I have done DIY projects in the past (hanging drywall, gutting and replacing a kitchen, etc.) Is building a deck hard? Thinking about putting a 12 x 20 deck off of the back of the house, attached w/ lags, etc. Any advice?
2007-08-11 05:39:05 · 8 answers · asked by DeltGuy 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
A person with basic carpentry skills can build a deck. There are a lot of decent websites and books that describe this and can go into a lot more detail that I can, so here are a few warnings.
If the deck is going to be high, consider using professionals and make sure they're bonded, insured and guarantee their work. A deck collapse can spoil not just your day, but your life and the lives of your friends.
If you live in an area of the country where you have clay instead of soil, consider renting a power auger for a day.
If you’re married, arrange a divorce prior to when you plan to start the deck. Just kidding, but you will want her buy in. So calculate the savings from your DIY project and consider allocating some portion of it to her for deck furniture and plantings.
2007-08-11 06:57:21 · answer #1 · answered by keith_housand 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Home depot is your friend.. at some of the store they have a computer program you want walk up to and click on which ever project you want to build.. in your case .decks.. 20 x 20 and it will show you a few pictures you pick one.. then it prints out the blue prints and a list of supplies you will need... then if you need it you can get more detailed instructions on each step
2007-08-11 15:04:16 · answer #2 · answered by Larry M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Shoot if you have remodeled a kitchen a deck will be a piece of cake. Go to Lowes or Home Depot and buy a book on building a deck. I have built several over the years and they are simple.
2007-08-11 09:05:39 · answer #3 · answered by fortyninertu 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Home Depot or Lowes at one time had detailed plans in some of their DIY books. They would help you visualize what is involved far better because of the pictorial views. Better than any thing any one can tell you in a few paragraphs. They describe every thing needed for a correct installation. It could help you decide if you want to do the job yourself.
2007-08-11 07:33:51 · answer #4 · answered by petethen2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will need the approval of the local building inspector for a deck of that size.
Do your framing plan first. Get it approved first.
(You may be surprised at the size joists you will need for a 12' span.)
There are books available with the procedures.
Pressure treated lumber only - for the framing.
2007-08-11 19:46:14 · answer #5 · answered by Irv S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be sure your posts are planted bellow the frost line if you have one, use plenty of pea gravel under the deck. But most importantly. Choose each board wisely. Some places try to mix junk boards in with good one because they know the do it yourselver don't check for good boards like the pro's do. It's your money. and you don't have to beg them to sell you their trash. You want a good straight board with no large knots. You will get boards with a crown, and choose the heavier ones, heavy is good.
2007-08-11 05:53:21 · answer #6 · answered by mr.obvious 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the only trick part to building a deck is setting the posts. the neatest trick i have seen is a job that used temporary posts and then set the permanent posts after the framing was set. this allowed for precision placement of the posts.
2007-08-11 08:15:02 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you've done all the stuff you listed you won't have a problem.
The only tip I would have is just make 'DOUBLE" sure the frame is square.
2007-08-11 10:35:09 · answer #8 · answered by Michael C 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋