as a trammel, something that is available in most hardware stores.
Use of the artistic looking irregular curves should be limited to low decks, since it is difficult to construct such
kinds of curve. These also work pretty well for all large decks, the reason being that the amount of overhang that will
be there on the cantilever is relatively short when you compare it to a circular curve.
Step 1: Start off by installing the posts and beams for a cantilever deck. Cut the joists just slightly
longer than their intended final length, and then attach them all carefully to both the ledger and the beam. Secondly
add the cross blocking between the two outside joists thereby ensuring that they remain secure and plumb.
Step 2: Carefully mark the spacing of the joist on a 1 by 4 brace, and then take it across to the tops of the
joists to the point where you want the deck cover to begin. Then measure the basic distance between the edges inside
the outer joists that are there at each side of the beam. Divide this particular measurement that you get in half which
will help you to figure out the radius of the circular curve.
Step 3: Then build a trammel by fastening one end of a 1 by 2 to the centre of the curve, using long nail.
Step 4: Use a protractor to establish the level angles that you will be using to cut the joists. Carefully
position the squares that will enable you to align the layout mark on the joist, and then find the exact degree
measurement by carefully following the very edge of the joist down to the pivot point and marking the area where it
actually intersects the degree scale on a square.
Step 5: You can cleverly use a combination square and extend the cutting lines both down the front and also the
back faces of the joists. Moreover, the joists where the curve actually begins, carefully mark the square cutting lines
where the circular curve actually touches the edge that are inside of the joists.
Step 6: Then carefully cut off each part of the joist using a circular saw set at the most optimum level.
Tightly clamp a straightedge to the joist, which will provide you with a guide for the foot of the saw. Then on the
outside of the joists where the circular curves begin, carefully make 90-degree incisions. Use a saw to cut of the
joists.