how do you frame a deck

How to frame a deck – posts, beams and joists

• 1. How to install deck posts The first step for framing a deck is to install the deck posts. ...
• 2. How to make a deck beam Next we worked on the deck beam. ...
• 3. Screw in the posts and beams Once you have the posts and beams temporarily in place, you can level everything. ...
• 4. Install the deck joists and rim board ...
• 5. Cross bracing

Full Answer

How to build a strong deck frame?

5 Tips on How to Build a Strong Deck Frame

1. Cobble Together a Layout Frame. Most DIY construction or home improvement books recommend plotting deck footings using chalk lines, batter boards, and string.
2. Check the End Grain on All 4x4 or 6x6 Boards. ...
3. Skip the Lag Screws - Go For Construction Screws. ...
4. Square Your Deck Frame. ...
5. Install a Diagonal Brace to Prevent Deck Swaying. ...

How to square deck frame from the start?

• Begin by using batter boards and mason's string lines to lay out the location of the piers and footings. ...
• Lay out the deck perimeter using batter boards and mason’s line. ...
• Square the corners using the 3, 4 ,5 method. ...
• Mark deck pier/footing locations using spray paint based on the drawings.

More items...

How to frame a multi level deck?

How to Frame a Multi Level Deck

1. Stake out Frame. The first step is to stake out the perimeter of your deck. ...
2. Set Post Bases. The next step is to dig a hole for the posts at each of the stake locations. ...
3. Attach Joists. The next step is to attach the outer joists to the post beams of the lower level. ...
4. Rim Joists. ...
5. Joist Hangers. ...
6. Interior Joists. ...
7. Repeat for Upper Level. ...

How much wood do I need to build a deck?

You will need six 4-by-4 or 6-by-6 pieces of lumber for the posts and four 2-by-10 pieces of lumber that are at least 10 feet long. The latter will combine to make up the two large beams to support the deck. You will also need eight 2-by-6 beams for your joists, which have to be at least 8 feet long.

How do you frame a wood deck?

1:506:24How To Build A Deck: Framing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe four joists are spaced either 16 inches apart. It's called 16 inch on center or. In this case 12MoreThe four joists are spaced either 16 inches apart. It's called 16 inch on center or. In this case 12 inch on center. Because the decking is turning on a diagonal.

How do you lay out a deck frame?

1:573:15How To Build a Deck | Design & Layout (1 of 5) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPlace the batter boards beyond the corners of your planned area and tie strings to them marking theMorePlace the batter boards beyond the corners of your planned area and tie strings to them marking the outer edges of your deck. Use a single stick next to the house.

What does it mean to frame a deck?

The process of framing a deck includes creating connections between joists, beams and support posts in order to build a code compliant deck structure. This in depth section will teach DIY builders to frame a deck, from installing a ledger board and frost footings to framing the perimeter of the deck.

How far apart should joists be on a deck?

16″Deck joist spacing should never exceed 16″ on center (with the exception of MAX deck boards, which allow for maximum 24″ on center). For a more rigid feel, 12″ or less may be preferred. If adding additional framing, be sure to keep all boards level and in plane across the tops.

What size wood should I use for a decking frame?

Commonly used joist sizes are 2-by-6, 2-by-8 and 2-by-10. For example, when you space joists 16″ apart — which is standard for residential decks — a deck spanning 9 1/2′ would require 2-by-6 joists, a 13′ deck would need 2-by-8 joists and a 16′ deck calls for 2-by-10 joists.

How far apart are footings for a deck?

eight feetIn general, deck footings are usually less than eight feet apart from one another, but some of the above factors can influence the need for more or less support.

Do I need a beam for my deck?

Beams are a crucial part of any deck, so it's imperative that they're properly installed. A beam runs across the posts, parallel to the ledger, and supports the joists.

Can you frame a deck with 2x6?

You can use 2×6 as deck joists if the deck is low enough to the ground as not to require guard railing. When using S-P-F 2×6 deck joists, the span must not be greater than 9'0″ (2.73m) with joists at 16″ o.c. (400mm), and 9'10” (3.01m)with spacing at 12″ (300mm).

What do deck boards sit on?

Joists create a strong, level surface to attach the decking boards. These may be made of pressure treated wood or steel. Rim Joist or Band Joist – This is simply the outermost joist that runs around the perimeter of the deck. The rim joist fills the same function as other joists.

Is deck joist tape necessary?

In order to protect your deck's substructure from weathering and moisture, protective tape for your joists is a must.

Are joist hangers required on decks?

Are Joist Hangers Necessary? No, joist hangers are not necessary.

Which way should deck joists run?

On most decks, the decking boards run parallel to the house and across the joists (either perpendicular or at a 45 degree angle).

How do you stagger deck boards?

A common method for staggering a deck is to start the first row with a full plank, then cut one-third of the next row's first board off the end. The row after that has an additional one-third cut off and then repeat when you get back to a full board.

How do you set deck posts?

0:155:13How To Build a Deck | Post Holes & Framing (2 of 5) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThere are several methods for setting posts. One way is to pour concrete in the post hole. Set theMoreThere are several methods for setting posts. One way is to pour concrete in the post hole. Set the post on the concrete.

How do you square a deck frame?

Standard square or rectangular decks will require you to measure diagonally from corner-to-corner on both sides. These measurements should be exactly equal. For more unique deck shapes and designs such as octagons or hexagons, you will want to select two equal distances from opposite sides of the polygon.

How do you build a deck step by step?

Steps for Building a DeckStep 1: Attach the Ledger. ... Step 2: Protect the Ledger. ... Step 3: Set Footings and Piers. ... Step 4: Install Post Bases and Side Rim Joists. ... Step 5: Install Front Rim Joist, Beams, and Interior Joists. ... Step 6: Install Front Rim Joist, Beams, and Interior Joists (continued) ... Step 7: Attach Trim and Decking.

Remove the House Siding

A ledger board is a two-by-ten horizontal wood member that attaches directly to the side of the house, taking advantage of the home's strength for one of four sides of the deck framing. House siding cannot hold a ledger board since it is not structural lumber and, in many cases, it is not vertical.

Attach the Ledger Board

Cut the metal flashing to the length of the ledger board. Fit the flashing in the top part of the siding cut-out, so that one side of the flashing is underneath the siding.

Install the Deck Support Post Fittings

All decks need vertical support posts that hold the deck above the ground. Support posts must be placed on masonry footings that keep the deck firmly rooted in the ground and independent of ground movement and erosion.

Install the Deck Support Posts

Attach the metal post bases to the tops of the footings either by embedding a J-bolt into the concrete while it is still soft or by screwing the bases into the hardened concrete with 1/2-inch by 3-inch steel sleeve anchors after the concrete has hardened.

Install the Deck Support Beam

Install the steel column caps to the tops of the support posts with the provided hardware. Situate the caps so that, when the support beam rests in the caps, it will be parallel to the ledger board. Double up two-by-tens to form the support beam.

Attach the Rim Joists

The rim joists are the two-by-tens that form the outer perimeter of the deck framing. Cut the two side rim joists (called outside rim joists) so that they extend 1 foot beyond the support beam. Attach the outside rim joists to the ledger board with deck joist hangers.

Hang the Deck Joists

Deck joist spacing is dependent on factors unique to your project such as predicted weight loads and the type of deck flooring that you intend to use. With your pencil, mark each space where the joist will rest on the ledger board. Make corresponding marks on the inside of the header rim joist.

How to cut azek deck?

Measure and cut your deck boards to length using a power miter saw or sliding compound power miter saw, depending on board width . Measure twice and cut once. Review additional info on how to cut TimberTech AZEK decking.

How much do picture frame border boards overhang?

Achieve a clean finished look by allowing the picture frame border boards to overhang the outside wood rim joist by ¾”.

How thick is a Zek fascia board?

Installing TimberTech AZEK fascia boards, each of which is ½” thick, will leave a slight (¼”) overhang of the picture frame border.

How far can border board hang?

Border board can be flush to the wood rim if no rim joist is used, or can hang over up to ¾” if TimberTech AZEK fascia is installed.

When a deck board runs the same direction as the joists, what is the purpose of the additional blocking?

When a deck board runs the same direction as the joists, additional blocking / joists must be installed to your existing substructure to adequately support and fasten the deck board.

What size block to use for mitered corners?

Use 2" x 6" flat blocking to support the mitered corner.

Where to place corner support joist?

Place corner support joist perpendicular to the blocking.

What is framing a deck?

The process of framing a deck includes creating connections between joists, beams and support posts in order to build a code compliant deck structure. This in depth section will teach DIY builders to frame a deck, from installing a ledger board and frost footings to framing the perimeter of the deck.

Why flush beams on a deck?

Flush beams are a great solution when building a ground level deck because you may not have enough clearance for a cantilevered beam.

What is the best material for curved decking?

Learn how to build a curved deck using standard wood-framing materials. Composite decking material is more flexible for curved decks than wood.

What can an octagon deck be used for?

Learn how to build an octagon-shaped deck. Octagon decks can be used as the floor for a gazebo roof.

Can you split a deck beam in the center of a span?

Follow our step by step tutorial for splicing a deck beam over a support post. Never split a beam in the center of a span.

Can you put a hot tub on a deck?

Learn how to build a deck to properly support a hot tub or spa. Hot tubs are very heavy. Never place a hot tub on a deck that wasn't designed for the additional load.

Can you add a floating deck to your home?

Adding a ground level or floating deck to your home may be the perfect addition to your outdoor space. Learn how to build a ground level deck at Decks.com.

How many joists should a composite deck board be supported on?

When installing these, there are a few common installation practices to keep in mind. Generally, no composite board should be supported on less than three joists below.

How big is the border on a picture frame?

Install the picture frame border with the desired overhang. In this case, it is 2-1/4" because of the skirting and fascia boards that will be installed outside the frame below.

What is the first board to be cut for a deck?

The first board to be cut for the deck frame, and probably the most important, is the ledger board. In order to build a deck to the exact height and position that you want, the installation of the ledger board must be perfectly placed and level.

What to do if your deck isn't square?

If the deck frame isn't square, shift it from side to side until the points line up perfectly. Check the deck frame again to ensure that it is still level.

How wide is a 10x10 deck?

To maximize the use of the deck material (10') and to minimize waste on the 10 x 10 (3048 x 3048 mm) deck project, the finished width of the deck framing will be 9' 6" (2896 mm). The decking material will be 9' 9" (2972 mm) (with a 1.5 inch (38 mm) overhang on the two sides and front of the deck). This allows for about 1.5 inches (38 mm) to be trimmed off of each end of the 10' (3048 mm) deck boards. The reason for this is because lumber doesn't come in exact lengths, and often the ends of the boards are discolored, split, or banged up from shipping.

How to measure a ledger board?

Measure 9' 3" (2820 mm) from that end, to the other end of the ledger. Make a crows foot mark with your pencil. Square the mark with your speed square and cut it. This is the ledger board and it is ready for joist layout.

How to cut 2x8 lumber?

From the lumber package, select a 2x8 that is straight and not twisted or cupped (ideally, all of your lumber will be straight and perfect). Using a speed square , close to the end of the 2x8 (51 x 203 mm) ledger, make a square mark and cut it with a circular saw to square up one end.

What is the most important part of a deck?

Framing is perhaps the most important phase of deck building. If the structure is not designed to carry the required load, or if the framing is not level or square, building the remaining deck features like railing and stairs will be frustrating and difficult. It is much easier to build a deck correctly from the start.

How to attach a ledger board to a slab?

Using a 5/8" (16 mm) paddle bit, drill holes through the ledger board where you marked them for anchor bolts. Once the holes have been drilled, use a ram set to temporarily attach the ledger to the slab.

Pouring the Post Footers

You'll need the post layout marked before you begin. For details on creating a post layout, see How to Build a Deck: Design and Layout.

Setting the Posts

The posts attach to the footers with brackets. Once the posts are set, you'll cut them to the correct height.

Working with Pressure-Treated Lumber

Use fasteners and hardware labeled for treated lumber — stainless-steel or hot-dipped, galvanized screws.

Next Steps

With the frame secure, the decking can go on next. We'll show you how to install a couple of types of decking in How to Build a Deck: Wood Decking and Railings and How to Build a Deck: Composite Decking and Railings.

How many inches of framing for decking?

The advantages are many. It’s faster than random seaming; all decking ends have a full 1-1/2-in. of framing, so it cuts down on fastener splits; and you can leave 1/4-in. gaps at the ends so end grain can dry out after it gets wet.

What is seaming on a deck?

We use a faster, more material-efficient method we call seaming. It’s simply strategically placing a seam (or seams, on bigger decks) and using the same length boards for each section. Each seam is a sandwich made of an elevated vertical decking board with joists on both sides.

Can you lay out deck footings with string?

Home improvement books and TV shows always recommend laying out deck footings with batter boards and string, but I gave that up years ago. It’s faster and easier to build a layout frame from deck boards or joists. And unlike string, a frame gives you a solid guide to mark footing holes and align post bases.

Can you seam a 16 ft deck?

lengths might be the only options. For a 16-ft.-wide deck, I might seam it to have a four foot “sidewalk” down the middle for zero waste. Of course, everything depends on the design and the homeowner. But think about it next time to figure out the best approach. Here’s our guide for all things treated lumber.

Can 3/4 in deck boards split?

The result is that end-to-end deck boards share the 1-1/2-in. thickness of each joist. That can cause problems, especially with wood decks. With only 3/4-in. of nailing surface, fasteners will cause ends to split. And since the board ends have to be tight, untreated wood will rot.

Can you use a notched stair jack on a deck?

Simple notched stair jacks are fine for interior stairs. They get nailed to wall studs for stability and are hidden once the house is finished. Not so with deck stairs. Naked, notched treated-wood stair jacks are unattractive and wobbly. And because there isn’t much meat to attach posts or pickets to, you’ll have wobbly handrails, too.