Learning how to build a deck, although a potentially tough DIY woodworking project, can be a quite enjoyable experience.
A deck will allow you to set up a nice barbecue outside, have a few friends over, or just sit and relax outside in the evening. Not only are there aesthetic aspects of having a deck, but the right one can raise the overall value of your home itself.
After reading through this article you should have a better understanding of deck building and the required materials to build your own deck.
First let’s talk about the anatomy of a deck:
- Stringers - Also called a “ledge plate”. This is the piece of wood that’s bolted on to the house and also where the joists are fixed on or to. You need to make sure that the stringer is packed out from the building at every bolt to prevent any liquid getting trapped between the stringer and the building. The spacing between the bolts will depend on the size of the stringer and also the spam of the joists.
- Footings - The standard size of a footing hole is around 125×125 (5×5) or 100×100 (4×4) post is around 450mm (18″) deep in the ground and 300mm x 300mm (12×12) square. In soft ground and frost areas, you will need to make the holes bigger and deeper. Concrete is required as a pad under the posts (100mm 4″).
- Posts - The spacing of the Posts along the bearers depends on what type of deck and the structure. Posts are generally 100×100 (4×4).
- Bearers - The Bearer size depends mainly on the length of the joists.
- Joists - The joists are attached to the stringer by either butting up and fixing to joist hangers, or by sitting near the top ledge plate and nailing through both faces. The size of the joist depends mainly on the joist spacing and joist span.
- Decking - The strength and thickness of your deck materials determines where the joists should be.
- Boundary Joist – The boundary joist is a piece that’s fixed on the perimeter of the decking installation to make it have a nice finish. Most of the time this type of joist is just put in place for decoration and does not affect the structure of the deck. You can also replace boundary joists with decking boards.
You need to make sure there are no underground utilities nearby. Even if you aren’t digging for the base, you would hate to have to take apart your deck because a cable or utility line needed to be accessed.
How to Build a Deck – Finding the Right Guide Online
While you are looking for the right guide to learn how to build a deck, make sure you go down to your local planning office to get a deck building permit. While each state is a little different, it is still a good idea to check.
When learning how to build a deck, one of the first places to start is the location of the deck. If it is attached to the existing home, how is it going to tie into the main structure?
If you are learning how to build a deck that is larger, you may also want to consider the landscaping around it. Is that small tree going to eventually impose on the deck? Will that bush get large enough to obstruct your view?
Part of learning how to build a deck is leveling out the area where the deck will touch the ground. This means that you have to remove and rocks and debris, and you may even want to remove any grass. Some guide the show you how to build a deck use a block base that actually sits on the ground, while others have posts that are put into the ground 3-5 feet.
You should rake the ground, turning up any hidden obstacles, then rake again smooth. Should you decide to put in a concrete slab, you would need to build up around the edges to create sharp lines.
How to Build a Deck – A Few More Things to Consider
There are some things you may want to consider when choosing the right How To Build A Deck guide. There are some basics that you should know so you choose the right one. Many of these sites charge for their different plans, but they should also include step by step instructions in a language that even a beginner can understand.
Ted’s Woodworking Plans also includes full color diagrams, and even videos so you can watch how these projects come together. Full lists of the materials that are included for each step on how to build a deck, as well as the tools you will need.
The plans also include helpful tips to get you through the tough spots, as well as customer service (web access) that’s open 24/7. We recommend Ted’s Woodworking for it’s flexibility to be customized for nearly anyone’s needs (as no one person is the same), and it’s wide variety of plans (16,000+).
Click Here to Download High Quality Deck Building Plans
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It is important that you choose the right deck plans, whether it is a small addition on the house, or a full fledged outdoor living space. There an abundance of different sites on the internet that can help you, but not all deck plans are the same. 
