Building a Deck: Overview

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A deck is one of the most basic structures in home construction, and most do-it-yourselfers have the skills to build one.
  On this page, you can browse through some of the main things to consider before construction begins:

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Planning a Deck

The key element in building a deck is the plan, which can serve as a guide throughout construction if it's been properly sized and drawn for existing codes and lumber tolerance.
Planning a deck doesn't require an architect or a drafting professional. A hand-drawn sketch will be sufficient for purchasing materials, getting a permit and guiding construction.
But there are many issues involved with building a deck, problems can arise and a first-time deck builder should probably get professional help with the design since there's no substitute for a good plan. And the more inexperienced the builder, the better the plan should be.

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Key Issues in Building a Deck

How will the deck lay out in relation to the house?

This is probably the most basic issue since many factors will have to be considered and accommodated in the deck plan: the home's design, access in and out of the house (the project doubles in scope if a new door has to be put in), the space available outside, the grade of the yard which impacts the deck's height and existing trees or gardens.

How will it attach to the house?

Decks can be built free-standing. But for convenience most people do want them attached to the house, and that raises questions about how the siding will be cut away at the point of attachment and whether there's solid house framing accessible at that point to properly support the deck.

How many footings and posts will be needed to support the deck and where will they go?

Footings and posts support the beams which support the joists and the deck boards. The bigger deck, the more footings you'll need.

What size beams will be needed for the spans between posts?

There are formulas to determine the sizes based on the spans. But the general rule is that the more footings used on a given span the smaller the beams need to be, so maximizing the footings will minimize the beams and vice-versa.

What size joists will be needed at what spacing to span between beams?

Joist size can vary from 2x6 to 2x10, and the spacing can be 12", 16" or 24" on center. Again there are formulas to determine the sizes and the spacing, but the bigger the deck, the bigger the joists and the closer you'll need to space them for proper support.

What size will the deck boards be?

The most popular sizes are 2x4, 2x6 and 5/4x6. The most obvious difference is in the board width: 2x4's produce more seams in a deck surface than 2x6's. You'll need more 2x4's to cover a surface, but it ends up being about the same amount of wood overall and about the same price.

What what kind of wood will the deck boards be?

Redwood, cedar and pressure-treated pine are all popular deck board options. Each will resist moisture decay, and even though they look very different when new they all weather to a similar shade of gray. Many people will prefer one over the others, but your choice will probably be determined by price, availability and quality which vary greatly for each of the three options.

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Building Permits

Most municipalities will require a building permit for the construction of any deck, especially if it's to be attached to the house or it's more than 30 inches above ground.
It's an important part of the process because of the health and safety issues involved and because of the money it can save you by spotting potential problems, avoiding damage and repairs later on. Plus some homeowners insurance policies will not cover accidents involving construction that does not meet local codes.
There's a fee involved with most permit applications, but it's designed to cover the cost of a plan review before construction and the field inspections that'll be done after work begins.
During the plan review, local code officials can note code conflicts in your plan before materials are purchased and make suggestions as needed.
Field inspections help insure that you're installing materials safely and according to code, so be sure to find out what inspections are required in your area.
For example, in areas where frost footings are required, they'll probably want to inspect the depth of your footings before you fill them so don't forget to call them when you get to that stage.

NOTE: The plan review and inspections are not designed to be a guarantee of the work but are done to improve the building safety in the community for the life of the structure.

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Materials

If you bring them the dimensions, most home centers and lumberyards will quickly estimate the amount of lumber and other materials and arrange delivery to your home when you're ready to start building.
Lumber options are limited since the framing should all be pressure-treated pine or the heartwood of decay-resistant species such as redwood or cedar to prevent moisture decay (required by code in most areas) and the sizes are determined by the plan.
Note that columns and posts in contact with the ground or embedded in concrete must be of special pressure-treated wood approved for ground contact.

Typical Lumber Dimensions:

Deck Posts (4x4 or 6x6)

Beams (4x6, double or triple 2x6, 2x8 or 2x10)

Joists (2x6, 2x8 or 2x10)

Stair Stringers (2x12)

Deck Boards/Stair Treads (2x4, 2x6 or 5/4x6)

Railing Posts (4x4)

Rails (2x4's or 2x6)

Spindles (2x2)

Skirt boards/Fascia (1x8, 1x10 or 1x12)

Other Materials Needed:

Ready-Mix Concrete (or Bagged Concrete)

Concrete Pier Blocks

Caulk

Exterior Construction Adhesive

1/2" Stainless Steel Drift Pins

Joist Hangers

Galvanized Flashing

Galvanized/Coated Common and Casing Nails (8d, 10d, 16d)

Galvanized/Coated Screws (2-1/2", 3-1/2")

Lag Screws, Washers

Carriage Bolts, Washers, Nuts

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Tools

Here's a list of tools you'll probably need to build a deck. They're divided into 4 basic categories to help you sort through them.

Measuring and Layout Tools:

Tape Measure (25', 50')

Builder's Line (Yellow Nylon String)

Chalk-line

Plumb Bob

Framing Square

Combination Square

Bevel Square

Level (2', 4', 6')

Hand Tools:

Hammer

Nail Set

Hand Saw

Pry Bar

Caulk Gun

Adjustable Wrench

Socket Wrench

Power Tools:

Circular Saw

Cordless Drill (Optional)

Corded Drill

Saber Saw/Jig Saw

Miter Saw (Optional)

Power Augur (Optional)

General Equipment:

Post Hole Digger

Shovel

Wheelbarrow

Ladders

Tool Belt

Safety Glasses

Particle Masks

Extension Cords