Getting Started on a Deck (page 2 of 2)
More in Outdoors
Here's How You Do It:
- Step 1: Decide on the Decking Materials page 1
- Step 2: Determine Size and Draw Up a Plan page 1
- Step 3: Install Flashing to Protect the House page 1
- Step 4: Prepare the Box Sill page 1
- Step 5: Position the Center Beam current page
- Step 6: Prepare the Footers current page
- Step 7: Make the Outer Support Beam, Cut the Joists current page
- Step 8: Seat the Joists current page
Step 5: Position the Center Beam
Place a mark in the center of the box sill. This will be the location of the center beam.
Note: Before you start deck construction, you should set up a temporary worktable. For that, you'll need a couple of sawhorses, which can be built out of scrap lumber.
Step 6: Prepare the Footers
Dig footers and pour with concrete. Be sure to check with a local engineer to check the different sizes and weights of footers for the particular deck. Depending on what you plan to have on the deck (a hot tub, for example), the size of the footers will vary.
Step 7: Make the Outer Support Beam, Cut the Joists
Cut a piece of 2x8 lumber the width of the deck and nail it into the box sill against the house. Then, on the other end, temporarily support the beam using a scrap piece of lumber (Image 1) and get the beam level (Image 2). Mark the joist locations every 16 inches. Cut joists to length and mark the joist locations along the box sill and beam (Image 3).
Step 8: Seat the Joists
Before installing and nailing the joists, make sure they are flush with the beam. Install the joists using a pneumatic nail gun and then later install joist hangers.
Note: Before installing a joist, check for crowning (wood either has a natural arch or dip) and install boards with the arch facing up.
Tip: Be sure to have a good level to do this job. The longer the level, the truer the readings.
Was this project helpful?
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.
