If you’re thinking about how to build a deck, step by step, here’s something that will keep the enthusiasm going. Decks are not only a convenience, they’re fun to build, especially if you’re building one for your own home or a vacation cabin.
Usually, you can pace the dimensions and set up a string line in less time than it takes to drink a glass of iced tea. If your configuration isn’t correct, just move a stake or two until it’s where you like it. Once you’ve established the outline for the deck, the next decision you need to make is on the materials for the decking surface.
Sometimes the type of decking you’ll go with will depend on the availability of the materials. In some areas of the country, redwood decking is more popular than say spruce wood.
Whatever type of decking material you decide on, it’s always a good idea to figure about 5% over the actual square footage of the deck surface. This is what’s referred to as allowable waste, and if you’re not completely familiar with how to build a deck, step by step, you’re going to find this is a smart calculation.
Everything looks fine on paper, but once the project is underway, you’ll have a few odd cuts here and there, and maybe decide to run some extra blocking under the barbecue area.
The 2” deck joists, 4” girders and posts and 2” bracing are readily available, and they can be figured relatively close in terms of overall footage. Some like to add an extra joist and a couple of 2×4’s for the same reason they factor 5% over on decking.
However, if one already knows how to build a deck, step by step, that same person knows, a little extra is better than being short. If you don’t want to run out of framing material, consider this an insider tip.
Concrete post hole mix can be purchased almost anywhere building supplies are sold.
The layout of the girders will dictate the layout of the concrete footings for the girder posts. A good rule of thumb to employ is not to us anything over 8′ span when it comes to posts and girders that support the deck joist.
If the measurement leaves 10′ at one end, just add another post. You’ll need one girder if the deck attaches to the house and the distance from that point to the outside edge of the deck is 16′ or less. When the distance is 18′, the deck will definitely need at least 2 girders. The other consideration in terms of the materials would be handrails.
The building code in many localities specifies, where the deck surface is less than 18” above the grade, handrails are not required. If you’re planning on having handrails, the intermediate rails or vertical balusters cannot have more than 4″ open space between them.
The building department has publications that describe how to build a deck, step by step, and these are available on line or at the local city hall offices. After the layout of the deck, the next step in how to build a deck step by step is the concrete post footings and girder posts.
All you need are a chalk line and a saw to trim the edge of the deck. At this stage of the project, you can alter the exact shape of the deck to your liking.
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