Building Your Deck
Step By Step Instructions To Help You Complete Your Project

1. Mark Off Deck Area

Marking Off Deck AreaMark off the deck area by using string and "batterboards" (fig. 1) making sure that it is level and square. The string will help you visualize the size and appearance of the finished deck and will also serve as a guide for excavation and post placement.

Square Up With A String

1. Attach string to house and / or batterboards - make sure it is level.
2.Use a felt tip marker to mark string 3' from corner in one direction and 4' from corner in the other direction.
3.When the diagonal connecting these two points is 5', you have a right triangle and the angle at the corner will be 90 degrees.
Note: To obtain the 5' measurement, move the string attached to the batterboard to the left or right until correct.
To check the accuracy of your layout, compare the corner to corner diagonal measurements. They should be the same.

2. Prepare The Site
With a spade or sod cutter, remove sod to a depth of 3". Uncover an area approximately 2' larger than the planned deck. To prevent weeds from growing up through the deck, spread a sheet of polyethylene film over the area. You will have to cut this to embed posts in the ground and to allow for drainage of rainwater. After the posts have been set, cover the sheet with gravel or bark chips.
3. Attach Deck To Existing Structure

A ledger board is the next step if you are attaching your deck to an existing structure. The placement of the ledger determines the level of the deck floor, so be sure it is positioned at the correct height and is level. In positioning the ledger, don't forget to allow for the thickness of the decking. (fig 2)
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P		 Proper mounting to existing wall is important. Check local codes for specific requirements.

When fastening ledger boards to wood, the ledger can be held securely with lag bolts. If you are drilling into brick or concrete blocks, do not drill into mortar joints. Drill into the center of the brick or block. Where aluminum or vinyl siding is in place, it is best to carefully cut siding away from the house so the ledger board can be secured directly to the house. (see figs. 3 and 4)

Back To: Planning Your Deck
Building the Deck: Steps 4-7
Building the Deck: Steps 8-9