How to Build a Wooden Patio Deck

Building a wooden patio deck is one of the most popular house upgrades there is and for good reason. A wooden deck adds space, character, and beauty to any landscape. Building a wooden patio is not very difficult if you are handy, but it does require planning and you must have legal permission permitting you to build a wooden patio deck.  

1. Find out if you will be able to get a permit to build your patio deck. Rules on building on to your home are very strict and you must abide by the zoning laws in your area to prevent legal problems. They will expect you to submit plans for your patio. Make a checklist of all the requirements needed when building.


2. Make sure you already have a complete plan of action for building your deck. Know before hand the dimensions you want your patio to be, where you want the stairs, how water will drain from the deck, what you want the view to be, etc.


3. Draw out a rough draft of the design you want. You don't have to be a great artist as long as you understand your plans. Make sure you have all the proper dimensions for your foundation and your frame before you begin building.


4. Lay out the area you want the foundation of your deck to be using batter boards and string. These should have the same shape as you intend your wooden patio deck to have.


5. Use a ledger board to attach the foundation to your home with lag bolts.


6. Fix the bottom area of where the deck is going to go by smoothing out the ground.


7. Dig holes on all four corners of the deck for posts that will support the deck. Slide the posts into the holes and fill them with concrete.


8. Make sure your foundation is secure and all your boards are in place. Start adding the railing by securing the railing verticals to the decks foundation.


9. Set the deck boards in place on top of the foundation. Be sure to space the boards about an eighth of an inch apart to give them room to swell and expand. When placing the deck boards use a level to make sure they are on a very slight slant of about an eighth of an inch as well. This will allow water to drain from the deck. If you prefer you can let the boards hang over the edge of the foundation.


10. Add the stairs to your deck. Use a wood finisher and install trim to give your deck a finished look.