DIY Network

Backyard Deck: Building From "Sweat Equity" episode DSEQ-103

General contractor Adam Berlin guides homeowners Sam McGibbon and Lia Matarrese through the process of building a deck in the center of their backyard. Building a deck can be a pricey option that requires careful planning, special tools and a lot of material. Sam and Lia purchase all of the materials for their deck at $4,391.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G
	Figure H

Materials:

pressure treated lumber
redwood
composite decking
tape measure
wooden stakes
string
spray paint
level
concrete tube form
concrete
pull-behind power auger
posthole digger
quick-action clamps
power drill
hammer
electric planer

Deck Tips:

• Always check with local authorities about permits and regulations.

• Your homeowner's association may have requirements about changes to the outside of your home, so make sure to clear your plans with them before proceeding.

• One major reason wood decks often need to be replaced is dry rot. Prevent dry rot by removing dirt and debris regularly and applying a protective sealant.

• Don't forget the lighting when planning your deck. Good lighting adds more visual interest to the space as well as making it safer.

Safety Alerts:

• Consult with your local utilities company before digging.

• Always wear protective eyewear when working near power tools.

Deck Construction

• After measuring the dimensions of the yard, Adam helps Sam and Lia center the placement of the deck using strings tied to wood stakes (figure A). They continually measure and adjust the stakes until the strings form a perfectly square and level representation of the deck dimensions (figure B).

• Next, using bright spray paint and little orange flags, they mark the ground to represent the deck's four corners and midpoints. These markings indicate the placement of the deck's eight concrete support posts, called caissons (figure C).

• It's time to break ground. Sam and Lia temporarily remove the stakes and string and then team up on a power auger to quickly bore 15-inch holes at the marked locations (figure D). Lia follows up to remove any remaining dirt using a posthole digger (figure E).

• Next, Lia and Sam are ready to form the concrete. Because the yard slopes slightly away from the house, the lower holes need extra height to reach the level string. To remedy this, Adam cuts a cardboard caisson tube to length and rests the segments on the lower holes (figure F). These now serve as concrete forms.

• After mixing a batch of concrete, they shovel it into the holes and lop off the excess using a spare wood stake (figure G). Before allowing the concrete to cure for 48 hours, they embed a J-bolt into each caisson (figure H). Eventually, this will help tie down the deck.

• Two days later, Sam and Lia invite over friends to help work on the deck frame. They start by forming the perimeter and a center beam. After cutting several boards to length, Sam screws treated lumber and redwood together to form double-thick perimeter boards (figure I). Because the center beam remains hidden, he only uses pressure treated lumber. Lia follows up by nailing on steel bracket ties to give lateral support (figure J), while Adam makes both boards flush using an electric planer (figure K).
  

  Figure I

  Figure J

  Figure K

  
  
  
  

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  ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  	Backyard Deck: Building
  	Backyard Deck: Landscaping, Finishing Touches and Final Tally