Deck Building Basics

The lumber can be redwood, cedar, cypress, or pressure treated fir, hemlock, spruce. The footings should be concrete, and any support posts 6X6-inches square. You can use 4X4-inch posts up to about 6 feet of deck height; the larger size is recommended just to make sure the support is always adequate. Refer to the beam, post, and span tables included.

The deck design can be square, rectangular, and, perhaps, somewhat free-form or two-level. Plan and design the deck before buying any tools and materials. By doing so, you will eliminate many mistakes and save time and money throughout the project.

This 3-part article is about building basics only. It does not address deck design in any detail.

NOTE: You may need a building permit to construct a deck in your community. Check with the Building Department authority in the community. The usual procedure is to submit a drawing of the proposed deck structure to the building inspector in the Building Department. Any changes to meet local codes and requirements will be indicated. If okay, you will be issued a building permit usually for a fee. The permit may be time limited-probably not to exceed 3, 6, 9, or 12 months.

While you're building the deck, an inspector may visit to examine various parts of construction. Two vital points will be the foundation or piers and the completed structure. The procedure varies widely from community to community. It is important that you check before starting any building procedures. Keep in mind that the codes are there to protect you. Another good idea is to let your neighbor know that you're building a deck (or a fence structure to go with the deck). You may need the neighbor's cooperation, especially if site access is needed by trucks.

BUILDING BASICS:
Most decks have 8 building elements: concrete footings; concrete piers; posts; a ledger support strip; beams; joists; rim (skirt) joists; decking. There are three options: railings, benches, and stair steps.

There are 11 deck building procedures. In order:

1. Design the deck
2. Obtain the necessary building permits
3. Buy the materials
4. Prepare the site
5. Layout the footings
6. Set the footings
7. Set the posts and beams
8. Install the joists
9. Nail on the decking
10. Trim the decking
11. Install any options such as railings and benches.