Whether you are a homeowner or a professional, you may be wondering how to build a deck. There are a few steps you should take to determine whether you can build a deck yourself or if you should hire a professional.
Joists
Using joists to build a deck is not complicated, but there are a few things you should know before you get started. First, you will need to prepare the lumber for the deck. You should use pressure treated lumber. Then, you need to cut the lumber to the correct dimensions. Once the lumber is cut, you can seal it with joist tape.
Once you have the joists cut, you need to determine how to space them. The typical spacing for deck joists is 16 inches on center. However, some builders reduce the spacing to 12 inches on center. If you are building a deck with more than one group of joists, you will need to alternate the placement of the brackets. You can do this by marking the 16 inch marks with a sharpie or chalk line.
After you have measured and marked the deck joists, you can cut them to size with a circular saw. If you are installing a rim joist, you will need to use a piece of white chalk. You will also need a pencil and a piece of wood to hold your ledger board level. You should measure the deck framing from the bottom of the ledger board to the top of the framing. You will need to measure from the bottom of the ledger board to about 60 inches (1524 mm).
Next, you will need to set the joists into the brackets. This requires a framing square or speed square. You should also mark the joint spacing with a sharpie or chalk line. Alternatively, you can use a construction pencil.
After the joists are installed, you will need to install blocking between each pair of joists. This is to provide rigidity and prevent the joists from sagging. You can add blocking every four to six feet.
Once you have installed the blocking, you should install joists on the other side of the blocking. You can then attach the joists to the brackets. You can also attach the joists to the opposite bracket.
Alternatively, you can attach joists with pipe clamps. You can also use scrap lumber as a placeholder. Depending on the size of the joists, you may need to use a miter saw to cut them.
ledger board
Whether you're building a freestanding deck or attaching it to your house, a ledger board is a necessary piece of lumber. This piece of lumber is typically made from pressure-treated lumber and is used to support the ends of the deck joists. It is also used to support the siding on the exterior of the house.
When building a freestanding deck or attaching a ledger board to a house, it is important to ensure that you are using the best methods to secure the ledger. These methods can include a combination of structural lag screws, I/2-inch deck bolts, and through bolts.
A structural lag screw is a type of screw that is driven into the siding or brick veneer. Structural lag screws are stronger and allow you to secure the ledger to the house without pre-drilling pilot holes. If you are using lag screws, you may want to make sure that they are spaced at staggered heights. You can also use expansion bolts to provide waterproofing.
The best practice for installing a ledger board is to ensure that the ledger is cut to the proper size and that there are no defects. This will ensure that the ledger will not warp or twist when it is attached to the house. You may want to use shim strips to ensure that the ledger is straight.
The most commonly used method of securing a ledger board is by using two bolts at each end of the ledger. However, this is not always the best way to secure the ledger. Other methods include using structural lag screws and installing the ledger board directly to the foundation. These methods are recommended in wet climates, as they allow the ledger to be waterproofed.
To ensure that your ledger will be able to support the joists, you will need to make sure that you've measured the length of the joists. You can do this by measuring from the bottom edge of each joist. Then, you can use that length to measure the distance between the joists. You can also measure the distance between the house and the joists to determine the proper spacing of the structural lag screws.
staking out the location of the deck
Using string and a little forethought, you can stake out the location of a deck. You will need to measure the squareness of the building, the best location for a deck footing and the minimum height required for a support post. Once you have established the location of a deck, it is time to set in the foundation.
A good place to start is at the outer edge of the deck. Measure the height of the house from the ground to find the minimum height for the deck footing. The next step is to position the posts in the center of the footing. These should be no more than 8 feet apart.
Once you have placed the posts, you can start laying out the deck. To do this, you will need to make sure that the framing plan you are using accurately describes the size of the posts and the spacing between them. This can be done using a plumb bob. You can also use the ledger board that will form one of the deck sides. This will be the reference point for the rest of the project.
You might be surprised to find that this task is actually easier than you might think. You will also find that the task is less stressful if you have some help. If you are a novice, you might find it easier to get a friend or family member to take a few measurements for you. You can also find out more about the steps involved in this process in the article on laying out a deck.
When you are finished, you can check the results to make sure you have placed the deck in the best location. You might also want to double check the measurement of the deck footing. This is especially important for higher decks. You can also use string levels to establish the correct height. You should also check the location of the holes in the foundation.
A deck is the functional base for a family gathering, so you will want to make sure that the materials you use are rot-resistant and moisture-resistant. In addition, you will need to make sure that the building is designed for use with large parties.
deciding between building it yourself or hiring a professional
Depending on the complexity of the job, it may be better to hire a professional contractor than do it yourself. This will help you to save time and energy and ensure that the job is done right. This will also increase the resale value of your property.
If you plan to hire a contractor, make sure you are getting a professional who is knowledgeable and experienced. You will also want to get references from previous customers.
When comparing costs, it is important to understand the costs of materials and labor. A contractor will usually charge for the materials, labor, and overhead fees. The cost of materials is usually marked up between 5 and 10%. If you are building your own deck, you can pay for the materials and then not have to pay any markup.
The cost of materials is also dependent on how many deck features you want. The more features you want, the more you will pay per square foot. For example, a multi-layered deck may include a retaining wall, a fence, and a built-in jacuzzi.
If you are going to build a deck yourself, make sure you understand the construction principles. You will need to know what type of wood to use, how to handle it, and how to build a deck that meets building codes. Building codes are important, and can be the cause of costly fines.
If you have a lot of experience, you can build a deck yourself for approximately 40% of the cost of a professional contractor. However, if you are not experienced, you may be overwhelmed with the task. There are many different types of decks, and there are many different building codes. This can add up to costly errors that will cause problems later.
When deciding between building a deck yourself or hiring a professional, be sure to ask questions and take your time. This is a large project that requires a lot of attention. You will also need to plan the project carefully and determine whether you are up to the task.
A professional contractor will be more experienced and have the right tools and equipment. They are also more qualified to deal with common problems that may arise during the construction.