Table of Contents
Step 1: Attach the Ledger. Photo by David Carmack. 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.
What is the easiest deck to build?
Build a Basic Deck The easiest deck to build is an on-grade deck. It doesn’t require railings, stairs, or posts, but the essential elements of the deck—including the ledger, beams, piers, and joists—remain the same for all types of decks.
What is the cheapest way to build a deck?
Choose wood, but carefully: Untreated wood decks are generally the cheapest to install, but don’t forget long-term costs. Wood decks require yearly maintenance and deteriorate quickly if they don’t get it.
What material do I need for a 12×12 deck?
You will need 18 boards of 2-by-6-inch lumber or nine 2-by-10 inch boards to build the joists, also known as the beams. You should purchase an additional 25 percent wood to allow for framing pieces and waste.
How do you build a freestanding deck?
How to Build a Freestanding or Detached Deck Step 1: Layout & Prepare the Deck Site. Step 2: Dig Concrete Footing Holes. Step 3: Pour the Concrete Footings. Step 4: Install the Posts. Step 5: Build the Beam. Step 6: Set the Beam. Step 7: Install the Floor Joists. Step 8: Lay the Deck Boards.
How can I save money building a deck?
The Top 8 Ways to Save Money Building Your Deck Choose the Right Type of Deck. Make an Efficient Deck Design. Low-Cost Materials vs Maintenance-Free Materials. Shop for the Deck Sales. Off-Season Building to Save Bucks. Buy Fasteners and Hardware in Bulk. DIY Build for Definite Savings. Seal Your Deck.
How much does a 12×12 deck cost?
A 12 x12 deck can range in cost from $2 200 to $13 000, but the average will be $6 000. Costing $40 a square foot but can be as little as $15 or as high as $85, depending on the deck’s features. A pressure treated deck is the most economical, with composite being the more expansive option.
What is a floating deck?
A floating deck, also called a free standing deck, is simply a deck that’s not attached to any structure, including (of course) your house. Instead, you can put your deck’s structural members — posts, girders, and joists — on precast pier blocks set directly in the ground.
How hard is it to build a deck?
Deck construction is not as hard as you might think, and if you follow some basic guidelines it can be a great DIY project. Decks are built to add living space to a home and every one of them should be built nice and level.
What do I need to build a deck?
Deck Construction The foundation and 4 x 4 posts. 2 x 10 beams. 2 x 4 diagonal bracing. 2 x 8 framing and joists. 5/4-inch decking. Stairs. Railings.
Which side of deck board goes up?
The correct way to lay decking boards for most decking is smooth-side-up, with the ridges there to prevent rot and mould.
Should deck joists be 2×6 or 2×8?
In general terms, joists spaced 16 inches on center can span 1.5 times in feet their depth in inches. A 2×8 up to 12 feet; 2×10 to 15 feet and 2×12 to 18 feet. The larger the deck, the larger the joists. 2×6 joists should only be used on ground-level decks that do not require, and will not provide for, any guards.
How many deck blocks do I need for a 12×12 deck?
Calculating Out How Many Deck Blocks for a Floating Deck Deck Dimension Square Feet of Deck Number of Deck Blocks 12″ x12″ Supporting 2000 lbs 8×8 64 4 8×10 80 4 10×10 100 4 10×12 120 6.
How many posts are needed for a 12×12 deck?
Before starting to build, the first question is: How many footings do I need for a deck? For an attached 12 x 12′ deck, you’ll need at least 3 footings, plus at least 2 more if you’re planning on building stairs with it.
What is a self-supporting deck?
A freestanding deck is a deck structure that’s self-supporting and is not attached to any structure. Also known as “floating decks,” they’re built apart from the house wall and are considered much easier to construct than a standard deck (which is usually attached to your house).
How much should a 20×20 deck cost?
New Deck Installation Cost The average homeowner spends $2,200 to build a 10×10 foot deck, $6,160 to build a 14×20 deck, and $8,800 to build a 20×20 deck. The cost to build a deck with pressure-treated wood, hardwood, or composite is about $25 per square foot, for both materials and installation.
What is the average cost of building a deck?
The average price range of building a new deck in the United States can be anywhere between $4,000 and $11,000. Including materials and labor, a standard deck will cost roughly $30-$60 per square foot. That means, for a standard 14 x 20 foot deck, you can expect to pay around $6,000.
How long does it take to build a 12×12 deck?
You can save most of that cost by putting in some serious time and sweat equity. A 12 x 24-foot one typically requires two people to complete and will take anywhere from one to three weeks depending on experience and skill level. A professional team can usually have the project done in a week or less.
Is it cheaper to build your own deck?
For basic deck designs using the least expensive lumber, you can expect to pay from about $8 to $10 per square foot (depending on the material) of deck area if you do the work yourself or pay about $30 per square foot if the material is professionally installed.
What is a good size deck?
Most builders suggest that your deck should be no larger than 20 percent of the house’s* square footage. This is so that the deck does not overwhelm a home visually. This, of course, is up to you. If you feel you need a larger deck that takes up more of your yard space, feel free!May 21, 2020.
