Building a Deck: Overview                  A deck is one of the most basic structures  in home construction, and most do-it-yourselfers have the skills to build  one. In this sequence of pages, you'll read about the main steps in building a deck. On this page, you can browse through some of the main things to consider before construction begins: 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. 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. 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. 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)                                Skirtboards/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 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)                                Chalkline                                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                            Building a Deck                                                                                 1. Installing the deck posts and joists squarely and level is the most important step in building a deck. 2. Prevent curling of deck boards by installing boards with end grain curved down. #1 Prepare the area Remove large rocks, debris, and plants Mow  grass very short Mark deck and post locations with stakes and string Bow rake Lawn mower Stakes and string Tape measure Line level #2 Set the deck support posts Dig hole for each post 42" deep and  8" across Pour small amount of gravel in bottom of hole Set deck post in hole Attach two support boards to make post level and square Mix concrete with water and fill in hole around post Let all posts set for 24 hours Post hole digger Round point shovel Gravel 4 x 4 posts Concrete mix Screws Mixing pan Mortar hoe Level Scrap boards #3 Install the deck joists Install main joists parallel to house on both sides of posts Remove bottom pieces of siding and attach a double joist to floor joist of house Box in deck frame by connecting a joist between post joists and house Install joists perpendicular to house spaced 16" apart Drill Drill bits Screwdriver bit Lag screws Galvanized deck screws Joist hangers Carpenter's square Level #4 Install the deck boards At house, attach deck boards parallel to the house Use 2 to 3 screws to attach the deck board everywhere it crosses a joist Butt the deck boards tight as you install them 5/4" deck boards Circular saw Compound miter saw Board twister Hammer Galvanized nails #5 Add railings and stairs Railing balusters must be no more than 6" apart Make stairs at least 36" wide Decorative railing Balusters Stair stringers Railing accessories

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