The Deck Supply is a trusted destination for DIYers and contractors alike thanks to decades of deck building under our belt. From sourcing components to putting the finishing touches together, it’s always helpful to have an experienced guide. That’s why our team of dexperts put their heads together to create this guide for how to build a deck!
Finding Your Foundation
Tools Required:
- Shovel and Spade
- Mason’s Line
- 25-40 ft Tape Measure
- Square
- Level
- Hammer
- Marking Paint
- String
- Landscaping Stakes
- Diamond Piers Recommended Tools
In this stage, you’ll need to pay close attention to your measurements as they will affect every other aspect of your build. Before you dig any post holes, call 811 to locate any public utilities, or hire a professional to locate any private utilities like a well.
When planning the location of your piers, make sure to consider the width of your framing and anything you’ll be adding to the outside of your frame, like stairs or railing. To measure where you’ll place your piers, follow the steps described in this in-depth guide from the Trex Academy.
Placing Your Piers
The Deck Supply makes placing your piers easy with the Diamond Piers Deck Foundation. This revolutionary system simplifies the construction process with a precast concrete pier that is secured below the soil with long, galvanized steel pins.
This simple solution takes the guesswork out of pouring concrete while providing a sturdy foundation. Talk to our team about your design to find the right size for your project. To install your diamond piers, follow this manual and watch how it’s done with the video below!
Framing
Tools Required:
- 18-20 Volt Drill (and Batteries)
- Impact Drill
- Tape Measure
- Carpenter’s Vices
- Framing and Speed Squares
- Level
- Circular Saw
Attaching Your Ledger
If you’re attaching a deck to your house, you’ll need to use a ledger board to join these structures together. If your home has a stone or brick exterior, you’ll need to build a freestanding deck. For newer builds with a manufactured wood joist floor system, you’ll want to consult an inspector to understand how to install your ledger board.
In this stage, we recommend using G-Tape Deck Flashing, YellaWood Joist Shield, and Fastenmaster Deck Frame Coating as needed. Trex Academy has a great step-by-step video to properly install your flashing and ledger board.
Posting Up
With your piers properly installed, it’s time to place your posts! Our team can help you find the right materials for your unique posts and beams as you decide how to build a deck. When using our Diamond Piers system, simply place your post bases over the pins and secure the bracket hardware to the precast form. We recommend Simpson ZMAX ABA Adjustable Post Bases for these piers. After securing the posts to the base with CAMO Structural Hex Head Screws, it’s time to place your beams!
Get Beaming
To notch your posts and fasten your beams, the Trex Academy is a great resource to learn about this extensive process. In the video, their experts describe the intricacies of squaring and securing your beams. To secure the beams, we recommend using the ThruLOK Screw Bolt Fastening System. To secure your beams and beam-to-post connectors, you’ll need CAMO Structural Flat Head Screws.
Joist Hanging
The final step of framing a deck includes hanging your joists for the floor. Between each joist, you’ll want to install blocking to keep your deck to code. In this stage, you’ll need a few different framing connectors and plenty of structural screws.
Our dexperts and Trex Academy recommend Simpson Strong Tie Z Max Galvanized Reinforcing L Angles, Hurricane Ties, and LUC Face-Mount Joist Hangers. Since this is quite the intricate process, DIYers should consult Trex Academy for an in-depth look when learning how to build a deck frame.
Decking
Tools Required:
- 18-20 Volt Drill (and Batteries)
- CAMO Drive or CLIPDrive
- CAMO Lever Tool
- Tape Measure
- Circular Saw
Installing your deck floor may seem pretty straightforward, but there’s more to it than simply screwing boards into joists! For streamlined installation, we recommend the CAMO LEVER Tool to keep each board firmly in place as you fasten them to your frame. To get a modern look, you also may want to consider hidden clips to keep the top profile clear of screws. CAMO makes this installation a snap with the Deck in a Box kit! In every box, CAMO includes 3 lever tools, a ClipDRIVE tool, plus all the Edge clips and starter clips you need for a deck up to 500 square feet in size.
Installing Your Decking
Depending on your overall design, installation can be as intricate or straightforward as you’d like! Picture frame designs are typically the easiest to install, as you’re simply creating a frame using deck boards around the perimeter of your deck and filling in the center accordingly. For a professional look and feel, we recommend this technique and composite deck boards.
Railing
Tools Required:
- 18-20 Volt Drill (and Batteries)
- Circular Saw
- Tape Measure
Keeping your railing to code is essential to the safety of anyone spending time on your deck. To make this easy, we carry ADA-compliant kits with instructions on installation. For most everyday installers, we recommend keeping things simple with complete aluminum or steel kits. But for the hardcore DIYer, we also supply complete cable railing kits designed for the ultimate professional-grade look.
Installation Details
Installation of our steel and aluminum railing kits is simple thanks to the straightforward design and easy-to-read instructions included for assembly. Each panel is designed to attach through your floorboards and into the frame with collated screws. For a clean, finished look, most kits include post caps that conceal each mounting bracket.
DIR With TDS
With us, you’re not just doing it yourself, you’re doing it right! We invite you to learn how to build a deck from professionals who’ve been in the industry for decades. Our showrooms are your best resource for the supplies and support you’ll need in every stage of your project. So stop in, or request a quote online to make your great outdoors better with The Deck Supply!