A deck can really add to your enjoyment of your outdoor living space. Although there are many different styles and types of decks, which vary in complexity, many styles of decks can be built by the average do-it-yourself homeowner.

Before you start to build a deck in your yard, you will want to find a plan for the deck style you want to build. Alternatively, if you are new to building, you might want to purchase a deck kit at a lumberyard or home building center. Before purchasing any kits or supplies for your deck, you need to check your city and state building codes, and get a building permit if necessary. It is likely that there will be specific building requirements that will be stated in the code, so you will want to pay attention to them.

One of the most popular building materials for a deck is treated pine lumber, which is strong, rot resistant, and inexpensive. Cedar and redwood are also good choices to use for the decking surface, especially since they are so long lasting and decay resistant, but they are too soft to use for the framework and the base structure. Another good choice for the decking surface is composite decking, which is more expensive, but is extremely low maintenance. Treated pine is a good choice for the supports and base structure, regardless of what type of wood is used for the deck surface. Before using treated pine for your deck construction, let the wood sit and dry out for a few weeks before using it to build, to prevent cracking from occurring if the wood dries out after it has already been nailed or screwed together.

You will need to mark off the area in your yard where the deck will be built. Measure carefully, and make sure the angles are square. Following your deck plans, you will also need to mark where the deck footings will be poured or placed. The method by which you place the deck footings will depend on whether you live in a warm or cold climate. If you live in a colder climate, you will need to pour frost footings, as designated by your building permit. In warmer climates without freezing winters, you can simply support the deck posts with concrete pads. It is important to make sure the level of all the deck footings are even. If required, get an inspection by the building inspector at this point in the process before proceeding.

Consult your deck plans for guidelines on installing the ledger board for the deck, which is the board that is used to support the deck, which is bolted to your home’s framework. Carefully remove any home siding if necessary in order to get this properly installed. After the ledger board, supports and footing structures are securely in place, follow the deck plans to build the vertical framework of the deck, using the posts and beams. The floor joists will be attached to the ledger board, usually on 16-inch centers. The joists and hangers will be screwed into the ledger board. Once you have completed all the steps in your deck plans up to the point where the decking is to be installed, check to make sure everything is secure and level, and ready for the deck surface.

When installing the deck boards, they can either be cut to size prior to installation, or put up first and then cut to size by trimming all the boards even after the decking is completely installed. Make sure the first decking board is installed straight, and then use a shim of either a quarter or a half-inch to space and install the rest of the decking boards. Make sure to measure periodically so that the rest of the deck boards remain straight and square, and that everything is still equally spaced from the building.

Once the deck surface has been installed, you need to install the deck railing. This is another area of the deck that will probably be specified by the building code, especially in regards to height and spacing of the spindles. Depending on your deck plans, the railing can be either simple or more decorative. You might also choose to build some additional features onto the railing, such as planters or other deck features.

Once the deck is completely built, it should be allowed to dry out for at least several weeks before any staining or sealing takes place. This is because the treated lumber needs to be dry enough to accept the stain or finish. A good rule of thumb is to wait for several weeks, and then test the deck in an inconspicuous spot to see if the stain can be absorbed into the wood within 15 minutes, before proceeding with staining the rest of the deck.

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