Anyone here built a deck lately???

Builder · Jun 8, 2006

Thanks! Just ask me if you have construction questions. i do this stuff all day and there aren't too many construction jobs i can't handle!

Happy to help!

Builder · Jun 8, 2006

Thanks! Just ask me if you have construction questions. i do this stuff all day and there aren't too many construction jobs i can't handle!

Happy to help!

leeinmemphis · Jun 8, 2006

Ok I think I am starting to get my ideas together. I am going to put a 12'x18' deck on and have a few questions:

1. If I use 2x8 floor joists then what would my spacing need to be on my posts?(I imagine I'll probably use 4x4 posts)

2. I am guessing that 2x6x12' boards would be perfect for the deck flooring.

3. What size wood is needed for the stair joists(the side boards of the steps that I will need to cut/notch for the steps). I believe it will likely be 4-5' off the ground on the back side so it will likely have 4-5 steps on it.

4. What should I do for hand rails? I would like to build in a couple of benchs on the sides for sitting down/putting on shoes/etc.

This is a deck for the farm and I am not looking to do anything very fancy or over the top. Any advice would be appreciated becuase I am going to try to start getting some sort of a material list and hopefully get it bought by the first of next week.

Thanks again!

leeinmemphis · Jun 8, 2006

Ok I think I am starting to get my ideas together. I am going to put a 12'x18' deck on and have a few questions:

1. If I use 2x8 floor joists then what would my spacing need to be on my posts?(I imagine I'll probably use 4x4 posts)

2. I am guessing that 2x6x12' boards would be perfect for the deck flooring.

3. What size wood is needed for the stair joists(the side boards of the steps that I will need to cut/notch for the steps). I believe it will likely be 4-5' off the ground on the back side so it will likely have 4-5 steps on it.

4. What should I do for hand rails? I would like to build in a couple of benchs on the sides for sitting down/putting on shoes/etc.

This is a deck for the farm and I am not looking to do anything very fancy or over the top. Any advice would be appreciated becuase I am going to try to start getting some sort of a material list and hopefully get it bought by the first of next week.

Thanks again!

Builder · Jun 10, 2006

( " Ok I think I am starting to get my ideas together. I am going to put a 12'x18' deck on and have a few questions:

1. If I use 2x8 floor joists then what would my spacing need to be on my posts?(I imagine I'll probably use 4x4 posts)

2. I am guessing that 2x6x12' boards would be perfect for the deck flooring.

3. What size wood is needed for the stair joists(the side boards of the steps that I will need to cut/notch for the steps). I believe it will likely be 4-5' off the ground on the back side so it will likely have 4-5 steps on it.

4. What should I do for hand rails? I would like to build in a couple of benchs on the sides for sitting down/putting on shoes/etc.

This is a deck for the farm and I am not looking to do anything very fancy or over the top. Any advice would be appreciated becuase I am going to try to start getting some sort of a material list and hopefully get it bought by the first of next week.

Thanks again! )

1. 2x8 joists are fine, but joist size does not determine post spacing. Beam size does. I need to know the beam size, but for arguements sake, let's say you use a 2) 2x10. If there's a 2' cantilever, the post spacing would be 7'-0". If there's no cantilever, then post spacing would be 6'4".

2. 2x6x12 would be fine, however, 2x6x20 would make a nicer deck with no butt joints. Drawback is that you'll have several 2' pieces wasted. Consider building a 20' or 16' deck if you want a seamless deck in the same size range you desire with no butt seams. You can buy 16' or 20' 2x6 and have no butt seams.

3. Use 2x12 to build your stair joists or "horses". If it's 4'-5' off the ground it will have more like 7-9 treads & risers as max recommended riser height is usually 7".

4. Handrails? The choices are limitled only to the imagination. I recommend 36" final height to meet code. Install a 4x4 post every 4 to 5 feet for strength, the install 2" square or decorative ballusters in between with gaps no greater than 4". Cap the rail with a nice piece of 2x6. Best thing to do with rails is find a picture of one you like, then copy it as best you can maintaining a 36" minimum height and no more than 4" spacing.

Builder · Jun 10, 2006

( " Ok I think I am starting to get my ideas together. I am going to put a 12'x18' deck on and have a few questions:

1. If I use 2x8 floor joists then what would my spacing need to be on my posts?(I imagine I'll probably use 4x4 posts)

2. I am guessing that 2x6x12' boards would be perfect for the deck flooring.

3. What size wood is needed for the stair joists(the side boards of the steps that I will need to cut/notch for the steps). I believe it will likely be 4-5' off the ground on the back side so it will likely have 4-5 steps on it.

4. What should I do for hand rails? I would like to build in a couple of benchs on the sides for sitting down/putting on shoes/etc.

This is a deck for the farm and I am not looking to do anything very fancy or over the top. Any advice would be appreciated becuase I am going to try to start getting some sort of a material list and hopefully get it bought by the first of next week.

Thanks again! )

1. 2x8 joists are fine, but joist size does not determine post spacing. Beam size does. I need to know the beam size, but for arguements sake, let's say you use a 2) 2x10. If there's a 2' cantilever, the post spacing would be 7'-0". If there's no cantilever, then post spacing would be 6'4".

2. 2x6x12 would be fine, however, 2x6x20 would make a nicer deck with no butt joints. Drawback is that you'll have several 2' pieces wasted. Consider building a 20' or 16' deck if you want a seamless deck in the same size range you desire with no butt seams. You can buy 16' or 20' 2x6 and have no butt seams.

3. Use 2x12 to build your stair joists or "horses". If it's 4'-5' off the ground it will have more like 7-9 treads & risers as max recommended riser height is usually 7".

4. Handrails? The choices are limitled only to the imagination. I recommend 36" final height to meet code. Install a 4x4 post every 4 to 5 feet for strength, the install 2" square or decorative ballusters in between with gaps no greater than 4". Cap the rail with a nice piece of 2x6. Best thing to do with rails is find a picture of one you like, then copy it as best you can maintaining a 36" minimum height and no more than 4" spacing.

leeinmemphis · Jul 5, 2006

Just wanted to update everyone that helped me. I spent Monday afternoon in 98 degree sun with a pair of post hole diggers digging the six posts. I ordered all of the materials to complete the deck(I hope at least) and it will delivered on Friday afternoon. I also picked up a compound miter saw, small air compressor and nail gun. Hopefully I will be able to complete this project this upcoming weekend. Thanks again and I will try to post some pics as the progress comes along.

EddieWalker · Jul 5, 2006

Decks are fun projects!!!

Not too many other things that you can do that will give you such quick results that will totally change the look and feel of your home.

You mentioned that you bought a nail gun. As much as I use them and rely on them, I wouldn't use one for a deck. Screw it together.

The wood wills shrink and the nails will lose their tension fairly quickly. Decks also move more than most structures and nails will work there way loose. Screws will hold tighter and longer!!!!

If you can, get screws with square drives. They are easier to use and rairly strip out. Regular phillips head deck screws seem to strip out way more than any other screws. I don't know why, but you almost need an extra five pounds of phillips head screws just because of all the stripping issues, not to mention replacing drive heads in your screwgun.

I have always spaced my decking with 16d nails, but from another thread on hear and seeing how the wood shrinks, I'm no longer doing that. I will put the decking down flush and tight to each other on my future projects.

Have fun,
Eddie

VA_Joe · Jul 5, 2006

One thing nailguns are great for is as helpers to hold things in place while making adjustments (especially when working alone). Once the nails are in - minor adjustments can be made by whacking the board up or down with a regular hammer. With everything in place - drill the holes for the bolts. Quick clamps also work - just not as friendly to minor adjustments as they tend to be either too loose or too tight (plus they can get in the way). Have fun.

Joe

TwinWillows · Jul 6, 2006

I'm w/Eddie on using screws instead of nails. On several recent projects I've been using the "star" drive deck screws (they are actually Torx drive but call them star - go figure). They are even easier to install than the square drive type.