Building a Round or Curved Deck
Curved decks are interesting and unique, but they are somewhat difficult to build because deck framing materials are straight and rigid. It is always best to start with a good plan. Curved decks are easier to draw on paper than to build in the real world. You will need to use an AutoCAD program or graph paper to determine the center of the circle and the length of the radius (the distance from the center of the cirlce to any point along the edge of the circle).
In order to build a curved deck, you use a series of angled dropped beams, posts and footings to support cantilevered joists that will extend across the curved or round section of the arc. Joists are usually allowed to cantilever a beam by 2' without hiring an engineer. You can run the ends of the joists wild past the beam because you will be cutting them back all at once.
Next, you will lay out and mark the radius across the ends of your joists. You can use a deck board as a compass. Use your plan to locate the pivot position and fix your compass to the center point with a screw. Leave the screw a bit loose so the compass board can turn. If the center point lands in between joists, you will need to install cross blocking to attach the compass pivot point. Arc the compass across the front ends of the joists to mark the radius on each side of the joist with a construction pencil. Then, you will cut the joists to the proper lengths and prepare your front rim board to cover the ends of the joists against the curved section of the deck.
If the pivot point is located in the house, you will need to lay out the circle in the yard. Lay pieces of plywood along the circumference of the circle. You can trace and cut these plywood pieces into templates that you can lay out on top of the deck to trace your radius.
It is always a good idea to install blocking between joists along the curved ends of the deck. This will strengthen the frame and create a good clamping surface to bend your fascia board across the curved radius.
The rim board can be bent using kerfed cuts. This involves scoring the 2x material with a circular saw to allow it to bend across the radius. Or you can use 1/2" plywood in layers built up to 1.5" thickness.
Another method for installing a curved rim or header board is to soak strips of pressure-treated plywood in hot water for about an hour to increase its flexibility. You can then bend the pressure-treated plywood strips across the front of the joists and screw it into place.
Composite decking is flexible enough to be bent across curved sections of the deck. If the decking is hot it will be even easier to bend into the desired shapes. Fascia board is flexible and can be installed over the rim board to clean up the edges. Some composite and metal railing companies offer curved railing that can be custom ordered to match your deck's radius.
Visit our gallery for ideas. Curved Deck Pictures Here or download a free Curved Deck Plan Here
How to Decorate Deck Support Columns
Browse some examples of decorative deck support posts for tall decks.
How to Connect a Notched Wood Post to a Beam
Learn how to install a notched wood support post to cantilevered beam connection using lag bolts, through bolts with washers or structural screws.
How To Build a Hexagon Deck
Learn some tips on how to build a six-sided hexagon-shaped deck.
Decking Patterns
Installing your decking at a 45-degree angle is a popular style for decks. This can be done to reduce decking seams or just for appearance.
6 Best Alternatives to Wooden Decking
While wood decking was previously considered the standard material for building a deck, that’s changed. Homeowners have been exploring and embracing different types of materials, and the availability of alternative decking materials has grown significantly.
Best Time to Build a Deck
People often wonder when the best time to build a deck is. Learn why building a deck in winter or fall might be your best bet.
More Helpful Resources
Explore Articles by Topic
Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks
Framing
Learn structural framing methods
Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials
Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs
Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code
Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
Design
The basics of deck design
Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors
Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons
Ledger
Proper attachment techniques
Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment
Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
Why is Joist Protection so Important for Your Deck?
If you’ve ever seen a piece of wood left out in the weather for any period of time, you know what happens: decay. Whether through wet rot, insect damage, or mildew, the fibers begin to break down.
How to Install Deck Girder, Cantilever or Drop Beams
Learn about the pros and cons of installing a cantilever, girder or drop beam to support your deck joists. This method allows for a notched post-to-beam connection.
How to Attach Deck Post Bases to Concrete Footers
Follow our step-by-step instructions on how to install a support post to a concrete deck footing using a post base connector and anchor.
How to Demolish & Remove a Deck
At some point, it might become necessary to remove an old deck, due to age or condition. Learn more about what's involved in a deck demolition and removal project.
Picture Frame Decking
Install a picture frame or perimeter board to finish the edge of your deck with style.
Tile decking
Installing tile over a standard deck frame in an exterior environment is a recipe for trouble.
Explore Articles by Topic
Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks
Framing
Learn structural framing methods
Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials
Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs
Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code
Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
Design
The basics of deck design
Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors
Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons
Ledger
Proper attachment techniques
Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment
Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights