How to build a deck

Introduction

People are usually confused when learning how to build a deck because they look online and find articles about how to design a deck. This article is going to assume that you already have a design and are ready to carry out what it says and actually build the deck. Here are some steps to take before, during, and after the process of building a deck.

Instructions

Steps

Step One.

Look the plans over carefully and make sure to double check all measurements so that you don't cut a beam at a wrong length or cut a floor board at an angle that won't match up correctly with the house.

Step Two.

Go over the list of materials and make sure that everything that is called for you have at your disposal.

Step Three.

Double check the plans and make sure that you have all the tools that you need and that you know how to correctly and safely operate them.

Step Four.

First off, start with the foundation for the posts.

Step Five.

Dig holes that are large enough to hold the cement foundations that the posts will be screwed into.

Step Six.

Do one of two things: Dig the holes, place the cement foundations in the holes, fasten the support posts, then cut the posts on the tops so that they are all even or dig the holes so that when the posts and supports are placed in, they are all even with each other.

Step Seven.

Now, cut the cross beams and place them onto the posts to ensure that they are resting flat and even.

Step Eight.

Attach the beams to the posts with metal attachments and long screws. Make sure that they are attached firmly and that they do not wobble.

Step Nine.

Now, place joists on top of the beams going the opposite direction.

Step Ten.

Attach the joist hangers to the beams and joists to that they are firmly joined.

Step Eleven.

The decking, or flooring, can now be place on tope of the joists.
    

Step Twelve.

If the decking is placed at an angle, then the ends will need to be trimmed so that they are flat with each other, if not at both end, at least flat with the wall.

Step Thirteen.

If the deck is tall, crosses can be attached to the posts so that they have even more support.

Step Fourteen.   

Finished should now be applied to the decking and any other pieces of wood used in the structure.

Step Fifteen.

The posts and cross beams should be made out of treated wood so that they don't rot.

This is a basic outline of how to build a deck. If you want to know how to build a specific deck, search online or hardware store catalogs for building plans and then use this article in relation with those plans.

Tips and Warnings

• Make sure to always double check everything in the plans because it will save yourself   money and headaches in the future. There is nothing more frustrating realizing that you   cut a $50 post at the wrong length and now it is useless.
• Use safety at all times and enjoy the satisfaction of building your own deck.