DIY: Build Your Own Deck

Adding a new deck to your home is a great way to add value to your home and create additional living space.

The first step of building your deck is to dig the holes using an auger for the footings of your deck - these will serve as the supporting structure for your deck. Fill with concrete and allow them to set for about 5 days. This will give you a good stable surface to build your sub-structure on.

Tip: In Greene County NY, the holes for your footings should be a minimum of 50" deep as the depth of the footing needs to go below the frost barrier.

As your concrete cures, install a ledger board with heavy duty anchors to secure the deck to the house. Attach metal post anchors to your footings once they are cured, and then add your 4x4" vertical posts and attach a center beam to the posts. Next, frame the substructure using joists and metal joist hangers.

Tip: Use a scrap piece of wood to keep your hanger width consistent.

Attach hangers every 6 inches for the joists and then seat your joists into the hangers and fasten with nails. Make sure to keep checking your level to be sure that everything is straight.

Tip: If you have a piece of wood that is warped, leave the high side up, because gravity will pull it down with time.

Tip: Composite decking is a durable alternative to wood

Now it is time to start putting down the planks of your deck. Your first place will be secured to your ledger board with screws, and then you will use special metal fasteners to secure the rest so that the screws can be hidden under the decking. When you reach the end, simply cut off the excess material and then finish your deck with veneer, stairs, and railings.