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![]() ![]() After we searched for deck building contractors and got a couple of bids, I was convinced that I could do it cheaper, and still have a beautiful deck. Now mind you I am not that great of a carpenter, but the way I built my deck anybody can do it and save 40 to 70%. First lets start out by talking about why I built my deck in this fashion:
Obviously this type of deck building will only work for some of you, but I hope it gives you some good ideas. Lets get started!
Shopping List for Deck Building![]()
Elephant Foot
The elephant foot offers a preformed top that fit a 2x4,6,8,10,12 board. The boards fit in sideways and make a great stable footing. The bottom of the elephant foot is flared out to spread the weight load over a larger surface. I got a little carried away with the number of elephant feet that I used for a couple of reason (in other words I added a bunch of them).
Joists You will need 2 x 4, 6, 8 for your Joists (support boards that go sideways in the elephant feet). Facial Board You will also need to install a 2x6, 8, 12 as a facial board around the whole deck to finish it off. You can use a thinner board, but I do not recommend it because you most likely will use the facial board to attach your railings. We will discuss Deck Railings on a different page. Fasteners The primary fastener that I used was a 3 ¼ 16D Galvanized nail. I used a pneumatic nail gun to do most of the nailing. I strongly suggest this for your deck building. Especially if your deck is going to be large.
I bought 2 cases of nails One last thing on lumber before we build. I used treated lumber for everything. I suggest this strongly. Decks are a special favorite of our friend the termite.
Deck Building LayoutIf you notice in the pic below you will see string lines running over the deck. ![]() I used stakes and string lines to lay the deck out and get it level. Believe me you cannot follow the contour of the ground or you will wind up with a deck that rolls up and down like the ocean. Since I had trees to build my deck around I essentially built three decks. I staked out each section separately and ran string lines to insure I got it level. I would strongly suggest you get a copy of Outdoor Projects from Home Depot. They do a good job explaining how to run string lines for leveling.
I then placed my elephant feet in a straight line two feet apart for my Joists to fit in. After I got all this lined up I then leveled the joist by shimming underneath them where they fit into the elephant foot. I used short 4x4 piece of treated wood that fit into the elephant feet standing on end in different lengths to make the deck level. Leveling the joist takes a lot of time and patience. You must make sure all your Shims (4x4 pieces) are snug so you support the deck evenly.
Deck Building / Put it all TogetherAt this point I laid out my boards across the joists and nailed them down. I let the boards run wild (run over a little) over the ends, and cut them off with a Skill Saw in a straight line. I popped a chalk line to achieve a nice clean cut. This is also explained very well with good illustrations in the Outdoor Projects Book.
![]() Deck Building / FinishingAfter all the deck boards were down and trimmed out evenly on the edges I attached a 2x6 facial board to finish it out prior to putting up Deck Railings. On the edges that had no joist end to attach to I installed a 2x4 block and attached it to the joist for support. This looks a little flimsy but once the decking is in place and everything is tied together it is very strong.
![]() ![]() After I completed the Deck and the Deck Stairs. I built the Deck Railing. Back to Top of Deck Building Page. For more Information on Building Your Own Home Go to Our Building Knowledge Center. Each month I publish a newsletter that covers a variety of subjects to help those of you, who Build Your Own Home. Please subscribe below for your Free copy! © and Build-Your-Own-Home.com All
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