How To Build A Deck

How To Build A Deck

If you’ve ever wanted to build a deck on your own, then you’ve probably thought about and realized how much work it can be to do. If you have never done one before, it can be tough to figure it out and make sure you do it the right way. Luckily for you, the following information is going to help make sure that you know everything there is to know when it comes to building and putting together a deck. By the end of this post, you will have all of the information you need to start building your deck and ensuring you get the best results and finish that you are looking for from a deck.

What You Will Need To Follow This Tutorial

It probably comes as no surprise to you, but if you’re going to build a deck, then you need to make sure you have a lot of tools and materials in order to get the results you’re looking for. In general, I recommend you have access to a lot of power tools and a full tool kit to get the job done. Additionally, you should expect to make a couple trips to your local hardware store over the course of building the deck because you want to make sure you have all of the correct materials you need to get the job done.

Step By Step Instructions

Create A Plan

If you want to make the entire process as easy and simple as it can be, you need to make sure that you have a plan in place for you to follow. Without a plan, it could get hard to build and you might spend more money than you plan.

Deck Footings

Put the deck footings into the ground as deep as you need them to be. For example, if you need the deck to be low to the ground without steps, then they need to be deeper and lower than if they were going for a tall deck.

Joists

Measure and cut each of your joists one at a time. If you have a large deck, then you might need to meet two joints on one deck in order to reach the entire length.

Prep The Wood

Whatever wood you decide to buy, you need to make sure that you prep it. Try and find one of the more inexpensive options when it comes to wood but make sure it is strong and durable to last. Ensure you get a beautiful and great looking wood finish on at least one side, since the other side will be underneath the deck without anyone seeing it.

Waterproof Bottom Of Planks

If you don’t buy a typical deck wood, then you will need to take this extra step to get the best results possible. While you don’t need to waterproof the top of the board that you plan on putting on top, you should waterproof the bottom of the plank. This ensures that you reduce the chance of rotting or decomposing.

Lay The Planks

This is probably one of the easier parts of the deck building process but you need to make sure that you take your time with it in order to get the best results. Some of the boards might be a little off so you may need two people to hold them in place, Use quarter-inch spacer in between the wood boards and add two screws per board, per joist.

Stain And Seal

Once you have everything one and you have the boards laid out where they need to be and secured how they need to be, then it’s time to stain and seal your deck so you get the finish you want out of your deck. You should make sure that you use a waterproof stain or seal to get the best results. If you want to get the best look, you need to do more than one coat and three coats might be ideal to get the best results. If you’re looking for a helpful tip, then you will find that you should use a paint edger so you don’t have to worry about taping the side of your house where tape will not stick very well.

Conclusion

It probably didn’t take long for you to notice, but there are a lot of things you need to keep in mind when it comes to building a deck and it is certainly not one of the easiest things you are going to do. You have to make sure you do it the right way or you run the risk of injuring yourself when you use the deck. By following all of the information provided, you will have no problem building the best deck. If you liked this article, please share it with your friends and family and feel free to drop a comment below to let us know your thoughts and comments!

About the Author Darrell Webster

I believe there is a handyman in all of us as long as you have the right tools. I started this blog to help anyone who is interested in fixing things to learn their way around the different tools and to know how to perform different DIY tasks. I have been doing this for years and believe I am a master of this art.

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