How to Erect Outdoor Decks

You need to be mindful of steps and measurements in installing outdoor decks.. Once you have selected the location, proceed with the layout. Use the basic survey procedure for the platform which in expert terms is appropriately referred to as the 3-4-5 Rule.

There is a post four feet in span parallel to the wall of your house. Stakes A and B will comprise the two ends. Fasten a second line to stake A. Attach it perpendicularly to Point 3 and join this line to stake C. The corner should be a perfect square if the length between stakes B and C amounts to 5. Use stakes and strings to complete the outline. Precision is very important at this point.

Install the posts based on dimensions in the deck plan. Pinpoint the location of each stake and label these areas with poles. Holes for footings must be a minimum of three feet deep and 12 feet wide. Holes should be deeper depending on frost conditions in your area. Fill the hole with two inches of gravel and put eight inches (diameter) of ready-mix concrete. Bury a 4x4 metal post bracket into the core of the concrete. Brackets should be flattened and aligned correctly with dimensions of your home. Allow the concrete to harden all night. If you are unsure, consult with the local building official for technical requirements.

You can define post altitude by obtaining the distance from the summit of your deck to the underside of the brackets. Be sure to minus the wideness of your decking and roof/flooring joists. Trim posts according to the required height before installing the beams. Holes in treated wood must be applied with preservatives. Attach the rafters which can be 2 x 6, 2 x 8 or 2 x 10. Dimensions depend on the deck’s measurements and purposes. You can use 3-inch nails at 12 to 16 inches gaps. Attach the joists to posts using 3-inch frames.

Now you can go to the principal part of putting up your deck. Examine each board thoroughly. If possible, use deck screws so the deck will have an excellent finish. Add the stairway which come usually in three heights. You need three steps for an altitude of 20 inches, four steps for 26 inches, and five steps for 32 inches. Install two more posts if the stairs have more than three floors.

You can now add railings which are the most important for a deck. According to building specifications, guard rails must be 35 feet and ½ inches for decks that stand over 23 feet high. Maximum space of four inches between balusters is required.

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