QA

How To Build A Basic Deck

What is the cheapest deck to build?

Pressure-treated wood, or chemical-treated wood, decks are generally the cheapest material to build decks with. For up-front savings, that seems great, but don’t forget long-term costs.

How easy 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.

Is it cheaper to build your own deck?

When you construct a basic deck with the least expensive lumber on the market, you will probably pay between $8-10 for every square foot of area if you build it yourself. But, if you hire someone to build it, you could end up paying as much as $25 per square foot.

How much does it cost to build a 12×12 deck?

Cost To Build A Deck By Size Deck Size Square Feet Average Cost 8×10 80 $1,200 – $2,800 10×10 100 $1,500 – $3,500 10×12 120 $1,800 – $4,200 12×12 144 $2,160 – $5,040.

How many boards 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 I build a budget deck?

5 Tips for Building a Deck on a Budget Scale Down Your Design. If you are planning a multi-level deck with a screened gazebo at the top, let’s face it, it won’t be cheap no matter what you do. Build in Off-season. Go With Wood. Less Customization. Do Cheap Without Sacrificing Quality.

Can you build deck by yourself?

It may seem overwhelming at first, but if you have the time and a solid understanding of basic construction principles, you can build a pretty incredible deck all on your own. Just keep in mind that while a DIY deck project might be a great option for some, it’s not the solution for everyone.

Can I build decking myself?

Before you commit yourself to the build, it’s a good idea to do a dry run of the decking first as you don’t want to finish the last row with a thin slither of deck board. Lay out the joist frame and position the deck boards on top, creating the necessary deck board expansion gaps.

What is the code for building a deck?

MORE BUILDING code topics Thirty-six inches is the most common residential height, but some jurisdictions vary. Guardrails are required once the deck is 30 ″ or more above grade. A 36 ”rail measured from the top of rail to the deck surface is required. California is the one exception where they Require 42 “guards.

How much does it cost to build a deck DIY?

How much does it cost to build a 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.

How long does it take to build a deck yourself?

The average deck runs about $7,000. 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.

What is a floating deck?

A floating deck is a deck that isn’t attached to a building and they “float” above the ground. Generally, floating decks are low to the ground and don’t require handrails or even staircases. They are sometimes called “grade-level” or “freestanding” decks because they’re built just above the ground level, or grade.

How many decking boards do I need for a 10×10 deck?

For a 10×10 square deck, you would therefore need twenty-two 10′ deck boards. Dimensions for deck boards can vary depending on the look you want and the deck board type you use. However, the most common is a 5/4” thick by 6” wide deck board of any length.

What material is needed to build a deck?

What Materials Do I Need To Build A Deck? Measuring and Layout Tools. Framing Squares and Speed Squares. Excavation Tools. Shovels. Pipe and Squeeze Clamps. Wrenches and Pry Bars. Fastening Tools. Nail Gun with Compressor.

Should I use 2×6 or 2×8 for deck?

For upper-level decks, 2×10 is recommended as the minimum size to use for strong guard post connections. 2×6 joists should only be used on ground-level decks that do not require, and will not provide for, any guards. Most decking is not strong enough to support longer spans than 16″.

How do you frame 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 many joists do I need for a 12×12 deck?

For example, a 12-foot x 12-foot deck of 5/4 x 6 pressure treated wood decking on 16 inches on center spacing of joists will require: A 12-foot long deck with joists 16 inches on center will require 10 joists.

What is the cheapest wood for decking?

Pressure Treated Wood Is a Solid, Cheap Decking Material. The most economical decking material, by far, is pressure treated wood. Pressure treated wood is superior to regular wood because it has been infused with chemicals that help it resist decay and rot, as well as damage from certain types of insects.

How do you build a deck without wood?

After our list, we set out an extensive list of example products you can check out. Composite Decking. PVC Decking. Vinyl Decking Systems. Aluminum Decking. Vinyl Tiles. Bamboo Decking. Rubber Paver Tiles. Interlocking Grass Deck Tiles.