FAQ

How to Build a Deck

Steps for Building a Deck · Step 1: Attach the Ledger · Step 2: Protect the Ledger · Step 3: Set Footings and Piers · Step 4: Install Post Bases and Side Rim Joists.

Contents

Is it cheaper to build your own deck?

According to Remodeling magazine’s 2021 Cost vs. Value report, on average, a homeowner can recoup around 63% of the cost of a composite deck or almost 66% of the cost of a wood deck. Why? Because home buyers are willing to pay top dollar to own a deck.

Is it easy to build your own deck?

In general, building a deck is fairly straightforward — you make a basic frame using standard beams and top it off with some kind of deck material. In reality, it ranges from simple to complex. A properly constructed deck requires some knowledge of woodworking, concrete, landscaping and engineering.

How much does it cost to build a 20×20 deck yourself?

The average homeowner spends $2,200 to build a 10×10 foot deck, $6,160 to build a 14×20 deck, and $8,800 to build a 20×20 deck. The cost to build a deck with pressure-treated wood, hardwood, or composite is about $25 per square foot, for both materials and installation.

How much does it cost to build a deck yourself?

For just the materials, you’ll pay between $10 and $15 per square foot, and composite decking prices go up to $23 to $38 per square foot when you include labor costs. To install a 12 by 24-foot composite deck with railings, you’ll spend between $5,800 and $10,800.

What do you put under a deck?

A layer of crushed gravel, with or without plastic or weed barrier cloth, is the best choice for using under a deck. It sheds moisture instead of absorbing it, keeps the area under the deck drier, and won’t decay.

How do I make a budget deck?

5 Tips for Building a Deck on a Budget

  1. 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. …
  2. Build in Off-season. …
  3. Go With Wood. …
  4. Less Customization. …
  5. Do Cheap Without Sacrificing Quality.

What is the hardest part of building a deck?

Hold on tight. It’s 95 in the shade and the ground is like concrete. Not the best conditions for building a deck, especially when the first thing you do is dig holes for the footings.

Can I do decking yourself?

Laying decking is an easier job than you might have first thought. The more planning you do and the more you understand the steps, the easier the job will be. There are several ways you can lay decking but we’re going to talk you through building a raised deck and how to lay decking on grass.

Does a deck add value to your home?

According to JLC Group’s Magazine research report, adding a deck can increase your home value significantly. The average cost of constructing a wooden deck is $13,000 with a resale value of $10,080, meaning you can recoup about 75% of the total cost after selling your home.

How long does it take to build a deck yourself?

If you have a simple design and everything goes according to plan, you can get through the entire process in about one to three weeks. However, it often takes much longer than this. Waiting for the necessary permits and adding extra features to your deck can slow things down.

How do you build a deck without digging holes?

If you’re ready to start planning, there are two great options to build a deck without digging any holes: surface deck blocks and deck foot anchors. The cheapest foundations are deck blocks, which can be purchased for less than $12.00 a piece. Deck blocks sit on the ground, so proper planning is essential.

Can I build a deck directly on the ground?

Yes, you can build a deck directly on the ground, but with some conditions. A deck on the ground must be built with ground-contact wood, and the substructure needs to be adapted for minimal height. Even though technically a ground level deck is elevated up to 24”, here we will discuss decks built less than 8” high.

Do you need drainage under decking?

A deck allows you to relax and entertain outside, but without proper drainage, it’s possible for water to pool underneath. This can create a breeding ground for mosquitoes, mold and bacteria. If you have water standing under your deck after the rain, choose a drainage system that works for you.

Does decking need foundations?

Decking Foundations As a general rule of thumb, the higher a deck stands off the ground, the deeper the foundations need to be. All decking materials should ideally be pressure treated to avoid rot. But at the very least, make sure that the posts that will hold up your deck are treated.

Should I put a vapor barrier under my deck?

In a crawlspace under a house, the air moisture can easily be dominated by the soil moisture and is one reason that a vapor barrier is used. The tar paper over the joists and under the decking is a VERY GOOD idea and it is one of the best things that can be done to prevent decay of the joists.

How much does a 14×20 deck cost?

Cost to Build a Deck by Size

SizePressure-treated wood Average cost per sq ftComposite decking Average cost per sq ft
10×20$1,300$2,800
12×12$936$2,016
12×20$1,560$3,360
14×20$1,820$3,920

How do you build a floating deck over grass?

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Deck Area. Clear the ground where the deck will be installed, removing grass and all other organic material, as needed. …
  2. Set the Concrete Blocks. …
  3. Build the Outer Frame. …
  4. Position and Square the Deck Frame. …
  5. Check the Blocks. …
  6. Install the Remaining Joists. …
  7. Install the Deck Boards.

What to put under floating deck?

Can you build a deck without pressure treated wood?

Yes, you can use untreated wood to build a deck, but not without preparing it first. You can’t, of course, pressure treat it yourself, but you will need to seal; the wood and stain/paint it to ensure the wood is ready to take on the harsh external weather.

What do deck boards sit on?

Support Posts Support the Deck Frame As their name suggests, support posts support the frame of the deck. They are typically attached to the tops of footings with metal brackets and sit above grade (ground-level).

How deep do footers need to be for a deck?

For most deck applications, in most jurisdictions, the width of a footing should be 20 inches round and a minimum of 24 inches deep. It is important that the base of the footings be solid, and in many cases you will need to keep digging until you reach undisturbed soil.

How do you build a deck step by step?

Can you buy prefabricated decks?

We provide modular decks in composite materials that last twice as long as traditional wood decks. Modular decks come in grey and brown colors with a wide range of railing, stair and accessory options.

Can I build a Trex deck myself?

Trex® engineered composite decking to be as simple to install as it is to care for. And to make it even easier, we’ve compiled all the resources you need to build a DIY deck.

How far apart should joists be on decking?

For residential decking, the joist space should not exceed 16 inches, as measured in the centre. But if you want a more rigid feel for your decking, you can space the joist 12 inches in the centre. Additionally, for commercial deckings, the standard joist spacing is 12 inches in the centre.

What size joist should I use for decking?

Commonly used joist sizes are 2-by-6, 2-by-8 and 2-by-10. For example, when you space joists 16″ apart — which is standard for residential decks — a deck spanning 9 1/2′ would require 2-by-6 joists, a 13′ deck would need 2-by-8 joists and a 16′ deck calls for 2-by-10 joists.

Do you leave a gap between decking boards?

Determining Deck Board Spacing When using wood decking, you want a gap of at least 1/8 of an inch after your decking has dried out. If you’re using decking that’s already been dried out, you can leave a 1/8-inch gap when you install. Many decks will use “green” wood, or wood that hasn’t been dried down or kiln dried.

What is the correct way to lay decking boards?

“The proper way to install a decking board is ridge side down.” The ridges are designed to allow for airflow, to stop moisture sitting in the ridge, and allow for a stronger structure. These lead to a less slippery deck as the moisture can drain better, and it can air dry.

How far should posts be on a deck?

Ideal deck post spacing is 8 feet or less. The distance between deck support posts depends on the type of wood species used and the size of the joist and beam. There is no minimum span, and maximum spans can reach up to 15′.

How do you layout a deck?

How much is a 20×20 deck?

Cost to Build a Deck by Size

DimensionsSquare FeetAverage Cost Range (Installed)
12′ x 20′240 sq.ft.$3,600 – $11,280
14′ x 20′280 sq.ft.$4,200 – $13,160
16′ x 20′320 sq.ft.$4,800 – $15,040
20′ x 20′400 sq.ft.$6,000 – $18,800

Is a deck more expensive than a patio?

In short, patios are usually cheaper than decks. Location of the addition (on the ground without supports, above ground, on the house with a door already leading out or in an area in which a door addition must be made) Size of the addition. Features, such as a built in barbecue, railings, seating, supports.

Are Trex decks worth it?

Trex decks are worth it because you get what you pay for. They cost more than a treated lumber one, making up for your extra outlay of cash at the onset, and will last for years longer than the average treated deck, letting you more than recoup your investment. Trex decks are also low maintenance.

How do you support a deck without posts?

Instead of using footings, adding a level of gravel will give you the drainage aspect you are looking for. You can then add a frame of wood that anchors in concrete blocks that sit in the gravel, creating your new deck. Concrete blocks won’t rot, making them an ideal option for those who don’t want to use wood.

How many deck blocks do I need for a 10×10 deck?

For example, a 10 x 10 floating deck needs four-deck blocks. Four deck blocks can hold 8 000lbs, almost twice the support necessary for a 10 x10 deck.

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

A deck will cost much less than adding a similar size room to your home. For example, the cost of a 12 x12 deck. A 12 x12 deck can range in cost from $2 200 to $13 000, but the average will be $6 000. Costing $40 a square foot but can be as little as $15 or as high as $85, depending on the deck’s features.

How many decking boards do I need for a 12×12 deck?

29 deck boards

So you’ll want 29 deck boards at 12-feet long. If your deck is wide enough that it will require joints, you’ll need to convert the decking board into a square foot measurement. To get the square footage of a single deck board, first convert the width from inches to feet.

How do you stagger deck boards?

To stagger deck boards start at one corner of the deck with a full board perpendicular to the joists. Measure, cut and lay the next plank end to end with the first so the two butting ends are centered on a joist. Use the cut-off piece next to the full plank to begin the second row. Repeat the alternating pattern.

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How to Stain a Deck

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