How to build a 2 story deck, step-by-step. In this post I will cover the basics of how to build a second story deck, as well as give some basic cost saving tips and tricks on how to build your own 2 story deck at home.
Deckbuilding is a complex process that requires you to understand how to build an effective and strong deck. There are many things to consider in both the planning and deck construction phases, such as: How to build a second story deck, How to build a second story deck with roof, Build a Second Floor Balcony.
There are many ways to build a second story deck. The most common method is to use posts on the first floor and then attach the second floor joists to them. This method works well for decks that are less than 8 feet tall, but can become more complicated when the height of the deck increases. It’s also important to consider how far apart you would like your joists spaced, as this will determine how many posts are required.
In this article, we’re going to look at some other options for building a second story deck:
If you don’t want to use posts for support (or if there aren’t any available), then you can build your deck just like any other one-story deck. You’ll need joists that extend all the way across your house and connect directly to the wall framing above them. You’ll also need blocking between each joist to help distribute weight evenly across your flooring system. Finally, it’s important that your second story deck has a completely separate structural integrity from any lower decks or porches attached to it
How to build a second story deck
A second story deck is a great way to expand your outdoor living space. You can use it for entertaining, relaxing or just watching the kids play. When you do decide to build one, there are some things you need to consider first.
The first thing you should know is that building a second story deck is not as simple as building a ground level deck. There are several factors that will make the job more difficult and expensive than if you were working with an even surface.
How to build a second story deck with roof
When you’re planning on building a second story deck, it’s important to think about how you want it to look and function when completed. One option is adding a roof over the top of the second floor balcony so that it becomes more like an enclosed room than just another outdoor space. This can add some privacy while still allowing natural light into the area during the day (and perhaps some artificial light at night).
Another option would be building an enclosed space beneath the second floor balcony so that it functions as an additional living area inside your home. The additional square footage can be used for storage or even as an extra bedroom or bathroom if necessary!
Build a Second Floor Balcony
1. Plan & Mark Ledger Location
- “Carefully determine the height for the ledger—which will also be the height for all the joist framing. … measure down from the bottom of the casing by the thickness of the decking, plus the 1/8‑inch thickness of the flashing.”
2. Remove Siding & Flash
- “Remove the siding where the header board must go. Tuck flashing up under the piece of siding that remains above this area. Extend the flashing down the side of the house… The ledger board is then attached over the metal flashing with bolts or lag screws.”
3. Install Ledger Board
- “Bolt/Screw the board into place according to your structural engineer’s instructions. The screws should extend through the wall sheathing and into the house rim joist.”
4. Add Joist Hangers & Hang Joists
- “Install joist hangers before the final metal flashing is installed.”
5. Support with Footings & Posts
- “Dig holes… pour concrete and install 6×6 or 4×4 posts to the required height… posts be exactly plumb… then install support beams… deck joists will… rest on the other end by a beam supported by the posts.”
6. Build the Decking Surface
- Once joists are secured in hangers, install decking boards. Ensure proper spacing and edge treatments. Finish with railings and stairs per local code.
✅ Why It Works
- The flashed ledger protects the house from water intrusion.
- A bolted ledger into the rim joist ensures solid support for joists.
- Joist hangers and crown-up orientation add strength and longevity.
- Posts with concrete footings carry weight properly to the ground.
🧰 Pro Tips
- Place flashing so water runs over it, not behind the ledger.
- Use 1/4″ structural screws that pass into the actual rim, not just studs.
- Install joist hangers before applying flashing.
- Always check and comply with local building codes—it’s your safety net.
Build a simple deck with these step-by-step instructions.
Step 1: Build the platform
Using pressure-treated lumber and 2x4s, build a flat platform on which to place the deck. The platform should be 4 feet wide and extend 12 inches past the outside edge of the house. (This distance is necessary for attaching ledger boards.)
Attach 2×4 blocks between joists directly under each post location on which you plan to install posts or columns. The blocks prevent posts from sinking into the ground or being pulled away from the house during high winds or snow loads.
Step 2: Install vertical support posts
Install three or four 4×4 posts at each corner of your deck using concrete footings at least 8 inches deep and 4 feet wide. Nail plates on top of footings so that they are level with the top edge of joists; then screw through plates into joists with 3-inch screws every 16 inches on both sides of each post.
Step 3: Install horizontal support beams
Attach 2×6 beams between posts with 6d galvanized nails every 18 inches along both sides.