How to Build a Deck Step by Step

If you’re thinking about how to build a deck, step by step, here’s something that will keep the enthusiasm going. Decks are not only a convenience, they’re fun to build, especially if you’re building one for your own home or a vacation cabin. Usually, you can pace the dimensions and set up a string line in less time than it takes to drink a glass of iced tea.

And, if the configuration isn’t quite right, simply move a stake or two until it’s exactly to your liking. Once the outline of the deck is established, the next thing is to decide on the materials for the decking surface.

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Types of Decking

Sometimes the type of decking you’ll go with will depend on the availability of the materials. In some areas of the country, 2” redwood decking is more prevalent than spruce, and other localities might have stacks of 2” doug fir at a great price. Whatever type of decking material you decide on, it’s always a good idea to figure about 5% over the actual square footage of the deck surface.

This is what’s referred to as allowable waste, and if you’re not completely familiar with how to build a deck, step by step, you’re going to find this is a smart calculation. Everything looks fine on paper, but once the project is underway, you’ll have a few odd cuts here and there, and maybe decide to run some extra blocking under the barbecue area.

The Right Measurements

The 2” deck joists, 4” girders and posts and 2” bracing are readily available, and they can be figured relatively close in terms of overall footage. Some like to add an extra joist and a couple of 2x4’s for the same reason they factor 5% over on decking. However, if one already knows how to build a deck, step by step, that same person knows, a little extra is better than being short. So, consider this an insider tip, from those who like to avoid running short of framing material.

Purchasing Your Materials

Of course, concrete post hole mix and metal post anchors can be purchased almost anywhere that building supplies are sold, and most people understand, when it comes to how to build a deck, step by step, the footings are the first thing that’s installed.

The layout of the girders will dictate the layout of the concrete footings for the girder posts. A good method that’s easy to employ when it comes to posts and girders that support the deck joist is, nothing over 8’ span, in any direction.

If the overall measurement happens to leave 10’ at one end, simply add another post. If the deck attaches to the house, and the distance from that point to the outside edge of the deck is 16’, you will need two girders. If the distance is 18’, the deck will need 3 girders. The other consideration in terms of the materials would be handrails.

The building code in many localities specifies, where the deck surface is less than 18” above the grade, handrails are not required. If you plan to have handrails, they must be a minimum height of 42” above the deck surface, and the intermediate rails, or vertical balusters cannot have more than 4” open space between them.  

Building Code Regulations

The building code in many localities specifies, where the deck surface is less than 18” above the grade, handrails are not required. If you plan to have handrails, they must be a minimum height of 42” above the deck surface, and the intermediate rails, or vertical balusters cannot have more than 4” open space between them.

The building department has publications that describe how to build a deck, step by step, and these are available on line or at the local city hall offices. However, for purposes of this discussion, how to build a deck, step by step, begins with the layout of the deck, then the concrete post footings and girder posts, followed by the deck joist and decking.

Sprucing it Up

Trimming the edge of the deck can be done with a chalk line and a circular saw. This is the part of the project where one can get the shape of deck to their complete liking.