Topic: deck installation

Install a picture frame or perimeter board to finish the edge of your deck with style. Installing deck fascia can be easy if you have the proper tools, fasteners, and practical information that you’ll find right here. Are you extending your existing deck or building a brand-new substructure? Consider the scope of your project and your deck’s substructure before getting started. When you get near the end of the deck, dry lay the boards to determine the width of the last board. If you're installi...

Cut an equal number of approximately 4-in.-long pieces of 1×4. Number 2 grade 5/4 x 6 cedar decking will inevitably have flaws you’ll want to hide, cut off, or in rare cases, reject. It should overhang by at least 1/4 in., so that gives you 3/4 in. Land Grading — if you have different elevations in your yard, you may be required to level them out before building. Composite deck boards often come with hidden fasteners, which create a cleaner look. The deck shown here features a pressure-treated...

Lining up the grain with the decking, push a plug into the hole. Give the glue time to dry and then sand the plug flush with a random-orbital sander. As you work, before you reposition yourself as you make the long cut, always pull the blade backward and let the blade come to a full stop. When you restart, let the saw get up to full speed before pushing it into the wood. For pressure-treated decking, the boards can be secured with no gap. Given their high moisture content—you’ll notice as you he...

Install a picture frame or perimeter board to finish the edge of your deck with style. Installing deck fascia can be easy if you have the proper tools, fasteners, and practical information that you’ll find right here. Are you extending your existing deck or building a brand-new substructure? Consider the scope of your project and your deck’s substructure before getting started. When you get near the end of the deck, dry lay the boards to determine the width of the last board. If you're installi...

Function — if you want to build your deck to host future events, you may want to create a different layout than if you were to use it to surround a pool. You can use clamps to keep the posts in position while you fasten them to the deck. Drive roofing nails through the flashing’s top edge every 8 inches. Start by laying out the joist spacing on opposing rim joists. Finally, protect your finished product from the elements by using a deck stain or sealer. If you install composite decking, you can...

Lining up the grain with the decking, push a plug into the hole. Give the glue time to dry and then sand the plug flush with a random-orbital sander. As you work, before you reposition yourself as you make the long cut, always pull the blade backward and let the blade come to a full stop. When you restart, let the saw get up to full speed before pushing it into the wood. For pressure-treated decking, the boards can be secured with no gap. Given their high moisture content—you’ll notice as you he...

Figuring out the cost of your deck is also another essential part of building your deck, especially if you have a set budget to work within. The types of materials you choose, as well as square footage all play a role in determining the cost to build your deck. Resurfacing your traditional wood deck with composite deck boards is relatively straightforward, as long as your substructure is in good condition. Get more DIY guidance on installing composite decking in our Deck Building Resource Center...

Follow all local building codes when building a composite deck. Fasten face-mounted double joist hangers for beams every 8 feet on center along the front rim joist and ledger, flush with their bottom edges. Cut your deck boards to the precise length to allow the gap for breaker board installation. With your first board in place, the next phase requires installing universal fasteners to make subsequent installation easier. Though screws are also an option, these universal fasteners ensure a clean...

Figuring out the cost of your deck is also another essential part of building your deck, especially if you have a set budget to work within. The types of materials you choose, as well as square footage all play a role in determining the cost to build your deck. Resurfacing your traditional wood deck with composite deck boards is relatively straightforward, as long as your substructure is in good condition. Get more DIY guidance on installing composite decking in our Deck Building Resource Center...