Getting Started on a Deck (page 1 of 2)
More in Outdoors
Here's How You Do It:
- Step 1: Decide on the Decking Materials current page
- Step 2: Determine Size and Draw Up a Plan current page
- Step 3: Install Flashing to Protect the House current page
- Step 4: Prepare the Box Sill current page
- Step 5: Position the Center Beam page 2
- Step 6: Prepare the Footers page 2
- Step 7: Make the Outer Support Beam, Cut the Joists page 2
- Step 8: Seat the Joists page 2
Make sure to get the necessary permits before you start building. Also, be sure to check your local building codes to find out the different sizes and weights of footers for your deck. Depending on what you plan to have on the deck (a hot tub, for example), the size of the footers will vary.
Step 1: Decide on the Decking Materials
Many retail outlets will let the consumer pick out the boards for a deck project. But if you can't do that, have an understanding that you can return any warped or unsatisfactory lumber. Pick lumber that is straight and has few imperfections. Have the lumber delivered as close to the job site as possible and keep it covered when not in use. For this particular project, we used pressure-treated pine.
Step 2: Determine Size and Draw Up a Plan
It's important to draw up a set of plans that takes all of your uses for the deck into consideration. This will help in determining the amount of materials needed.
Multiply the length by width of the deck, taking into account stairways and railings to come up with how much decking material you will need. To figure out how much material will be needed for the structural elements, it's best to seek professional advice from the home center regarding what size boards and posts based on your specific plans. Always add 10 percent to the final figure for waste.
Step 3: Install Flashing to Protect the House
It's important to install flashing to protect the siding of your house before starting the deck. Install flashing around the entire perimeter where the deck will meet the house. Bend 2 inches of the flashing at a 90-degree angle and cut out for any doorway or window frames. Flashing must be cut to fit under doors and window frames, based on the measurement of the door or window width. The best way to work with flashing is to use tin snips to score and cut it. You may have to remove existing nails to be able to slide the flashing under the siding, then re-nail into place.
Step 4: Prepare the Box Sill
Install furring board to the side of the house so the box sill will clear the basement or house foundation surface. Furring boards are long thin strips of wood used to make existing surfaces support the finished surface, in this case the deck. Use a spacer (a piece of the same wood that will be used on the deck) and place it up against the bottom of the siding. Then attach the top of the box sill to that mark.
Advertisement
Find your DIY inspiration or just steal ideas from the best renovations and remodels done by the DIY Network pros.
COMMENT ON THIS PROJECT
Sign in
All fields are required.
Signing in
Please enter your email address and we will send your password
E-mail Address
Your password has been sent and should arrive in your mailbox very soon.
Not a member?
Sign up with DIY Network to share tips with other do-it-yourselfers and comment and ask questions on projects.
It's free and easy.
