Building A Patio Deck In Just A Few Simple Steps

Building A Patio Deck In Just A Few Simple Steps

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March 22, 2017

Before beginning to build your deck, check with local authorities and your homeowner’s association about permits, fees, codes, and regulations.

Clear your plans with them before proceeding.

For this deck project, you’ll need the following…

• Post hole digger
• Level
• Power auger
• String
• Electric planer
• Concrete forms
• Composite decking
• Wood stakes
• Protective eyewear (always wear)

SIZING

After measuring the dimensions of the yard, use strings tied to wood stakes to show where the deck will go.  You have to continually measure and adjust the stakes until the strings form a square and level representation of the deck dimensions.

MARK THE AREA

Using bright spray paint and little orange flags, mark the ground to represent the deck’s four corners and midpoints.  These markings indicate the placement of the deck’s eight concrete support posts, called caissons.

BREAK GROUND

Remove the stakes/string.  Use the power auger to quickly bore 15-inch holes at the marked locations.  Remove any remaining dirt or debris using a posthole digger.

FORM CONCRETE AREA 

If the yard slopes slightly away from the house, the lower holes need extra height to reach the level string.  To remedy this, cut a cardboard caisson tube to length and rest the segments on the lower holes.  These now serve as concrete forms.

POUR CONCRETE 

After mixing a batch of concrete, shovel it into the holes.  Then lop off the excess using a spare wood stake.  Before allowing the concrete to dry for 48 hours, embed a J-bolt into each caisson.  This will eventually help tie down the deck.

BUILD THE DECK FRAME

Form the perimeter and a center beam.  After cutting several boards to length, screw treated lumber and redwood together to form double-thick perimeter boards.  Only use pressure-treated lumber.  Nail on steel bracket ties to give lateral support.

Make both boards flush using an electric planer.

PLACE MAIN BOARDS

With the more attractive side out, fit the four perimeter boards onto anchor plates set on the caissons.  Later, these anchors help permanently tie the deck down.  With the main boards in place, secure them together by nailing on corner brackets.

COMPLETE FRAME

Finish the frame by installing treated joists.  After installing steel joist hangers at 16-inch intervals, set in the joists and nail them in.

INSTALL DECK

Having attached all the joists, finish up the deck by installing the decking material.  Start by squaring up the first piece of composite to the deck and attaching it to the underlying joists with composite decking screws.  Screw down the decking while allowing for a 1/4″ gap between each plank.  Attach several rows and stagger the cut seams for structural and aesthetic value.

FINISH THE DECK

To complete the deck, permanently fasten the wood portions to the caissons by bolting down the anchor brackets and driving in nails through the perimeter.

Feel free to stop into Builder Supply Outlet or the Edge Showroom with any home improvement questions you may have regarding decks, saving energy, efficiency, tile, backsplash, windows, kitchen cabinets, remodeling, construction, contractors, designing/installing a new kitchen or bathroom — or anything else.  We can help you through the entire design and installation process from A-Z.  Or call us anytime in Broadview, IL at 1-708-343-3900. You can also make an appointment to meet with one of our Edge Kitchen and Bathroom designers at no charge by clicking here.