What is the basic deck construction for this project?

The basic deck construction for this project consists of: 1 The foundation and 4 x 4 posts 2 2 x 10 beams 3 2 x 4 diagonal bracing 4 2 x 8 framing and joists 5 5/4-inch decking 6 Stairs 7 Railings

How do you build a deck quickly and accurately?

It’s tricks like these that allow professional to build a deck quickly and accurately. Construct a simple jig with a 5 x 12-in. piece of plywood and a scrap 2×4 cut to the width of your joists. Align the 2×4 to your layout line. Tack the plywood to the top of the ledger, making sure it’s tight.

What are the structural elements of a deck?

But it has the same structural elements as any deck—ledger, joists, beams and piers. Building one begins with determining the sizes of the framing material. Tom Silva uses these rules fo thumb: for rim joists or beams made of doubled-up 2x lumber, the boards’ nominal width (in inches) should match the span (in feet).

How close to the house can you build a deck?

Our deck is freestanding, so it won’t be attached to the house. A freestanding deck should be no more than one inch away from the house. You’ll often see decking boards listed with a common (or nominal) measurement of 5/4 inch thick.

What are the basic decking construction steps?

The basic deck construction for this project consists of: For larger decks, you can install parting boards — also called pattern boards — in the middle of the decking. These decking boards run perpendicular to the rest of the decking, creating an eye-catching design.

What do you need to build a DIY deck?

All you need to be successful at DIY deck building are some basic carpentry tools and the desire to invest a little sweat equity. The deck shown here features a pressure-treated floor frame that’s supported by a ledger board and concrete piers, and topped with 5/4-inch decking.