Deck Installation Process

Five Steps to Building a Deck

1. Planning and Permits

The first step to constructing your new deck is getting the permits and codes needed to build on your property. Check with your community and building authorities to see what the restrictions are for building a new deck. When you hire a licensed contractor they will take care of sending your deck plan to be approved. They should also be up-to-date on the proper codes and regulations for building a deck. Once you have the green light, you can begin your planning process. This will involve discussing with your contractor what your vision is, what materials and color you’d like, and a visit to your home to inspect the space on your property. 

2. Preparing the Site

Your home will need to be prepped for the contractors to come out and get started on building. Remove any objects or debris from your backyard so that the contractors have immediate access to the space they need. They will make sure that the soil is prepped, leveled, and that there are no underground obstructions to getting the job done. 

3. Building the Footings and Installing the Posts

The contractor will dig holes for the deck posts to be placed. Piers will be installed to transfer the deck’s weight into the soil while footings will spread the deck’s weight out over the soil. Concrete will then be poured to anchor the posts and attach them to the post base. 

4. Building the Deck Joists and Beams

Once the base is set and the posts and beams are installed properly, it’s time to build the deck frame. This will be done by attaching rim joists to the beam faces, installing the boards, and adding fasteners to the joists. Additional hardware may be required, such as angle brackets to keep the deck supported and sturdy. The decking boards will then be trimmed to form a nice straight line and get rid of any jagged ends.

5. Installing the Railings and Steps

The next step for many decks is building stairways and railings, which are often required by building codes if they are not ground-hugging platforms. Stairs and railings often involve a complicated and rigid system of posts, rails, and balusters, but they also offer a lot of creative opportunities for you to work with your contractor on incorporating your style.