Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Build Your Own Deck
If you are someone that is handy with tools and likes to build things, then you can easily build your own attached deck. No matter what design you choose for your deck, the basic instructions will be the same. Make sure before you begin this project that you have all the supplies and tools that you will need.
You will need:
Tools
- Hammer
- Levels
- String line
- Joist hangers
- Bulb planters
Supplies
- Galvanized nails
- Lag screws
- Flashing
- Concrete pliers
- Benches
- Ledgers
- Check the grading, as well as the drainage in the area where the deck will be built. Try not to disturb the soil where you will be placing footing because, to prevent settling, they must be in undisturbed soil.
- Set the ledger against a solid structure, such as the side of the house and attach it using lag screws. It must be a flat surface. Keep the thickness and height of the material you are using, as well as how high you want your deck to be. For instance, if you want it to be level with a floor of your home, the deck should come to the bottom of the door jamb when finished.
- Install flashing between any wood and the side of the house. If the house is stucco, you can skip this step.
- Mark the location of the foundation using a string line, and then mark the locations of the footing and posts.
- Cast concrete footings in the ground and attach them to concrete piers which will be used to hold the posts. The piers can be casted in place or purchased pre-made.
- Give the footings at least a week to completely cure.
- Cut posts that are slightly longer than they are needed to be and then place it in the post anchor, located on top of the pier.
- Use a level to make sure that the post are plumb and then use a line level to mark the posts so that they are the same height as the bottom of the joists.
- Set the posts in place and secure them.
- Use bolts or nails to place beams and any bracing. Also add rim joists, making sure that they are square.
- Start at one end of the ledger and mark the location of the joists and then mark the beam that is opposite of the ledger the same way.
- Add joist hangers and secure each joist in place. The joists should be set so the the bowed side is face up. Also add blocking for stability.
- Add stairs.
- Apply a protective finish to the substructure of the deck.
- Cut the boards you will be using so that they are the right length and begin laying them across the joists. Start at the beginning of the ledger.
- Use either screws or nails to attach the boards to the substructure.
- Place the final board and adjust the width of it as needed.
- Cut off any uneven ends of the boards.
- Add a railing and stairs if you did not do so earlier.
- Apply any necessary protective finishes.
- Add benches, planters, and chairs to the finished deck.