Useable outdoor living space remains a top desire among homeowners and homebuyers alike. A well-designed deck can fulfill this need while adding unrivaled style and value to a property.

Before beginning the installation process, securing proper building permits is key to ensuring that your deck meets all required construction standards. Visit https://www.mountjoycompany.com to learn more.

A well-built deck starts with a solid foundation. This phase involves preparing the deck site, including removing weeds, grass, or other vegetation and leveling uneven terrain. It also includes determining the location of the footings and ensuring that the soil slopes away from the house, which will promote drainage. It’s a good idea to lay weed-control fabric over the entire work area to prevent unwanted greenery from poking through the finished product.

The next step is digging the footing holes. This can be a tricky and time-consuming task, particularly in clay or dense soils. It’s important that the holes be sized according to the deck’s design load and the soil’s bearing capacity. In cold climates, the piers should be set below the frost line to prevent frost heaving.

Once the footings are in place, they’re backfilled with concrete. Typically, this process takes 24 to 48 hours. This is a job that’s best left to professionals.

While the concrete is curing, it’s crucial to protect the footings from temperature extremes and other disturbances that could compromise their structural integrity. After the concrete has cured, it’s a good idea to cover it with a layer of landscape fabric.

A few alternatives to the buried post footing include deck piers and concrete block piers. Deck piers are more expensive and require the use of special tools, so they’re best left to professionals. Concrete block piers are more economical and simpler to install, but they don’t offer as much lateral stability as a buried footing. Both systems are effective and will provide a strong, stable base for your deck. Joists are then installed, which are spaced according to the deck’s design plan and secured firmly using joist hangers or nails.

Building the Frame

Whether you’re building a simple deck off the back of your home or a multi-level outdoor oasis, your project starts with planning. Choose a spot, draw a general site map and consult your local building codes to determine if you need to secure a permit.

Once you’ve nailed down your deck layout, it’s time to start building the frame. Begin by locating the deck pier/footing locations using spray paint based on your drawing in Step 1. Dig holes for each pier/footing with a posthole digger or power auger, and be sure to check with your local code department to ensure you are digging below the frost line (if required).

Next, install a ledger board. This board will attach to your house and act as a base for the rest of your deck. A 2×8 is a good choice for a ledger, but make sure it’s straight and not twisted or cupped from the factory (all the lumber should be free of these imperfections). Set the ledger up against the house, square up one end with a speed square and mark a line across the top of it that runs parallel to your string line. Use this as a guide for your joist placement.

Joists, or girders, are installed between the beams to support the floor of your deck. They’re typically spaced 16 inches on center but can be closer for a sturdier foot feel or farther apart for a diagonal decking pattern. When installing joists, always install blocking (also called bridging) to prevent twisting and movement over time.

Installing joists can be repetitious and a little mind numbing, so it’s important to stand up every few courses to ensure that you are still on course with your string lines.

Installing the Posts

Posts are an important structural component of any deck. They are also a prominent visual feature that can help to transform an ordinary deck into a beautiful outdoor living space. When installing posts, it is important to follow local building codes to ensure that the deck is built correctly and safely. Failure to comply with these codes could result in costly repairs or even complete removal of the deck.

Building codes vary by region, but in most areas it is a good idea to use 6×6 support posts rather than 4x4s. The reason is that 4×4 posts tend to bow severely, especially if the deck is more than 10 feet off the ground. In addition, best practice requires the use of ledger boards to connect the sheathing of the deck to the frame of the house and flashing to prevent water damage at this critical point.

After determining footing locations with batter boards and mason’s strings, dig holes that are at least as deep as the frost line. Fill the holes with concrete and set the pier forms in them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Once the piers are in place, set the deck beams. When doing so, it is important to keep the joists square and level. Use a tape measure and a level to make sure that the joists are all parallel and evenly spaced. If a joist is out of level, adjust it with a hammer and nail or a power screwdriver.

Installing deck planks is repetitive and mind numbing work. Be sure to stand up every few courses to take in the big picture. Check often to be sure that you are making progress toward the desired end of your project.

Installing the Beams

Once the footings are set, you can start working on the beams that will support the deck surface. Using a mason’s line and a level, make sure the posts are plumb before you move on. Use the same process for each post to ensure that it is properly anchored to the footing. If necessary, you can add a few inches to the height of the deck to accommodate the final grade and prevent any potential problems.

Beams are typically constructed of 2×6’s and if you are building a large deck, you may need to splice a few pieces together. This will help to create a stronger, more sturdy beam that can handle the weight of your deck. Be sure to mark the beam for cutting, and make a precise cut with a circular saw or power saw. Once the beams are cut, you can install them in your post bases and fasten with the appropriate hardware for your project. If necessary, you can use composite shims or metal strapping hardware to fine-tune the deck to make it level.

Tip: When installing the joists, be sure to stagger the seams. This will create a more uniform appearance and prevent the deck from looking too flat. You can do this by pulling a measurement across the rim joists and then marking where the next joist will go. If you’re having trouble lining up the marks on your joists, try making a template out of scrap lumber. Nail the template to a cut end of a joist and then nail a piece of lumber onto the top to form a guide for your saw.

Be sure to follow all local and state codes for building a deck. This can include securing a building permit before beginning any construction. Building without a permit can result in expensive fines and possibly even the need to demolish your new deck.

Installing the Railings

After the posts and beams are in place, it’s time to install the railings. Whether you want to use wood or composite materials, you’ll need to choose a design that suits your aesthetic preferences and meets local building codes. It’s also important to consider safety and accessibility, especially if your deck will be higher than 30 inches off the ground. You may need to consult a professional for this step, as it’s vitally important that the railing be secure and in compliance with any required height standards.

Before you begin building, make sure that the area has been cleared of any debris or objects that could impede construction. The contractors will need to be able to easily access the site, so removing anything in the way will speed up the process. You’ll also need to research and acquire any necessary permits for the project. The team at West Shire can help you to do this quickly and easily so that you can get started on your deck installation as soon as possible.

When installing the railing, it’s best to do it before you install the deck surface boards. This will give you a better idea of how the boards fit over the posts and allow you to make any necessary adjustments to ensure a smooth finish. If you’re using a prefabricated kit, read the instructions carefully to learn what steps are needed to install it properly.

When installing the railing, it’s important to be careful not to over-tighten the screws, as this can damage the threads and weaken them. A good rule of thumb is to tighten each screw a few turns, then check it again. Repeat the process until all of the screws are tightened to the correct tension.