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It is also important to consider the size of the framing lumber require.
Typically 2x6 to 2x10 framing is used, depending upon the size of the deck. Keep
in mind that you will need to pull a permit when building a deck addition and
the building inspector will need to review your deck design before issuing a
permit.
Building the Deck Footings and Substructure
Actually building a deck addition starts at the footing level. Deck posts should
rest on concrete pillars or footings that are sunk into the ground below the
average annual frost line. The deck posts should be mechanically fastened to the
concrete pillars or footings.
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Next mount the deck posts to the concrete pillars or footings and use temporary
braces to hold them in place. Make sure the deck posts are plumb and level.
After setting the deck posts, use a mason’s line to mark the level for trimming
the deck post heights. Run the mason’s line from the top of the ledger board to
each post and mark each post appropriately for cutting. Note that the height of
each deck post should be equal to the ledger board minus the depth of the beam
or band joist board that will set on the posts.
Use cross beams between deck posts to add additional strength to the deck
substructure. Use lag screws or bolts to tie the cross beams into the deck
posts.
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Mounting the Deck Ledger Board
Once the footings or deck pillars and substructure are in place the main deck
construction can begin. A ledger board is fastened to the home to support one
end of the deck floor joists. The house siding and trim should be removed where
the ledger board is to be fastened to the home. The ledger board should then be
lag bolted to the home’s band joist. It’s important to include flashing above
and below the ledger board before residing the house to prevent water from
seeping behind the ledger board.
As an alternative to removing the house siding for the deck ledger board, there
are mounting brackets that are now available that mount over existing clapboard
siding. The mounting brackets are lag bolted into the band joist via the siding
and then the ledger board attaches directly to the mounting brackets.
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Installing Deck Floor Joists and Deck Railing Posts
Next install joist hanging brackets, on 16 inch centers, along the length of the
ledger board and the beam or band joist. Then slide deck floor joists into the
hangers and fastened them with non-corroding type nails.
After installing the deck floor joists, install the deck railing posts. To
ensure solid deck railing posts use lap joints and lag screws or carriage bolts
to secure the posts to the deck joists. Also, install additional framing blocks
around the deck posts for added rigidity.
Installing Decking
The next step in building a deck addition is to install the decking boards.
Start at the side adjacent to the home and work your way outwards. Make sure to
properly space each decking board, per the manufacturer’s recommendations. Also,
make sure to use non-corrosive fasteners when securing the decking boards to the
deck floor joists.
Photos by Mark Donovan
Building Deck Stairs
If stairs are required in your deck construction project, use pre-fabricated
stair stringers if possible. Stair stringers should be fastened to the deck band
joist, via a 1 inch wide filler board. The stair stringers should be spaced at
16” centers. Rest the bottom of the stringers on either a wide concrete pad or
on individual concrete pavers. Adjust the height of the pad or pavers
accordingly so that the stringers are level across each other. Then fasten
decking boards to the stair stringers.
Building Deck Railings
With the deck posts already in place, all you need to do is build the deck
railing members to slide in and install between the posts. There are many styles
and ways to build deck railings. One of the easiest solutions is to install 2x4
rails between the deck posts near the top and bottom of the posts. Balusters can
then be fastened either in between or to the outside edge of the 2x4 rails. If
your desire balusters in between the 2x4 rails, first mount the balusters to
lattice material, with the balusters properly spaced. Then simply fasten the
baluster framework in between the deck rails using non-corroding nails or
screws.
With the deck railings in place your deck addition is complete. Simply stain or
paint it and it is ready for use.
For help on building a new Deck, see HomeAdditionPlus.com's
Deck Installation Bid Sheet.
The
Deck Installation Bid Sheet
will teach your how to hire the right deck contractor, and help to ensure that your
deck project is completed on time and budget.
How to Finance your Deck Project -
can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if financing is
required.
Additional Deck Information
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