Framing
Deck Framing
Deck Floor Joists
Reinforcing Deck Rim or Band Joists
Deck Cantilever
Blocking And Bridging
Octagons
Framing Around a Tree
Where to Start Framing
Free Standing Decks
Squaring the Deck
Framing Parallel to the House
Sistering Joists
Angled Corners
Deck Level Changes
Framing Inspections
Hot Tub Support Platform
Sway Bracing
Balcony Deck
Hexagon Deck Framing
Ground Level Deck
Building a deck over concrete steps
Joist spacing for composite decking
Deck Joist waterproofing
Building a deck over an AC unit
Adding on to a deck
Round or Curved Decks
Framing around a fireplace
Access to hot tub decks
Deck Support Columns
Wood Support Post
Post Base Attachment
Notched Wood Post Beam Connection
Steel Support Columns
Concrete supports
Shared Load Deck Support
Decorative Support Columns
Wrapping Deck Posts
Sloping your Deck
Deck Bracing
support post max loads
Deck Support Beams
Cantilevered Beams
Flush Or Inset Beams
Beam Span Chart
Post Beam Connections
Sizing a Deck Beam
Nailing a Beam
Splitting a Beam Over a Post
Supporting Angled Flush Beams
Understanding Point Loads
Engineered Deck Beam
Triple beam to 6x6 post connection
Determining Deck Beam Height





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Watch the first of our deck design video series. Here are the three products in the video. Enjoy!
Gossen PVC Decking
BigFoot Systems
EBTY Hidden Fasteners

Deck Level Changes

Wherever your deck changes elevation you will need to pay special attention to how the respective levels are supported and attached to one another.  It is usually best to frame one level first to provide a reference to the others.  Sometimes you may need to block in the bottom of a framing member of an upper deck to obtain a positive connection and a smooth transition to a lower section. 
 
When deck forms of different elevations intersect it is sometimes practical to frame them in a simplified manner and install a platform over the top of the lower deck to create the appearance of a more complex form.  This can be an effective framing technique for an octagon stepped down from an upper section.  You can simplify the framing and eliminate some footings by building a square back to the higher deck and installing small platforms on top of the lower deck to complete and define the shape.