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Deck Framing Articles

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The process of framing a deck includes creating connections between joists, beams and support posts in order to build a code compliant deck structure. This in depth section will teach DIY builders to frame a deck, from installing a ledger board and frost footings to framing the perimeter of the deck.

Each deck design will naturally present its own order of assembly by which to proceed. Many builders take different approaches, but good planning will always result in a smoother building process. If you can highlight or number the individual forms on the plan, it may make it easier to select a place to start. Once pieces of the deck begin to materialize, it will give you a physical mass to attach to and square against. It is usually best to start against the house because the ledger board offers a stationary surface and length to pull measurements from and to attach joists to. If your deck will change elevations, it makes sense that you should finish one section before starting the next. Stairs and landings should be the final step in framing a deck.

Learn more about framing a deck in our articles below!

What is a Deck

Deck Framing

Decks vs Patios: Cost, Pros, Cons, & Comparisons

Learn what factors affect the costs of decking and patios. Discover all the comparisons factors to help you choose the right space for your home with Decks.com.

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Deck Framing

Joist Tape: What Is It and Do I Need It?

If you want your deck to be safely supported by its substructure for the life of the deck, you can protect your investment with joist tape.

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Deck Anatomy

Deck Framing

Anatomy of a Deck

Anatomy of a Deck

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Tools for Layout and Measuring

Deck Framing

Deck Building Tools: What You'll Need

As with any professional job, having the right tools can make all the difference.

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Circular Pool Deck

Deck Framing

How to Build an Above Ground Pool Deck

Decks constructed around above-ground pools are no different than any other free-standing deck.

Hot Tub Deck

Deck Framing

Access to Recessed Hot Tub Decks

How will you access the controls of your hot tub on your deck? Make sure you have space to open and operate control panels when designing your deck.

Curved Deck

Deck Framing

Building a Round or Curved Deck

Learn how to build a curved deck using standard wood-framing materials. Composite decking material is more flexible for curved decks than wood.

Attach the second board.

Deck Support Beams

Determining Deck Beam Height

Learn how to measure in order to set your posts to properly position your deck beam to the correct height. We recommend sloping your deck to shed water away from the house.

Adding on to a Deck.

Deck Framing

Extending Your Current Deck

Learn about the pros and cons of adding onto your existing deck. First, make sure your existing deck frame and footings can support additional loads.

Deck Framing

Building A Deck Over An Air Conditioner

Things to consider when building a deck near an air conditioning unit. You may want to relocate the AC unit if possible to avoid some problems.

Deck Framing

Deck Joist Water Protection

Learn about a technique used by many pro builders for wrapping deck framing lumber with a waterproof barrier to prevent corrosion and rot.

Triple Deck Beam to Post Connection

Deck Support Beams

How to Use a Triple Deck Beam to 6x6 Post Connection

Learn how to use a post beam connector to attach a 3-2x10 beam to a support post for a deck when there isn't enough material on the post to create a notched connection.

Deck Framing

Building A Deck Over Concrete Steps

What are your options for building a deck over concrete stairs? You can demolish the stairs or build the frame around it.

Ground Level Deck

Deck Framing

How to Build a Ground Level Deck

Adding a ground level or floating deck to your home may be the perfect addition to your outdoor space. Learn how to build a ground level deck at Decks.com.

Laying out the first joist position on an angle.

Deck Framing

How To Build a Hexagon Deck

Learn some tips on how to build a six-sided hexagon-shaped deck.

Deck Support Beams

Engineered Deck Beam

Use treated engineered deck beams for long spans with fewer posts and footings. Engineered beams can be designed and specially ordered from your lumberyard.

Balcony Deck

Deck Framing

Building a Balcony Deck

Learn information about balcony decks that use cantilevered joists that attach to house floor truss systems.

Sway Bracing

Deck Framing

How to Brace a Swaying Deck

Learn how to install a diagonal brace on your deck frame to prevent racking. Check out our detailed image.

Do not over tighten.

Deck Framing

How to Build a Freestanding Deck

You may need to build a freestanding deck if you can't attach a ledger board to the house. Learn how to build a self-supporting deck.

Brick Decorative Columns

Deck Support Columns

How to Decorate Deck Support Columns

Browse some examples of decorative deck support posts for tall decks.

Flat Roof

Deck Framing

Roof Top Deck Construction

Occasionally, a project is presented where a deck will be built over a flat roof of a house or a garage...

Multilevel Decks

Deck Framing

Building a Multi-Level Deck

Multi-level decks are very popular. Learn how to build a deck that steps up or down using shared posts and footing connections.

A 45 Degree Angle.

Deck Framing

How to Angle Corners and Joists

Learn how to frame a deck with angled or clipped 45-degree corners using a cantilever beam.

Notice the blocking on the sides to support the border.

Deck Framing

Sistering or Joining Joists

Learn about how to sister deck joists over a beam for framing a large deck or adding onto an existing deck.

Straighten a board with a toenail.

Deck Framing

Framing a Deck Parallel to a House

Learn about an alternative framing method that allows you to install your decking perpendicular to the house and makes the deck free standing.

Squaring the deck frame

Deck Framing

Squaring the Deck Frame

Learn some tips on how to properly square your deck frame.

Point Load

Deck Support Beams

Understanding Point Loads and Beam-to-Beam Framing

Learn why it is important to install your deck beam to beam connections over a support post and footing.

Tap in the post.

Deck Support Beams

Supporting Angled Flush Beams

Learn how to support the angled beams of a ground level deck with your support posts.

Take out your socket ratchet.

Deck Support Beams

How to Splice a Deck Beam Over a Support Post

Follow our step by step tutorial for splicing a deck beam over a support post. Never split a beam in the center of a span.

Attach the boards.

Deck Support Beams

How to Nail a Deck Beam

Learn how to nail a beam together. How many nails should you use? What type of nails should you use?

Use a 1/2" diameter 12" long bit to drill thru holes for your thrubolts.

Deck Support Beams

How to Size a Deck Beam

Learn about how to choose the correct size beam for your deck. We discuss engineered beams and "sandwiched" style beams.

Sloping the Deck

Deck Support Columns

How to Slope a Deck for Water Runoff and Drainage

Learn why it is important to slope your deck away from the house to shed water off the end of the deck.

Wrapping Deck Posts

Deck Support Columns

How to Install Deck Post Wraps and Sleeves

Learn how to install trim or post sleeves over your pressure-treated support posts for a cleaner finish and to protect the material from checking.

Deck Bracing

Deck Support Columns

Deck Bracing

Learn how to install knee bracing in-between your deck support posts to provide extra strength against high winds and to prevent racking forces for tall decks.

Do not over tighten.

Deck Support Beams

How to Create Strong Post-to-Beam Connections

Learn how to create a positive structural connection for your post to beam connections. Use lag bolts, through bolts with washers, support cleats and hardware connectors.

Use a chisel to notch beams to create a level frame.

Deck Framing

Using Shims to Level the Deck Surface

Install shims or notch joist bottom across uneven joists to level your deck surface.

Hot Tub Deck

Deck Framing

Building Your Deck For A Hot Tub

Learn how to build a deck to properly support a hot tub or spa. Hot tubs are very heavy. Never place a hot tub on a deck that wasn't designed for the additional load.

tree

Deck Framing

Building a Deck Around a Tree

Learn how to build a deck around a tree to allow the tree to grow and not damage its root system while digging footings.

Laying out the first joist position on an angle.

Deck Framing

How To Build an Octagon Deck

Learn how to build an octagon-shaped deck. Octagon decks can be used as the floor for a gazebo roof.

Toe nailing blocking with a nail gun.

Deck Framing

Deck Blocking And Bridging

Learn how to strengthen your deck by adding blocking or bridging material at the mid-span of your joists. Blocking can be used to strengthen guardrails.

Check a ledger board for crown

Deck Framing

Deck Joist Cantilever Rules and Limits

Learn what factors determine the maximum joist cantilever overhang that is allowed.

Reduce joist bounce with blocking.

Deck Framing

Reinforcing Deck Rim or Band Joists

Learn a technique to strengthen your guard rails by installing a double rim joist and adding structural blocking to reduce bounce.

Use a sharpie or construction pencil to mark your joists.

Deck Framing

Deck Joist Sizing and Spacing

Step-by-step instructions and tips on how to frame. Learn how to install treated wood joists and beams to build a strong deck.

Use a 1/2" diameter 12" long bit to drill thru holes for your thrubolts.

Deck Support Beams

Beam Span Chart Table

Learn how to size your deck beam using this easy-to-use span table. Just cross-reference the post spacing and joist length to determine the beam size.

Attach the boards.

Deck Support Beams

How to Install Deck Header & Flush Beams

Flush beams are a great solution when building a ground level deck because you may not have enough clearance for a cantilevered beam.

Cantilever Beam

Deck Support Beams

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.

Shared Post

Deck Support Columns

How to Use Shared Load Deck Support Posts

Learn how to support an upper and lower deck using one support post and a larger footing by bolting the lower deck into the side of the post.

Concrete Supports

Deck Support Columns

How to Install Concrete Support Deck Posts & Columns

Learn how to install concrete deck piers to support your deck frame. Use cardboard form tubes to extend your footings above grade.

Metal Support Posts

Deck Support Columns

How to Use Steel Metal Deck Support Posts and Columns

Steel deck posts with base plates can be used as an alternative to wood posts for supporting your deck.

Cut the shoulder cut.

Deck Support Columns

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.

Deck Support Columns

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.

Finish with nails.

Deck Support Columns

How to Install Wood Deck Support Posts

Installing wood deck posts on top of concrete footings will provide additional support for your deck. We recommend using 6x6 posts due to their strength. Learn how install them at Decks.com.

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