Laying Out Your Plans

• Before you begin, follow all code rules by first determining location, size and design or type of deck desired and present them to your local code enforcement office to obtain necessary building permits. With permit in hand, you can return to your project site and begin to assess the tools and materials needed to begin building your new deck.
  
  

Tools and Materials

• Materials needed for building a deck will be determined by the size (length and width and height) of deck you want to build. Take into consideration additional materials for railing and steps if desired. Lowe's offers services for free that includes calculating all materials necessary based on the design and desired outcome. Here are the basic required tools and materials needed to complete a new deck: shovel, post hole digger, screw gun, drill w/ drill bits (1/8-inch bit) for pre-drilling screw holes, hammer, miter saw, skill saw, level, string, measuring tape, pry bar, plum line, treated lumber, galvanized screws (2 and 3 inches), pre-formed concrete footers or concrete mix, tape measure, string, pencil, wooden marker stakes (grade stakes) for marking perimeters, joist hangers.
  
  

Overview of Basic Deck Construction

• Use measuring tape, pencil and string to mark off and maintain equal distance between posts. Measure height and level desired of each footer post once placed to be sure they are consistent throughout deck area. You can be assured of security and stability of the footer posts either by using pre-formed deck blocks or by mixing your own cement and filling holes once post is placed to anchor them.
  
  Once footer posts are set, begin attaching deck joists forming the entire outside perimeter or base frame. Boards are cut to predetermine length from lumber yards. Cut them to your own specific length requirements. Inside joist boards are then added, keeping in mind the amount of strength and stability desired for the decks overall structure. Drill holes where screws are going to be used, then insert 3-inch galvanized screws to attach joist boards. This alleviates stress and prevents splitting of wood. Once floor joists are installed and secured it is time to attach decking.
  
  The decking boards, being the most visible and functioning as the "floor" for your outdoor living area should be set with their bark side up. This helps prevent "cupping" or warping of wood and potential to hold water on its surface. Once decking has been added to the base structure, you begin to get a true sense of how your new deck will look. It is time to consider the size style and design of railing to be attached to your new deck.
  
  

Final Touches

• Deck railing is added once surface is complete and can be fashioned from pre-constructed railing material, or custom designed. Be sure the height chosen for railing meets minimum local code requirements before attaching. Deck railing adds a special elegance in appearance to your new deck but most importantly provide security and prevention of injury from falls for your family and friends.
  
  

Staining and Protection

• Protect your new deck from the harsh elements of whether to preserve its beauty and strength in up coming years. Staining your new deck adds natural looking color and beauty. You may choose from either oil-based or water based stain---each type having their own characteristics. Once stain has been applied, it is time to seal the entire deck structure with a waterproof sealant which is specially designed for the project. Allow sufficient drying time for wood before adding wood stains and sealants. Seal entire deck structure for beauty and preservation as desired.