Decks NJ | deck builders | designs

Step One

Check drainage and grading where the deck will be built and fix any problems. Avoid disturbing the soil where the footings will go because footings need to set in undisturbed soil to prevent settling.

Step Two

Set the ledger against the house wall or other solid structure and attach with lag screws. This must be done against a flat surface. Removing house siding will create a flat surface, but will create leaks, so it is not recommended. Instead, use shims to create a flat surface. When setting your ledger you need to consider your decking material height/thickness. If you desire your deck to be level with an adjacent floor, your deck should be deirectly below teh door jam of that room when finished.

Step Three

Flashing should be installed between any wood and the house (unless it is a stucco house, then no need for flashing)

Step Four

Mark the foundation with string line, then mark the footing and post locations.

Step Five

Cast concrete footings in the ground, then attach the concrete piers on top to hold the posts. (Check building codes for required depth for footings.) Piers can be cast in place or premade.

Step Six

Let footings cure for at least a week.

Step Seven

Cut a post longer than the required length, then set it in the post anchor on top of a pier.

Step Eight

Check the post for plumb, using a carpenter's level. Then use a line level or water level to mark the post so it is the same height as the bottom of the joists. If the joists are to sit directly on the posts, mark the level and cut the post. If the joists are to sit on a beam set on the post, subtract that height, then mark and cut the beam.

Step Nine

Set the post in place and secure.

Step Ten

Follow the same procedure for all other posts, marking and cutting them individually to allow for any height variations.

Step Eleven

Nail or bolt any beams in place, then attach any necessary bracing. Add any rim joists at this time and check to see they're square.

Step Twelve

Decide on a decking pattern and the spacing of the deck boards. Starting at one end of the ledger, mark the location of the first joist. Continue marking along the ledger. Transfer the joist markings to a scrap piece of lumber, then mark the beam opposite the ledger.

Step Thirteen

Add joist hangers, then fasten the joists in place. Set the joists so the crown, or bowed side, faces up. Add any required blocking for stability.

Step Fourteen

Set posts for railings, benches, and overheads in place, and install any plumbing or wiring. Install railings that go through the deck.

Step Fifteen

Add stairs now or wait until the decking is finished.

Step Sixteen

Apply any protective finishes to the deck substructure.

Step Seventeen

Cut the decking boards to the correct length, then start laying them across the joists, beginning at the ledger and setting the convex side up if attractive. Boards can run long.

Step Eighteen

Fasten boards to the deck with nails or screws. Add spacing between the boards, as needed.

Step Nineteen

Adjust the width of the final board as needed, either by setting a slightly wider board in place or cutting one so it is less wide. Check as you go along to plan for this.

Step Twenty

Once the final board is set, cut off any long ends.

Step Twenty One

Add any railings that sit outside the deck and any stairways not added earlier.

Step Twenty Two

Add amenities, such as benches and planters

Deck Building: Laying out the Joists on the Ledger
Deck Building: Applying the Deck Boards
Deck Building: Attaching the Ledger to the Wall
Deck Building: Attaching the Two Outer Joists
Deck Building: Cutting the Ends of the Joists and Deck Boards
Deck Building: Determining the Level and Length of the Ledger
Deck Building: Digging the Foundation Holes and Setting the Pier Blocks
Deck Building: Drilling the Holes for the Ledger
Deck Building: Facing the Deck with Band Joists
Deck Building: Installing the Girders
Deck Building: Installing the Railing
Deck Building: Installing the Remaining Joists
Deck Building: Introduction to Building a Deck
Deck Building: Locating the Foundation Pier Holes
Deck Building: Preparation of Deck Construction
Deck Building: Tools and Materials Checklist
Deck Building: Waterproofing the Deck

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