DECK DESIGNS
Deck Building
Basics
Part 1 of a 3 part series:
Part 1: The Deck
Part 2: The Stairs
Part 3: The Railings
DECK DESIGNS
Once you have determined the material type and design type of
your deck, the structural fundamentals of a deck do not change re-
gardless of your deck design. By following these simple basic
guidelines, you can ensure the structural integrity of your deck and
be confident that your deck will last years. TAKE YOUR TIME AND
CONSTRUCT YOUR DECK RIGHT!!!
This instruction set is written with the assumption that the builder has a basic under-
standing of the use and safety of the tools needed to complete this project.
THE DECK
2
DECK DESIGNS
LEDGER
CONCRETE
CONCRETE PIERS
POSTS
BEAMS
JOISTS
DECK BOARDING
GALVANIZED NAILS
JOISTS HANGERS
POST CAP BRACKETS
LAG BOLTS
ANGLE BRACKETS
Basic Materials
Some wood types: pressure treated wood, pine, cedar, redwood, mahogany, teak.
THE DECK
3
DECK DESIGNS
LEDGER
Use PRESSURE TREATED wood for the ledger.
Determine location along the side of the home.
Remove siding and account for extra room at each
end for the outside joist connection. (Approximately
2 inches)
Install ledger flashing under siding.
Install ledger 1.5 inches below any entrances to the
home. Use 4 inch lag bolts every 2 feet to ensure
proper connection through the sheathing and
header joist of the home.
If building multi-level deck, measure 7 inches be-
tween the upper and lower ledgers or subsequent
levels.
Apply caulk along the siding and ledger flashing in-
tersection.
THE DECK
4
DECK DESIGNS
Deck post holes and foundation
THE DECK
5
Once the Ledger has been securely fastened, use it as a guide-
line to create a nylon string grid. The intersections will indi-
cate post locations.
REMEMBER: Check nylon grid for accuracy utilizing 3-4-5
triangle within individual squares.
Dig holes for concrete pads centering around nylon st