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Decked Out, Pt. 1: How to Build a Deck Home improvement goes outside in this project with a deck, pergola and water feature. Check out more value-enhancing home projects from Sweat Equity. From "Sweat Equity" episode DSEQ-210

	Before
	After
	Before
	After

Tim and Dawn Cassaday have big plans for their new house. They can either finish the basement or their yard but with a 12,000 budget, they'll get the most bang for their buck in the backyard building an 800 square foot deck, pergola and water feature.

Projects in this Sweat Equity makeover:

• building a deck
  
• building a pergola
  
• building water feature

Building a Deck

In their sunny climate, Tim and Dawn will be able to enjoy a deck nearly all year round, which will add to their equity. After the concrete is poured, they frame the deck and finally top it off with planks of composite decking.

Below is a summary of the basic steps as seen in this Sweat Equity project, as well as a list of materials and tools used and some installation tips.

Materials and tools:

posthole digger
concrete mix
level
desired wood
post anchors
joist anchors
nails
miter saw
composite decking
fasteners

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Figure A

Tip: Build a joist jig out of your framing lumber so that your joist hangers are consistent (figure A).

Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection and follow proper safety precautions when working with power tools or pneumatic tools.

Steps:

• Use a posthole digger to dig holes for caissons. Pour concrete into the holes and smooth it with a float (figure B). Allow 24 hours for the concrete to cure.

• Use a level and install a ledger board onto the house (figure C). This will secure the deck to the house.

  Figure B

  Figure C

  
  

• Attach post anchors to the concrete caissons. Attach 4x4 posts to the anchors (figure D).

• Attach a center beam to the post hangers and add an end beam (figure E).

  Figure D

  Figure E

  
  

• Install joist hangers every 6 inches or so on your ledger board and your end beam (figure F).

• Mark and cut your joists to run from the ledger board to the end beams. Seat the joists into the hangers and fasten with nails (figure G).

  Figure F

  Figure G

  
  

• Tip: Check your level, square and plumb often.

• When all your joists are in (figure H), you can begin your decking.

• Composite decking is a great low maintenance material (figure I). Secure the first plank with screws.

  Figure H

  Figure I

  
  

• Special fasteners called Tiger Claws secure the remaining planks (figure J). These are hidden under the planks.

• Tap the planks into place with a rubber mallet (figure K) and then fasten.

• Stagger the boards as you work.

  Figure J

  Figure K

  
  

  	Figure L
  	The completed deck

• When all the planks are in position, cut the boards strait with a circular saw (figure L).

• Finish with stairs and railings.

RESOURCES :

Resources for Sweat Equity, episode 210:

contractor: Eldon Linker

hot tub — Jacuzzi Hot Tubs
Website: www.jacuzzihotttubs.com

pond materials — Savio
Website: www.savio.cc

lighting — Unique Lighting
Website: www.uniquelighting.com