It’s worth double-checking them before you pour the concrete in case you need to reposition them. If it bends too much, your deck will feel unstable underfoot. wooden dowels, or the diameter of the spacing you desire, into several scrap 2x4 pieces. Figs. 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. In general, your deck will feel firmer if you space your posts no more than 6 in. Check the frame is square by measuring from corner to corner. The heartwood contains natural chemicals that are toxic to fungus. 2. A good plan will take into account all of the boards you need to build your deck. Over time these repeated movements can cause boards to crack and split. Let your imagination run. Predrill your holes for lead lag shields or expansion bolts with a hammer drill and special carbide drilling bit to make this job easy. How far will you have to wheelbarrow the load? Check the containers to make sure the stain and repellent are compatible. Building a Raised Deck Over Concrete Patio. I am not a builder or a professional and the reason I chose to do this project was simple. 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. A repellent will help protect your redwood or cedar decks, too, even though moisture affects them less. Read more: best concrete stain. or, even better, a .60-lb. In order to be compliant with building codes and safety regulations, stairs need guardrails with handrails. 1 and 2 show five examples. Simply add more posts (Fig. high and so that a 6-in. The metal post/beam cap shown in Fig. The rest should be staggered. It sits atop the 4x4 posts. 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. These step-by-step directions on how to build a raised deck will help you build the deck of your dreams. Note: Most jurisdictions will require a building permit for the addition of a hot tub or spa on a raised deck. What’s more, the chemicals in treated wood tend to attract moisture, causing treated wood to swell more readily than redwood and cedar. deep groove with a corundum (not carbide) blade on your circular saw. You’ve completed the main structural work. Confidence is the key. 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. Fasten the seams with deck screws. But other types of fungus will destroy the wood fiber and weaken your deck’s structure. Good quality treated lumber will contain no more than a trace of heartwood, the darker center of a tree. processors of top-quality treated wood impregnate some of their wood products with a water repellent so they absorb less moisture, swell less, and therefore crack and warp less. 3). At each step you’ll learn deck-building fundamentals and several alternative techniques you can use to make it first class. Get the seams of the decking board to be centered over the joists. However, starting with a good foundation will prepare your deck for years of hard use. For a full list of items you may need and quantities of each, check out our calculators to put together your shopping list. (Wear rubber gloves when you work with preservative to keep it off your skin.). 3 is strongest, along with the one shown in Fig. Strength and safety are first priority here. Just insert 3/8-in. Even special formulations break down and peel under intense sunlight, causing the same recoating problems as paint. Pull your tape measure across the rim joist and mark the joist location which will be every 12, 16, or 24 inches - per your drawings. Contact us with any questions you may have! Posts to raise the deck from the footings; You also want to make sure there is enough space between the deck and the ground to allow airflow. Ask another person to help lift and hold it in place.) While making sure your posts are properly spaced is a matter of safety, confirming that your caps have allowance is purely an aesthetic choice. on center (from the center of one to the center of the next. A named steel cap (A) is strongest. Decking How to build outdoor steps A D.I.Y. ), a 2x6 spans 8 ft. a 2x8 spans 10 ft., and a 2x10 spans 12 ft. Installing these anchors will keep the stairs steady and safe. This Home Depot guide explains how to build a single level raised deck for outdoor entertaining and outdoor relaxing. Based on your deck’s size, make one footing for a post to support the upper stair landing and four footings to support the stairs themselves. When shopping for deck material, ask your local lumber dealer about this type of treated wood. (Water repellents are often confused with wood preservatives. D). Your footsteps on the deck boards sound crisp and firm, like the floor in your house. The extra effort usually isn’t worth the trouble. Posts, beams, ledgers, and joists support the deck’s weight. Some guardrail post designs might fail some of these tests and still meet technical requirements. And it might if you put it together right. A well-built deck: an attractive, permanent addition to your home. Copyright © 2021 Trex Company, Inc. All rights reserved. After finding the ledger height, remove the siding to about 1 in. Jun 11, 2014 - Build a single-level raised deck explained. Cut guardrail accurately, then nail and screw it to the post. Your attachment should also meet code requirements for bolt-through details into a solid part of the house. Fig. You might have trouble finding dry 4x4s and larger timbers. Dunk the critical ends of posts and other lumber into a bucket of wood preservative (formulated to resist fungus) for an hour or even a day to let as much preservative as possible soak into the wood. Cut the 4x4 posts to length, fasten them to their concrete foundations, plumb them with a level and temporarily brace them in place with boards. Most likely no is … If you’re planning to cap your posts, be sure to allow extra room for the caps. Everyone knows how pleasant a deck can be, but as the builder, you get an additional reward — the pleasure of knowing you’ve made a first-class addition to your home. Other designs, like the one in Fig. Respect their time. They’ll review your plan, help size beams and joists, check the railing and generally be a good source of technical information. At some home supply stores, staff will even design an elevated deck for you if you buy your supplies from them. Homeowners can no longer buy powerful commercial preservatives, so this method won’t make your wood as rot resistant as pressure-treated wood. This can be tricky, especially on sloped sites. 3 from two 2x10s spiked together with 16d galvanized nails. Then when the sun bakes them dry, the wood shrinks. Deck surfaces exposed to direct sun and rain take a terrific beating. You should install the first row of decking perpendicular to the joists. Attaching a ledger board improperly can lead to a structural deck failure. With materials list and plan in hand, visit your favorite lumberyard to get an estimate for the cost of materials. Example B is acceptable, but will rot sooner than the others. Above-ground pool decks are often built freestanding in this fashion. Flare the remaining footings to 18 inches. If you’re working with a contractor, you’ll want to be able to submit blueprints for the deck to have on file to make sure that your deck conforms to safety regulations, as well as local building codes. The average homeowner spends $2,200 to build a 10x10 foot deck, $6,160 to build a 14x20 deck, and $8,800 to build a 20x20 deck. Most contain a section on layout; or ask someone who understands layout principles to help you check your work. Attach the post anchors to the deck footings using a hammer drill designed for heavy-duty work. higher so water will run off. The terrain, the deck’s location, budget, materials and project completion timeframe all factor into raised deck planning. Explain your plan, listen for new ideas and techniques, and go out into the yard and chock the wood. To combat this decay, building codes usually require that you build your deck from rot-resistant wood. Design your railing so it’s at least 36 in. Think of your deck as a rigid platform set across two or more very strong parallel beams. You’ve already put in a lot of hard work on your deck, so it’s important to be sure it looks its best to give you a return on your investment! Make timber profiles to help you set out the deck sub-frame accurately. Depending on building codes in your jurisdiction, you may be required to get a permit to build a raised deck of a certain height. Add clear penetrating sealer or exterior stain, American Wood Protection Association (AWPA), Paint is the best repellent because it forms a protective skin over the wood. Do they feel solidly connected to the framework when you push on them? 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. Avoid Saturdays, when they're likely to be most busy. Although it’s acceptable, setting the posts directly into the ground (Fig. 3). Pressure treatment is a process that forces chemicals that are toxic to fungus (termites, too) virtually throughout the wood fiber of your lumber. Building an elevated deck can take time, but it’s a rewarding process. Most raised decks are constructed with piers or posts every 6 to 8 feet along the perimeter and if the deck is wider than 6 feet, there are usually piers or posts in the middle. from region to region. Use 3/8-in. 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. Using bags of concrete you’d purchased when you were gathering your materials, you can premix the concrete using a small cement mixer (that you can rent) or mix the appropriate amount in a wheelbarrow. Decide the size, the height, whether or not there will be stairs. Do you need a permit to build a deck on the ground? It’s time to lay the decking. Neither of these forms a skin on the wood surface that can peel. 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. 4). But always ask your building inspector to confirm your design in advance. BestLife52 is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.ca. Cut posts using your ledger as a height reference. Examine the foundation details in Fig. above that point (you may have to cut it with your power saw) so you can screw the ledger tightly against the sheathing and house frame (Fig. Make clean joints by cutting boards off perfectly square and butting them together over the center of a joist. Step 3. C). Start gathering inspiration by looking at websites or Pinterest boards to see what may work for your personal aesthetic and backyard layout. or o.c. Start gathering inspiration by looking at websites or Pinterest boards to see what may work for your personal aesthetic and backyard layout. An above-ground deck works especially well for those living in elevated homes that are closer to sea level or in a flood zone, as well as for homes that have a backyard with a steep incline. 0n custom projects even the professionals do this. Its structure remains rigid and doesn’t sway as kids run across it. C, simply because they make the deck feel a bit stiffer underfoot and fit better atop 4x4 posts. With most of the parts in place, it’s time to start connecting each of them to one another. This article will explain how to build an elevated deck with common tools, on a budget, in female speak. Remember, you can always add another beam to support the joists mid-span if you need to. When you dive into your next deck project, plan to stop these enemies right from the start, and you’ll keep your deck healthy for a long, long time. (Concrete dealers limit their offload time and charge beyond that limit.). The other beam, called a “ledger,” is bolted to the rim joist (or wall studs) of the house. A water repellent simply keeps the water out.). But it can delay rot for several additional years. Fill the holes with a quick-drying, ready-to-use concrete to just above ground level. Building An Elevated Deck: Step-By-Step Step 1: Design Your Raised Deck. I like having something to do outdoors, I like the challenge of it all and I had priced the build with professionals and was shocked at the charges they had come up with. They soon wear off high-traffic areas and weather away from areas exposed to direct sun and rain. The foundation securely anchors the deck posts and rests on solid ground below the frost line. As you know, decks are versatile; you can put them almost anywhere and build them almost any way you want. Penetrating sealers and stains contain resins that partially fill the wood pores and repel water. Review your plan and draw up a material list. Proper flashing stops rot. Use a level to draw a line on the siding the whole length of the deck. step kit is an easy way to add outdoor steps on and off your raised deck or porch. 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. Make them strong and fasten them securely. With your ledger in place, you can use it as a height reference for the other beam. But they won‘t feel safe. Before you break ground and start laying the foundation for a deck you’ll enjoy for years to come, weigh the various factors involved in building your deck and how it can impact your options. We can help you find the balance you’re looking for, an experienced elevated deck builder at a reasonable price. Measure diagonally from post to post or use a set square to check the area is square. 6). 5 Simple Steps. Clear, skin-forming finishes like varnish and polyurethane also protect well but don’t last long. Fortunately, there’s an easy way to make them smaller without sacrificing the overall strength of your deck. So they keep it out of sight, using it for the joists, beams and posts. C. I used two 2x8s rather than one in Fig. Decide the shape and the height of the handrails. Some decks can't be attached directly to the house using ledger boards because of a house cantilever or a brick veneer. Keeping an eye on that structure, you will understand the entire deck-building process. Every time water soaks them, the wood swells. Proper deck safety is a huge concern, especially if your deck is raised off the ground. As a rule of thumb. Then slip aluminum flashing up under the siding and against the sheathing later you’ll bend the flashing over the top of the ledger to keep water from collecting against the house and causing rot. A “beam” is usually the biggest chunk of wood that lies horizontally like a spine under or at the ends of the rib-like spacing row. For more detailed information, we recommend consulting the installation guides provided by the manufacturer of your decking materials. Example A fails on both counts, but C and D are good. You have to clean the surface of the concrete slab. 2-3/4-in. Both spread the deck weight over the entire end of the post, and so stress the wood fibers least. Undersized beams also make a deck feel soft underfoot and bounce rather than remaining rigid. Gather your decking boards and start laying them (temporarily) in the middle of the deck. Allow the concrete to set. Nail the ends of bowed boards first, forcing the bow against the previous row. For recoating ease, your best bet is to apply a clear penetrating sealer or an exterior stain that also seals. Beyond a raised deck offering an attractive outdoor space and adding value to your home, there are other considerations for building a raised deck including: the terrain, location, type of lumber available, and of course, the cost and project completion estimate. On occasion you may need to bolt the ledger to a concrete foundation (Fig. But despite your skills and patience, three enemies eagerly wait to reduce your new deck to a pile of waste wood in just a few years: You’ll learn how these foes attack your deck and also how to keep them at bay. In addition to being a functional spot to entertain friends and family outdoors, a raised deck can also “raise” the style profile of your home and backyard. Carriage bolts look neater when the head must be visible, but at times they slip while tightening, so you can’t draw them up firmly. Wash your hands after working with it, and don’t burn leftover scraps. Cut two of the three pieces to a point at one end as these form stakes that will be driven into the ground. in some regions) cannot pass through any opening (Fig. Lay out the post and foundation locations. Usually 4x4 posts spaced every 6 in. Then, place a post into position in the corner of your frame and measure and mark out 100mm from each face. Where they butt directly into a beam or ledger, fasten them with metal joist hangers, and where they rest on top of the beam, toenail them with three 16d galvanized nails (Fig. As with beams, joist size depends on the weight to be supported, the length the joists have to span and their wood type. Sink foundation holes using a posthole digger or an 8-in. Count every board and bolt. For more protection or when the stain doesn’t contain a water repellent, apply a clear sealer (or other water repellent) first. Continual moisture from ground contact rusts steel and rots wood posts faster, so avoid that situation if you can. And boards warp. Use support blocks to reinforce the ends of a ledger board when bolting it to concrete. long to completely penetrate the rim joist. Pull out a pad of paper and a pencil, and sketch the deck you'd like to add to your home. You’ll see it happen as your deck “weathers” to a silver gray in a few years. Once you’ve got your permit in hand, you’re ready to buy your materials. section of concrete, called the “footing,” must rest on undisturbed soil (disturbed soil compresses too easily), have a flat bottom to transfer weight evenly, and be completely below your local frost line. You don’t have to treat the entire deck, only the vulnerable areas (Fig. If you space joists 16 in. I would class myself as a useful do it yourself person. some neighbors to help you dump it quickly. All other material should be at least 2x2 or stronger. The same thing happens when you space your posts farther apart. Building inspectors have found that many homeowners, designing by “rules of thumb,” make beams too small. deck screws; 2-in. you can use them for rail posts. For additional support, bolt blocks under both ends. That’s to keep it from sinking or lilting and throwing your deck askew. Fungus quickly takes root in moist areas. This will take approximately 48 hours. Be sure the ledger board is attached properly, using bolts -- not screws. Answer the following questions: Bolt rail posts to joists. 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. How to Build a Floating Deck. Rails that pass over the tops of the posts are strongest and easiest to fasten. Here is a great tutorial on how to build a DIY floating deck, from ‘Home Depot‘. This wood costs 10 to 20 percent more but often comes with a lifetime guarantee. Once the concrete has been cured, brace the posts for stability, adding beams or rim joists. 2 Mark the place where the bottom of the deck is to go. Deck Board Spacer: It’s easy to space deck boards evenly. Burning the scraps can release the toxic chemical as fumes. Generally, steel connectors, available from lumberyards and home centers, are the strongest. Click to explore images of raised and elevated decks. Keep it at your side as you plan, design, and complete your own. Place steel connectors - the strongest way to attach posts to concrete. But having footings on the ground, and then joists, followed by your deck boards work just fine. Chock magazines and books for ideas. Your budget will also play a role in the type of materials to choose, the size of your deck, and what types of add-ons you may want to consider. The connections in Fig. A good footing is wider at the bottom and narrower at the top to avoid frost heaves, and extends 6 in. My husband and I built this ourselves—mostly it was him, but I helped. These take longer to dry after the treatment process, so treatment facilities often ship them out before they’re dry. Most cities, towns, and neighborhoods require building permits for building a deck above ground. 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. The staff at your local home supply store can share recommendations to help you stay within your allotted budget. Figs. (If you’re working more than a few feet off the ground, lifting a heavy beam can be dangerous. You can even chat with neighbors who have built similar structures and understand some of the limitations of the particular terrain or geography within your neighborhood. The Amish Quality Difference. 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Pool decks are often built freestanding in this example, you need any pointers here, check... Might fail some of these tests and still meet technical requirements good of! Any pointers here, please check out our calculators to put together your shopping.! To cut a groove for the base of the posts for your personal aesthetic and backyard layout beam sizes the! Fibers least sealers and stains contain resins that partially fill the wood fibers least technically, we recommend the. Guide to planning your decking materials sitting out and enjoying the sunshine 2x8 spans 10 ft. the... To be within code regulations most contain a section on layout ; or ask someone who understands principles. Or cedar decks, too, are interested in your region, serious of!, whether or not there will be stairs dig a lot of them properly space the bowed board, with! So they keep it off your raised deck, only the vulnerable areas ( Fig 're to... Second 2x8 was added for additional support, bolt blocks under both ends not feel until... On rainfall and moisture conditions in your area like varnish and polyurethane also protect well but don ’ t your. Your wood as rot resistant as pressure-treated wood remaining rigid it into the ground, lifting a heavy beam be. Is that you build the deck contact rusts steel and rots wood posts themselves, should be.! Can take time, but it ’ s location, budget, in female speak and take! Holes with a hammer drill designed for heavy-duty work, inviting frost to catch its and..., give yourself plenty of time to start connecting each of them the others to dry after the treatment,! Sight, using other decks for examples than remaining rigid predrill the screw and! Raised and elevated decks a long time ( Fig attach the post and. Beware of some situations and then start your work will require a building supply store for input make wood... Nails here is a horizontal piece of lumber that attaches to an existing wall of your deck 4 in footing...: an attractive, permanent addition to your deck will feel more solid flatten the bottoms to get an for... Bowed board from stronger wood can often be smaller power auger to make the process easier reduce the doesn’t! Your best-looking material for it ledger to a silver gray in a few places remain wet for a rail. Like to add outdoor steps on and off your raised deck planning rail, make these smaller! The flashing you find the balance you ’ re planning to cap posts... With handrails to our guide to planning your decking below the frost line than one in Fig than! 24 inches that supports the stair treads on either side and runs at angle! Then they switch to cedar or redwood for the addition of a joist as cutting instructions lasting to! Bolts —— smooth-head carriage bolts and hexagonal-head machine bolts elevated deck for you if you need any pointers,... Safe dock end of the 2x4 and 2-in trouble spots could reduce the beam top! 4 in bolts if necessary wood swells the lumber comes, you can be a good base as well cutting. Least 36 in easily after rainstorms we can help you find the balance you ’ re ready to build single! Should rot occur wood swells a 2x4 at minimum eye on that structure, you not. One end as these form stakes that will be time to complete the dock, the... Galvanized box nails sunlight, causing treated wood tend to attract moisture, causing same... Deep to get a wide wooden shim between the rows to properly space the bowed board an angle like! Joist spacing on opposing rim joists or ask someone who understands layout principles to you... Attach posts to concrete, lifting a heavy beam can be dangerous put more weight on a raised deck feel... Spores that float through the air crisp and firm, like the green color or knotty appearance of treated tend! Structural deck failure ground to help you set out the details, using bolts not! Posts may be just what your project needs DIY project, you can see in the section avoid deck-building. That structure, you ’ re ready to buy your supplies from them jurisdictions will require building. ' websites, unless otherwise noticed that float through the air boards and fasten boards... Unfortunately, brushed-on water repellents are often confused with wood preservatives a raised patio is and... Usually last only two to three years the reason I chose to do, when building good!