A step-up deck refers more to a design feature—a deck that has multiple levels, with one section being slightly higher than another. It might still be at ground level or low elevation, but with steps to a higher tier (like stepping up from a dining area to a lounge area). It adds visual interest and function but doesn’t necessarily mean the deck is high off the ground.

How to Build a Step up Deck

How You Can Enhance Your Step-Up Deck and the Step-by-Step Breakdown

Category Details
Deck Materials


  • Pressure-treated Wood – Made from Douglas fir or southern yellow pine, bug- and rot-resistant.

  • Cedar – Naturally resistant to insects and rot, soft and easy to cut.

  • Composite Decking – Combination of wood waste and plastic, low maintenance, 25-50 year warranty.

  • Redwood – Like cedar, resists insects, requires regular cleaning and refinishing.

  • Ipe – Hard, dense wood that resists rot and insects but is difficult to work with.

  • PVC – Made from polyvinyl chloride, doesn’t rot, limited color selection.


Structural Materials


  • 4×4 and/or 6×6 pressure-treated lumber

  • 2×8, 2×10 and/or 2×12 pressure-treated lumber

  • Joist hangers (e.g. Simpson LUS)

  • Concealed joist hangers (e.g. Simpson LUC)

  • Standoff post base (e.g. Simpson ABA ZMax)

  • Anchor bolts (e.g. Grip Rite 1/2 in. x 8 in.)

  • Structural wood screws (e.g. Simpson Strong-Drive SDWS)

  • Hurricane straps (e.g. Simpson H Series)

  • Carriage bolts with nuts and washers

  • Hot-dipped galvanized framing nails

  • Metal and butyl flashing

  • Concrete mix

  • Tubular concrete forms

  • Wood sealer/preservative


Planning Your Deck


  • Decide on freestanding or connected framing.

  • Choose between flush beam or drop beam methods.

  • Consider costs based on square footage.

  • Sketch a deck plan based on budget.

  • Ensure all necessary permits are obtained.


Tools Needed


  • Protective eyewear

  • Earplugs/headphones

  • Leather gloves

  • Dust mask

  • 25-ft locking tape measure

  • Ground-marking spray paint

  • Pencil

  • Chalk line

  • Mason line

  • String level

  • 4-ft Level

  • Post level

  • Framing square

  • Speed square

  • Plumb bob

  • Circular saw

  • Power miter saw

  • Hand saw

  • Claw hammer

  • Flat pry bar

  • Drill and drill bits

  • Impact driver and driver bits

  • Screw gun with auto-feed

  • Ratchet wrench and sockets

  • Chisel

  • Wheelbarrow

  • Shovel

  • Posthole digger

  • Cement mixer/mixing tub

  • Trigger clamps

  • Sawhorses

  • Paintbrushes


Building Steps


  • Prepare the landscape.

  • Set the footings.

  • Attach the ledger board.

  • Install support posts.

  • Install beams.

  • Attach the upper-level deck joists.

  • Install blocking and nailers.

  • Frame the lower-level deck.

  • Install the railing posts.

  • Install the deck boards.

  • Build transition box steps to the lower level.


Enhancements


  • Rugs for an outdoor touch.

  • Fit-for-purpose furniture.

  • Outdoor lighting for ambiance and safety.

  • Hot tub installation considerations.

  • Firepit options and safety checks.


The Full Steps in More Detail

Step Description

Step 1: Prepare the Landscape



  • Call 811 to locate utilities before digging.

  • Remove enough soil to level sloped sites or sod and organic soil for flat sites.

  • Improve drainage and prevent weeds with landscape fabric later.



Step 2: Set the Footings



  • Measure and mark where to dig using spray paint.

  • Use a posthole digger or auger for depth.

  • Insert cardboard forms and fill with concrete after leveling.

  • Install brackets after concrete hardens.

  • Consider helical piers as an alternative.



Step 3: Attach the Ledger Board



  • Determine finished deck height and draw a level line.

  • Anchor the ledger board using structural screws.

  • Install flashing and tape to prevent water issues.



Step 4: Install Support Posts



  • Measure post length from top of bracket to top of ledger.

  • Plumb the posts and fasten into brackets.



Step 5: Install the Beams



  • Set the beam on top of posts and ensure level contact.

  • Connect beams to posts using brackets or structural screws.



Step 6: Attach the Upper-Level Deck Joists



  • Screw angle brackets to joists for flush installation.

  • Install joist hangers as per manufacturer instructions.



Step 7: Install Blocking and Nailers



  • Add blocking between joists to prevent twisting.

  • Install additional blocking around the perimeter.



Step 8: Frame the Lower-Level Deck



  • Frame the lower level by attaching it to the upper level structure.

  • Note lower level beams are typically directly on footings.



Step 9: Install the Railing Posts



  • Install railing posts at least to two structural members.

  • Use clamps to hold posts and install them at correct heights.

  • Avoid notching posts that will support safety rails.



Step 10: Install the Deck Boards



  • Use butyl tape on joists and beams for protection.

  • Install boards, keeping a uniform gap, and cut to length later.

  • Use polymer-coated screws and consider renting an auto-feed screw gun.



Step 11: Build Transition Box Steps to the Lower Level



  • Create a box step for height split between decks.

  • Attach using structural screws and brackets prior to installing boards.


How to Build a Raised Deck

Step/Item Details
Raised Deck Overview


  • Perfect space for outdoor entertaining and relaxing.

  • Higher than specified inches and attached to the house.

  • Requires railing and building permit.

  • Includes the use of a ledger board in design.


Planning and Preparation


  • Check local building codes.

  • Call 811 before digging for utilities marking.

  • Consider type of deck boards (composite or pressure-treated wood).

  • Bring design ideas to local Home Depot for detailed drawing.


Setting the Ledger Board


  • Attach ledger to rim joist of the house.

  • Remove siding in attachment area.

  • Install self-adhering flashing.

  • Code-approved fasteners for attachment.


Laying Out Footings


  • Use batter boards and mason’s strings for layout.

  • Mark locations for piers and footings with spray paint.

  • Check for square corners using 3-4-5 method.


Difficulties with Digging


  • Dig holes below frost line.

  • Use concrete tubing forms to level holes.

  • Pour concrete mix into tubing forms.

  • Place post anchor bolts before cement hardens.


Setting the Posts


  • Set posts in post bases.

  • Brace posts plumb with 2x4s.

  • Cut tops of posts according to design.


Building the Beam


  • Construct beam from doubled 2x boards.

  • Align ends of beam with ledger ends.


Installing Joists


  • Layout joist spacing on rim joists.

  • Install joist hangers and secure joists.

  • Add blocking pieces between joists.


Decking Installation


  • Align first deck board parallel to the house.

  • Space boards for drainage and airflow.

  • Drive two fasteners through each board into joists.


Structuring Stair Landing


  • Layout landing footings using batter boards and mason’s line.

  • Frame landing with 2x4s and fill with gravel and concrete.


Stair Construction


  • Lay out stringers per design specifications.

  • Attach stringers to framing.

  • Build the upper and lower runs in place.


Installing Railings


  • Install structural railing posts.

  • Follow layout indicated on drawings.

  • Ensure posts are plumb in both directions.


Final Inspections


  • The building inspector checks various stages of the build.

  • Complete any remaining safety measures and checks.


Conclusion

In this piece, you learned what a step-up deck is, how to enhance it, and a detailed step-by-step guide to building one. You also explored how to build a raised deck, including preparation, construction, and finishing touches. For more informative guides, stay connected to Buildersviller.

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