Build a Deck

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a poster with instructions on how to install decking and other things in the house

Understanding Deck Loads

Like any other structure, a wood deck is designed to support applied loads and to transfer those loads to the ground. There are several different types of loads that come into play on a backyard deck, including gravity loads (consisting of live loads and dead loads) and lateral loads. Unless mitigated by proper construction methods, these forces conspire to make a deck collapse.

an outdoor deck with chairs and table on it

Design a Beautiful First-Story Deck

Check out these 13 welcoming decks are ideal for entertaining–or a quiet moment alone.

an image of the inside of a house with rain coming down and water pouring from it

Below-Deck Fire Protection

Decks built above terrain that falls downward and away are more susceptible to wildfire encroachment, and extra fire protection is mandated by the IWuIC in these cases, the California Building Code does not require below-deck enclosure, but local jurisdictions may require it.

the diagram shows how to build an elevated class - 3 deck for outdoor play areas

Deck Framing

Metal Railings

Timber Beams

Make a Conventional Wood Deck More Fire Resistant

Here’s a way to make a conventional wood deck more ignition resistant without resorting to exotic means. Support posts are 6x6s, which have a longer burn-through time than 4x4s. Built-up or solid heavy-timber beams, although standard details, also offer better performance in a fire than thinner members. The deck boards are a key part of the upgrade, carrying the top class-A rating in their ability to limit the spread of flames. Read the article for more.

the diagram shows how to build an elevated deck

How to Frame Elevated Deck Stairs

Pro deck builder Bobby Parks likes to build stairs from the top down. First, they hang the stringers from the upper landing. After building the lower landing to the correct height, they build the two-tread run that connects the landing to the concrete pad at the base of the stairs. Like framing a deck on temporary posts and then locating the footings, building stairs this way takes some getting used to, but in the long run, it creates fewer errors.

two men in green shirts are working on some stairs

Framing the Stairs for an Elevated Deck

Pro deck builder Bobby Parks builds stairs from the top down on this second-story deck. After attaching the two outside stringers (pictured), they connect the lower ends with a 2×8, then add the middle stringers. The 2×8 forms one side of the lower landing.

a man standing on top of a wooden deck next to a tree and holding onto a rope

Steam Room Shower

Deck Designs Backyard

Adding Blocking Between Deck Joists

Use this quick and efficient method to cut and install blocks that will help to keep deck joists straight and square.

a man working with a hammer on the side of a house that reads frame a grade level deck

How to Frame a Grade-Level Deck

Installing a ledger-attached grade-level deck leaves less fudge factor for footing heights, and means attaching the ledger to the foundation rather than the rim. Justin Fink teams up with carpenter Chris Ahrens to tackle the three most crucial structural deck components—the ledger, concrete piers, and beam—showing how to tackle the challenges of working so close to the ground.

an image of a house being built with wood

Building Stairs for a Radiused Deck

On this curved deck staircase, the stringers flare outward and treads and risers are gently bent.

a person working on some wood with the words tips for mounting deck stairs

Craftsman Style Homes

Concrete Footings

Stair Landing

Concrete Stairs

Mounting Deck Stairs

JOIN THE POSTS AND STRINGERS: Blocking behind the posts reinforces them and the stringers. A threaded rod between the posts pulls them together, sandwiching blocking along the front.

a man is working on some stairs in front of a wooden structure with the words mountaining deck stairs written above it

Hand Rail Ideas Outdoor

Tips for Mounting Deck Stairs

Most deck stairs are cobbled onto the deck as afterthoughts. Veteran carpenter Mike Guertin explains the loads and codes applying to deck-stair connections. He provides a simple and stout detail for attaching the stairs to the deck using readily available metal framing hardware.

a man is working on some stairs with the words build a study handrail above him

Build A Sturdy Rail for Outdoor Stairs

In the final installment of this three-part series on building deck stairs, Kevin Manning, project manager at Red House Design, talks through adding the final piece of the stairs: hardwood railings. The railings were assembled in sections, secured to a bottom rail, and then topped with a molded handrail for a professional finish.

the brochure shows different types of brackets

Bracketed Deck Guard-Post Connections

Proprietary hardware made by Simpson Strong-Tie, MiTek, and Screw Products, Inc. are used to reinforce the guard post to the deck framing along the rim joist and end joists. The manufacturers have installation guides that are important to follow to ensure sound post reinforcement. The connection designs shown here are applicable for 36-in. guards on residential decks. Check the hardware manufacturer’s literature for use with taller guards.

the steps to building a deck with wooden posts

Installation Details for Rock-Solid Guard-Post Connections

Veteran deck-builder and contributing editor Mike Guertin describes the prescriptive solutions in the 2021 International Residential Code for attaching guard posts to deck framing for a safe and secure guard system. Guertin describes the proprietary hardware used to reinforce the connections, and uses a series of detailed illustrations to demonstrate 12 different code-compliant post-to-frame attachments.

a diagram showing the parts of a window frame and how to use it for construction

Ideas for Custom Deck Railings: Wire Panels for a Wide-Open View

When budget concerns arose, North Carolina builder Michael Chandler corralled the cost of this 600-sq.-ft. deck project by using agricultural wire goat panels for the guardrails rather than the custom metalwork initially planned.

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Build a Deck

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