Build Your Own Deck

To build your own deck you have to first prepare the forms to put it on. Dig holes for this, 16 inches in diameter and the depth can be from 12 to 60 inches depending on your needs. Make the forms for your blocks and pour your cement. Make sure the cement is well set before you attach the ledger you will use and these have to be perfectly level in order for you to have a level deck.

Now you are ready to attach the ledger. Choose the straightest board you can find for this. Attach your ledger by drilling holes into the cement bases you have formed. The length and width of your ledger will determine the size of deck you want. Keep this ledger one and a half inches below the final top surface of your deck.

You can start attaching your joists. These are placed at the outermost part of your ledger. Make sure the crown of the joist is facing up and that the outer ends of the joist are true right angles to ledger. This deck may require beams depending on the size.

After you have finished the base you are ready to start applying the deck boards. These are best applied from one end to another. Try to choose a straight board to start with, as this will determine how straight your deck will be .It is important to leave a span between your boards as this will help with drainage of rain and help keep the life span of your deck longer. Before nailing, mark a perpendicular line across your boards. This may take a bit more time, but it will add to the look of your deck. Two nails are used for every board that is eight inches or wider.

Your free standing deck is now complete. You can add railings to improve the look but basically your deck is done, so sit back in a deck chair and relax.

Home I Patio Furniture I Deck Plans I Decks I Patio Covers I¨Patio Doors I Links I Sitemap