How To Build A Raised Deck

It would be best if you were here to learn how to build a raised deck. Building a raised deck is one of the best ways to improve the appearance and functionality of your home.

A raised deck can provide the perfect spot to enjoy the fresh air and spend time outdoors. And you can even use it to entertain guests. Also, building such a deck is simple and can be done without hiring a contractor.

But how exactly do you construct one? Well, you have come to the right place. We’ve compiled this step-by-step guide to build your elevated deck quickly and easily.

Building A Raised Deck

1. Designing The Deck

When building a raised deck, the first thing to do is to select a design for the deck that suits the existing layout of your home. You can check out various designs online and consult experts when looking for a suitable one.

2. Determining The Budget

All aspects of the deck-building process will depend on your budget. These include the materials that can be used, add-ons, the deck size and others. The budget will also determine safety features like deck railings and additional features like built-in lighting.

You can get an idea regarding the cost of materials such as lumber from the nearby home improvement store. Or use online applications to calculate the total cost of building the deck.

3. Applying For A Building Permit

You require a building permit to build a raised deck in most areas. The authorities in charge will need information such as the type and size of lumber to be used to know whether it is in line with safety regulations. Similarly, when hiring a contractor, you must submit the blueprints for the deck to ensure it meets the local building codes.

4. Purchasing The Materials

After getting the permit, it is time to purchase the building materials. The local home supply store is the best place to get the required materials. Such stores have staff who can help you find the right size and type of lumber, concrete, etc.

5. Attaching The Ledger Board

Once you have the materials, building the raised deck can begin. A ledger board is the first thing that needs to be installed. This piece of lumber is installed on an existing wall and provides stability to the deck, and its size will depend on how large the deck is.

Also, the board should permanently be attached using bolts instead of screws, and improper installation can cause a structural failure in the deck.

6. Digging The Footings

Generally, a deck has four footings, each having a width of 12 inches, and these can be outlined using a piece of string. Also, they should be at least 48 inches deep to ensure they are below the frost lines and completely stable. This is especially important for homes in colder regions where the soil can freeze in winter.

Use a power drill or rent one from a nearby store for digging.

7. Setting The Posts

After digging the holes for the deck footings, it is time to set the decking posts. Make sure they are perfectly vertical before you start pouring the concrete.

8. Mixing And Pouring The Concrete

Before you can pour the concrete, it needs to be premixed, for which a cement mixer will be required. You can rent a mixer or use a wheelbarrow for the mixing process. After mixing, pour the cement into the footing holes and allow it to set for about 48 hours.

9. Setting Up Temporary Posts

After the concrete is cured, you must prepare the posts to make them completely stable by adding rim joists and beams. Add the joist hangers to the inner sections once these rim joists and beams are in position. Then, with a level, take measurements of the tops of the deck posts and trim them to give the deck an attractive look.

10. Installing The Permanent Posts

Once you install the joist hangers, they will help strengthen the raised deck, allowing it to support more weight easily. Different-sized hangers can be used for various sizes of lumber, and they can be used to attach the ledger to the joists.

It is also a good idea to reinforce these hangers using wooden blocks made from the same material. This process, known as blocking, helps prevent the joists from getting twisted.

11. Installing The Decking Boards

After laying the foundation, it is time to put the elevated deck together. To do that, place the deck boards in the centre of the deck. The first row should be placed at a right angle to the floor joists and should lie along the side of the building. Secure these deck boards using deck screws to ensure they remain in place.

The other rows adjacent to the first one can be placed staggered. This will help create an attractive pattern and make your elevated deck look well-polished.

12. Preparing The Deck Stairs

You can search online for tutorials on building deck stairs using DIY techniques or get stair packages from home supply stores. In either case, a layer of concrete will need to be created to act as a base for the stairs. Usually, this concrete pad has a thickness of around four inches.

13. Creating The Stair Footings

When constructing the stair footing, remember that one footing will be required to support a post for the landing of the upper stair. Depending on the deck size, four additional footings will be needed for the stairs.

You can choose from different designs for the stairs. The most common ones include a design with a turn at an angle of 90 degrees or one that reaches the ground in a straight line. Consider the layout of your home and the backyard when selecting the design.

14. Installing Anchors For The Posts

The post anchors should be connected to the deck footings, for which you will need a heavy-duty hammer. These anchors play a crucial role in ensuring the stability and safety of the decking stairs.

15. Attaching The Components

Once all the different parts and components are in place, it is time to attach them to complete the deck. Check that each deck post is straight before attaching the framing for the landing. This should be followed by attaching the joists to the decking.

16. Constructing The Stair Runs

The horizontal level of a stair on which you walk is known as a stair run. It is created using a piece of a wide board called a stringer, installed at an angle. Again, the stairs and the stringers should adhere to the building code regulations.

17. Installing The Stair Railings

Building regulations usually require stairs to have guardrails with handrails, and the deck railing should have a minimum height of 34 inches. The railing posts can be attached to the bottom, top, or stair riser stringers. Make sure each post is even before moving on to the next one.

18. Attaching The Deck Railings

After checking that the height of your railing and its location are within regulations, you can start installing them. Generally, there is a gap of four to eight feet between the posts for a railing whose height ranges from 36 to 42 inches. Spacing the posts properly will ensure maximum safety when using the deck.

Enhance Your Home With A Raised Deck!

With that, this guide on how to build a raised deck has come to an end. Hopefully, it has been of help to you, and you can now get started on creating the perfect deck. While the process will take time and effort, the result will be gratifying.

Just keep a few things in mind before getting started. The first is the terrain where the deck will be built, as rocky or sloping terrain can complicate the process. Additionally, consider whether the deck’s location is exposed to the sun, in which case you may need to build a roof for shade.

Keeping such factors in mind can help make the deck-building process much easier. If you need the help of a licensed builder in Sydney, contact us at FTCC. We can do everything from building raised decks to assisting with your DIY project!