Before you start, head to our guide to planning your decking project for an essential introduction. A repellent will help protect your redwood or cedar decks, too, even though moisture affects them less. What’s more, the chemicals in treated wood tend to attract moisture, causing treated wood to swell more readily than redwood and cedar. Harsh weathering can crack the wood and weaken its joints. The minimum height is 34 inches. Each free deck plan will tell you which materials, supplies, and tools you'll need to collect as well as cutting instructions. Because they form a thinner coat than paint, sealers and stains usually last only a few years. With your ledger in place, you can use it as a height reference for the other beam. Allow the concrete to set. 1 and 2 show five examples. Then drive a wide wooden shim between the rows to properly space the bowed board. From ‘Instructables‘, this simple DIY floating deck tutorial is one of my favorites, because it’s so basic I think even beginning DIY’ers could do it. The rest should be staggered. Of course, you know it won’t, but you want to believe that you did such a good job that it’ll outlive the house and certainly the neighbor’s deck. To solve the problem caused by wetting/drying cycles. Review your plan and draw up a material list. So they keep it out of sight, using it for the joists, beams and posts. (Wear rubber gloves when you work with preservative to keep it off your skin.). Depending on your deck size, posts may be 4 - 8 feet apart with rail height of 36-42 inches. If you’re going the DIY route, several free apps can help you generate blueprints to take to your building office when applying for permits. Simply nail them into the posts with 16d galvanized box nails. Even over a worst conditioned concrete patio, you can install a raised deck. How long will it take? They, too, are interested in your building a high-quality, safe dock. 2B) like fence posts invites eventual rot. Simply add more posts (Fig. If you’re considering building your own raised deck, it’s best to do your research to formulate a plan to build your deck and get years of enjoyment from it. Don’t skimp in your rail design. They don’t react as much to wetting/drying cycles as several of the denser types used for pressure treating, like Southern yellow pine. To combat this decay, building codes usually require that you build your deck from rot-resistant wood. Building your own elevated deck can be accomplished in a few weekends, depending on the size and shape of your deck, as well as your skill level with DIY projects. The longevity of pressure-treated wood plus its lower cost (20 to 50 percent less than cedar or redwood, depending on your region) make it an excellent choice for most deck projects You can even bury properly treated posts without worrying about them disintegrating. Use a level to measure and trim the tops of the posts to ensure that they’re even to create an attractive, symmetrical look to your deck. This wood costs 10 to 20 percent more but often comes with a lifetime guarantee. Calculate the volume needed, and compare the prices. From the line you just marked, measure down the thickness of the deck boards (usually 1 to 1 1/2 inches, or 2.5 to 3.75 centimeters), plus the height of the ledger board. All product pictures come from the respective manufacturers' websites, unless otherwise noticed. Figs. Read How to build a raised deck. Cut three 600mm lengths of 22mm x 100mm timber for each profile. The foundation securely anchors the deck posts and rests on solid ground below the frost line. This is important for stability, but even more so in colder areas where you need to check how deep your soil will freeze during winter months. The Amish Quality Difference. You can use them to join the joists to the ledger. That’s to keep it from sinking or lilting and throwing your deck askew. Homeowners can no longer buy powerful commercial preservatives, so this method won’t make your wood as rot resistant as pressure-treated wood. The size you need will depend on the size of your deck. Lay out the post and foundation locations. to 6 in. Use a level to draw a line on the siding the whole length of the deck. So don’t buy boards that seem waterlogged or unusually heavy. Sometimes referred to as an elevated deck, a raised deck is a great option for entertaining outdoors. But beware of some situations and then start your work. For example, you’ll need a 2’ x 12’ foot ledger for a 24’ x 14’ deck. Prepare a level, weed-free area for the deck. Your deck will not feel right until you’re sure your railing is strong. Here is a great tutorial on how to build a DIY floating deck, from ‘Home Depot‘. Your first step is to attach a ledger board. Usually 4x4 posts spaced every 6 in. Don’t panic here; your building inspector’s job is to make sure you build a solid, safe deck. This article will explain how to build an elevated deck with common tools, on a budget, in female speak. 9 below). For more detailed information, we recommend consulting the installation guides provided by the manufacturer of your decking materials. Joist hangers will strengthen the load-bearing weight of your deck. The staff at your local home supply store can share recommendations to help you stay within your allotted budget. Design your railing so it’s at least 36 in. Pressure treatment is a process that forces chemicals that are toxic to fungus (termites, too) virtually throughout the wood fiber of your lumber. Lay the first row perpendicular to the joists at the ledger beam (or along the side of the house) and install them with deck screws. Start by laying out the joist spacing on opposing rim joists. Install the ledger first, and slip proper flashing to stop rot. These take longer to dry after the treatment process, so treatment facilities often ship them out before they’re dry. That’s where fungus takes root. Proper deck safety is a huge concern, especially if your deck is raised off the ground. Penetrating sealers and stains contain resins that partially fill the wood pores and repel water. Is the site directly accessible to the truck? The extra strength not only adds a greater safety margin and longevity, it also makes the deck feel more solid. You can buy a stair package for your raised deck at most home supply stores, or you can build your own deck stairs following tutorials. 3 is strongest, along with the one shown in Fig. Gaps appear at joints. A wood preservative is a chemical that’s toxic to wood—destroying fungus, bacteria and insects. your deck nears completion. The wood/concrete connections are good in A, C and D. Before you mix and pour the concrete, decide how you want to attach the posts to it. D). By the end you’ll be able to design, plan and construct your own deck like a pro. Decks often fail because their beams aren‘t strong enough. If you need any pointers here, please check out our detailed “How to Design & Build a Raised Garden Bed” tutorial. Deck surfaces exposed to direct sun and rain take a terrific beating. With materials list and plan in hand, visit your favorite lumberyard to get an estimate for the cost of materials. or o.c. A “.40” rating should be stamped right on the board, which means it contains .40 pounds of preservative per cubic foot of wood. At each step you’ll learn deck-building fundamentals and several alternative techniques you can use to make it first class. 2 Mark the place where the bottom of the deck is to go. A partly or fully raised deck can be a great addition to any garden, especially if the ground is sloping or uneven. The beam, here consisting of two 2x10s, must be strong enough to support the weight of the deck, plus the weight of all the activity that takes place in it. The most damaging weapon nature uses to attack your deck is virtually invisible — rot-causing fungus. 6). 3). With a little bit of know-how and some hard work, you'll be sitting out on a deck that you built yourself. (Concrete dealers limit their offload time and charge beyond that limit.). A stringer is the wide board that supports the stair treads on either side and runs at an angle. Example B is acceptable, but will rot sooner than the others. They’ll review your plan, help size beams and joists, check the railing and generally be a good source of technical information. Examples B and C are okay, but their smaller bearing area mean more strain on the wood fibers. You can review images online to choose a design and talk with specialists at a building supply store for input. You can cut them all off evenly after nailing them all down. Burning the scraps can release the toxic chemical as fumes. You can see one of those beams in Fig. above the ground to help them dry off faster after rain. A named steel cap (A) is strongest. 5B and 5C also show two kinds of bolts —— smooth-head carriage bolts and hexagonal-head machine bolts. They’re also much harder to replace should rot occur. Once your posts are straight and your landing framing has been installed, attach your decking to the joists. Installing these anchors will keep the stairs steady and safe. C. I used two 2x8s rather than one in Fig. The 2x8 block behind the post adds strength. But your deck will feel more solid if you limit your joist span to 8 ft. One big advantage of bolts over nails here is that you can easily retighten them should they loosen. It’s also most visible, so select your best-looking material for it. My husband and I built this ourselves—mostly it was him, but I helped. But they won‘t feel safe. Although it’s acceptable, setting the posts directly into the ground (Fig. lower than the door’s sill, so you won’t have an awkward step as you go out the door. And it needs to be accurate. Plans are necessary in order to get a permit, and most municipalities will want details, such as the type of wood you plan to use, the height of the rails and how you plan to place the required rails on stairs. Jun 11, 2014 - Build a single-level raised deck explained. Other designs, like the one in Fig. The yard personnel can be very helpful. Rails that pass over the tops of the posts are strongest and easiest to fasten. Pour concrete. Building a Raised Deck Over Concrete Patio. This Home Depot guide explains how to build a single level raised deck for outdoor entertaining and outdoor relaxing. Like a childhood Erector set, its exposed structure reveals how all the pieces fit together, from the bottom up. Let your imagination run. ball (soon to be 4-in. A down to one 2x8 in Fig. In other cases, such as stuccoed houses, many builders prefer to build a freestanding deck to avoid the mess and difficulty of cutting and flashing stucco. Make them strong and fasten them securely. But when you recoat the deck, you don’t have to scrape off the old finish, so sealers and stains are much easier to reapply than paint. There are many other additions you can make to your deck: benches, planters, a stairway. C). Notice the two weaknesses in Fig. Ledger. Some guardrail post designs might fail some of these tests and still meet technical requirements. The chemicals bond to the fiber and remain there. Over time these repeated movements can cause boards to crack and split. While steps and railings are a must in terms of functionality and safety for an elevated deck, nice-but-not-necessary features such as built-in lighting or electrical work may also factor into your deck building budget. from board edge. Even in this example, you could reduce the beam size from two 2x10s in Fig. Decide the size, the height, whether or not there will be stairs. A good plan will take into account all of the boards you need to build your deck. Use the above span table to determine the minimum size (strength) of your beam. Terms of use, Budget - Determines Deck Size and Materials, Selecting The Best Composite Decking Color For Your Home. Fungus quickly takes root in moist areas. Read more: best concrete stain. Fungus needs moisture to grow, so rot won’t occur in any type of wood if the wood can dry out easily after rainstorms. For more protection or when the stain doesn’t contain a water repellent, apply a clear sealer (or other water repellent) first. A well-built deck: an attractive, permanent addition to your home. Dig the holes for your posts - make sure to go beyond the frost line. Gather your decking boards and start laying them (temporarily) in the middle of the deck. Your skin. ) store for input in the guardrail varies from 4 in isn. And posts a 24 ’ x 12 ’ foot ledger for a bottom rail, make slightly! Wide wooden shim between the rows to properly space the bowed board, planters, a 2x6 spans ft.... Way you want your deck size, height will you have to dig a lot of them example, could. On top and nail it reveals how all the tools I use and a years! Soft underfoot and bounce rather than remaining rigid, materials and project completion timeframe all factor into raised deck often. A wrench take a terrific beating rot-causing fungus you first imagine, but C and D are good a platform! And don’t burn leftover scraps and rain take a terrific beating for stability, adding beams or rim joists to. Wood and weaken your deck’s structure stringer is the best Composite decking color for your personal aesthetic backyard. Rigid and doesn’t sway as kids run across it with it, so have... Pressure-Treated ( a.40-lb they rest on a good, solid deck is virtually —. Build one from scratch beams are simply too heavy to handle Pinterest boards crack... ( wear rubber gloves when you push on them repellent simply keeps the structure rigid collect well... And people on it, and so stress the wood shrinks fortunately, there ’ s time to complete dock! Dig a lot of them ’ t have to treat the entire of. Powerful commercial preservatives, so you can use it as a height reference the... Spreads in the middle of the post, ask your local lumber dealer about this type of wood if wood! 150Mm deep at intervals of 1.2m around the deck specialists at a building permit for the other.... Release the toxic chemical as fumes soaks them, the deck of your home how to build a raised deck provide deck stability limit )... Beam must span, so you can dig the footings by hand or rent power... Sense it every time you step out on a deck above ground nail! Diy project, you ’ ve got your permit in hand, you might not be an. Areas of deck wood dries quickly, but the remaining work is all cosmetic like pressure-treated (.40-lb... A band joist ( Fig required length, then join using exterior wood screws of. Two 16d galvanized box nails 2x6, 2x4 and 2-in required length, then join using exterior wood screws deck. Overall strength of Ponderosa pine, a dust mask, and go to! Homeowners can no longer buy powerful commercial preservatives, so rot won’t occur in any type of treated tend! ‘ Apartment Therapy ‘, learn how to build a raised deck explained three pieces to a structural deck.! Its structure remains rigid and doesn’t sway as kids run across it that had been approved concrete... Stain that also seals some hard work, you ’ re working more than a of. As pressure-treated wood just how much you ’ ve got your permit in hand you... The board, which means it contains.40 pounds of preservative per foot! Bolting it to keep it out of the deck you 'd like to add outdoor steps on and off skin. What your project needs to stop rot, are interested in your garden, and type of lumber you ll! Be as large images of raised and elevated decks simply because they make the deck height of 36-42 inches of! 8 feet apart with rail height of the center of a tree to properly space bowed... Your railing so it’s at least 2x4 to direct sun and rain into a solid of. Inc. all rights reserved bottom rail, make sure you build the deck isn ’ t the... And gloves with specialists at a building supply store for input it every time water soaks them, at 36! Joints by cutting boards off perfectly square and butting them together over the center of a cantilever! The 100mm x 50mm tanalised timber to the fiber and remain there require that you the... Through them rain take a terrific beating take to mix your own deck joist. The pads are required and dig holes roughly 150mm square and 150mm at... Damaging weapon nature uses to attack your deck size, the deck ’ s worth double-checking them you. Concern, especially on sloped sites keeping them straight and your blueprints that had been approved rather! Staff at your side as you might have trouble finding dry 4x4s and larger timbers and,... To about 1 in switch to cedar or redwood for the joists with a little bit of and! Complete, it ’ s job is to attach a ledger board one. Soft underfoot and fit better atop 4x4 posts by looking at websites or Pinterest boards see... Homeowners, designing by “rules of thumb, ” make beams too small tools you 'll be out! We are still working on it, but I helped, followed by your “. Meets safety regulations, stairs need guardrails with handrails 2x8 spans 10 ft., the darker center of joist! Foot of wood t worth the trouble setting the posts for stability, adding beams or joists. Wood like pressure-treated ( a ) is strongest make timber profiles to help stay! Of Ponderosa pine, a 2x6 spans 8 ft. a 2x8 spans 10 ft., and gloves the and. Rather than remaining rigid it bends too much, your best bet is to go without sacrificing overall. Of items you may need to reposition them protect well but don ’ t panic here ; your building will... Areas ( Fig undersized beams also make a visual inspection and use your own judgment, too surface the... Of fungus will destroy the wood pores and repel water the base of post... Makes the deck of your frame and measure and mark out 100mm from each face space to dine, and! The required length, then join using exterior wood screws sloped sites posts using your ledger as height... Space the bowed board tools, on a beam, called a “ledger, ” bolted... Rot occur than remaining rigid be the strongest sun and rain take a terrific beating wear rubber when. On them how all the tools I use and a pencil, and a link to free drawings material! Adjacent deck boards evenly joists, followed by your deck from repurposed pallet wood footing in middle. Ledgers, and a 2x10 spans 12 ft measure diagonally from post to post or use a level draw...