Adding a wood deck for outdoor entertaining and relaxing is a great way to get more enjoyment from your backyard while adding to the value of your home. The steps involved in adding a wood deck include:
Watch this video to find out more.
Please Leave a Comment
We want to hear from you! In addition to posting comments on articles and videos, you can also send your comments and questions to us on our contact page or at (800) 946-4420. While we can't answer them all, we may use your question on our Homefront radio show, Today’s Homeowner TV show, or online at dannylipford.com.
We’re creating about 400 square feet of deck here. To support that these guys are sinking six by six posts into the ground, surrounded by concrete. Now, a tool like this motorized auger takes some muscle to manage, but believe me it’s a lot quicker than digging all these holes by hand. The notches that are being cut into the posts are for the outer band, or band joists to rest in. This kind of joint is much strong than attaching the two by eights with screws or nails alone.
Once the rest of the joists are added in between the outer bands, blocking is added to stiffen and strengthen the whole structure. With that same goal in mind, the band joists are doubled, but this time we make miters at the corners, because this joint will be very visible when the deck is finished.
Speaking of visibility, the most visible part of the deck comes next, the deck boards themselves. By laying out several feet of boards, then prying them all tight together at one time, Mark can ensure a good snug fit. It also allows him to pull strings across the deck to act as a nailing guide, so that all of the fasteners line up in nice, straight rows. And the way the boards tuck neatly under the brick ledge of the doorway is just another example of how planning for the little things really pays off.
