How to build a deck step by step with pictures
Earlier this summer we completed our first platform deck. It was a huge undertaking, and in this video I’ll show you how we did it. Learn how to build a deck step by step with pictures, as well as The difference between steps and risers when building a deck: They’re not the same thing. Also See: Railing Design Ideas for a Deck
As you can see in the pictures, outdoor decks can be a great addition to your home. They allow you to take advantage of the outdoors when you would normally be stuck indoors. So if you are looking for an easy way to increase the value of your home and the enjoyment of your home, then building an outdoor deck may be a good option for you. There are several steps involved in building a deck so make sure you plan it out carefully.-Pier
How to build a deck step by step with pictures
1. Determine the location for the deck. The best locations are on level ground and slightly elevated from the surrounding area.
2. Dig holes for posts and footings as needed. Refer to local codes for depth requirements.
3. Install post anchors in each hole with concrete and rebar, if necessary (see image 1).
4. Set posts into place and brace them temporarily until the concrete sets (see image 2).
5. Cut deck joists to length, then attach joist hangers to the outermost joists on each end of the deck (see image 3).
In this article, we will talk about how to build a deck frame. There are three main steps in deck framing:
Laying out the deck
Building the posts and beams
Installing joists and flooring
Step 1: Lay Out Your Deck
Before you can start building your deck, you must first lay out its footprint on the ground. Use a chalk line to mark off the outline of your deck, including all stairs, railings and other features that will be part of your finished project. You can also include any posts or pedestals that support posts.
The first step in building a deck is to prepare the ground. If your deck will be attached to a house or other structure, you may need to underpin the frame with posts. If your deck will be freestanding, you’ll want to dig out the area for the framing to sit on.
Build Your Base Frame
The next step is to build the base frame of your deck. This is usually made of pressure-treated lumber, which has been treated with chemicals that prevent rot and wood decay. Cut the boards into lengths that are as long as your desired deck width plus one inch (for example, if you want a 12-foot-wide deck, cut each board 13 feet long). Use 2x6s for joists and 2x4s for rails, if desired. Space joists 16 inches apart along both sides of your deck and 24 inches apart in the middle (if using 2x6s). Toenail them into place with galvanized nails or screws.
Install Posts and Braces
Install posts at each end of each joist so that they’re flush with its top edge; use galvanized bolts and washers for this task (either through-bolts or lag bolts work best). Install braces between each pair of posts at
Step 1: Measure your space.
Measure the length and width of the area you want to cover with your deck. Add 5 to 10 percent to those measurements for waste materials and lumber purchases.
Step 2: Draft a plan.
Use these measurements to draft a plan on graph paper that shows the deck’s overall dimensions, railings and steps. If you have help from an experienced carpenter, he or she can help you draw this up as well as provide suggestions for other design elements like stairways, arbors or gazebos.
The first step in building a deck is to decide on the size and location. Once you know these things, it’s time to start shopping for materials. You’ll need lumber and fasteners, of course, but you’ll also want to buy some other things.
Deck screws are more expensive than nails but they grip better and don’t get loose over time. They’re also easier to drive into the wood without bending them or damaging their heads, which can happen with nails.
You’ll also need nails for attaching the decking boards to the joists and for attaching your railing posts (if you’re using one).
You’ll need screws for attaching railings (if you’re using one), attaching rails to posts, and attaching any other pieces of hardware that don’t have pre-drilled holes.
When you’re building a deck, the frame is the base of the entire structure. It’s what supports all the other parts of your deck and keeps them in place. Your choice of materials will depend on where you live, what kind of wood you have access to and whether or not you want to use treated lumber.
The most common type of deck frame is made from pressure-treated lumber. Pressure-treated wood is chemically treated with preservatives that help prevent decay when it’s exposed to the elements
How do I build a platform deck?
A platform deck doesn’t have posts because it sits directly on the ground without support posts. You’ll need to dig holes for your footings and build a concrete slab before adding any framing material.
The biggest difference between building a platform deck and an attached deck is that you’ll need enough room between joists so they don’t touch when filled with soil or gravel during construction
A frame is the structure that supports your deck. It can be made of wood, steel or other materials. Decks can be freestanding or attached to your house.
There are two basic types of wooden frames: post and beam and portal (aka cantilever). A post and beam deck has posts that support beams that in turn support joists, which are the boards that make up the flooring surface itself. A portal deck has posts that connect with beams at two or more points called points of connection (or POCs).
If you want to build a freestanding deck, you might consider using steel framing instead of wood for its strength and durability. Steel framing is also easier to install than wood because it doesn’t require any special tools or equipment; all you need is a hammer and some nails or screws. You’ll also need to buy some 4×4 lumber for the posts if you choose steel framing because it doesn’t come with them included like some kits do with wood frames
Building a deck can be a fun, rewarding project. It’s also a great way to entertain family and friends. There are many different types of decks that you can build, including simple square or rectangular designs and more complex curved shapes. This article will focus on building a platform deck using the following materials:
2x10s (for joists)
2x6s (for joists)
6-foot pressure-treated posts
Posts anchors (if needed)
Deck screws or nails
If you want to build a deck but don’t want to hire a contractor, building a platform deck is the way to go. A platform deck is basically just a deck frame without any boards or railings — it’s basically just the framing underneath. Platform decks are great because they’re easy to build, they look nice and they can be built over a variety of surfaces such as dirt or grass.
The following tutorial shows how to build a platform deck in three easy steps:
1. Install the first post
2. Add the joists and beams
3. Install the last post
A platform deck is a perfect solution for adding outdoor living space to your home. The space can be used as a garden, a patio or even an entertaining area. For example, if you have a small house that doesn’t have a lot of room for entertaining, then adding a platform deck will help you expand the living space without taking away from the inside of your home.
Platform decks also make great additions to homes with limited outdoor space. They’re easy to build and can be customized to fit any budget or style. If you’d like to learn how to build a platform deck at home, follow these tips:
Choose the right wood for your project
Select the right lumber – You’ll need high-quality wood for this project because it’s going outside in all types of weather conditions. Cedar or redwood are both excellent choices because they resist rot and insect infestation better than most other types of wood available on the market today.
Build strong joints – You’ll want your joints between boards to be very strong so that they don’t crack or split when exposed to moisture over time. Use wood glue and screws with large heads for this project since they’ll hold better than nails in tough conditions such as those found outside on a decking surface.