How to Lay Out a Log Deck

Preparation

• 1

  Draw the basic outline of your log deck using a pencil and paper. Include the location of all piers, joists, beam and boards on this drawing. Also include the dimensions of each object.

• 2

  Create a second drawing showing your log deck in relation to your home. Include the distances of all piers from the home and from one another.

• 3

  Using your drawings, mark the location of your ledger board on the side of your house. The ledger board helps hold the joists, or floor supports, of your deck in place.

• 4

  Attach the ledger board to your house using your nail gun and nails. Use your level to ensure that the ledger board is straight.

Laying Out the Deck

• 5

  Use your measuring tape and spray paint to create a basic outline of your deck on the ground. Make this outline as precise as possible, using dimensions from the drawing you created.

• 6

  Measure 2 feet out to the side and front of the two corners of the deck. Place two batter boards at right angles, one facing the side of the deck and one facing the front, at each corner.

• 7

  Check the angle of these batter boards using your hand square. Adjust the batter boards to ensure a perfect right angle.

• 8

  Use your measuring tape and drawings to determine the locations of each row of piers, or support columns, you need for your log deck.

• 9

  Place one batter board on either side of each row of piers, excluding the last row. If using a standard three-row pier structure, you need eight batter boards -- four to mark each side of the first two rows of piers, and four the create the corners, which also mark the last row of piers.

• 10

  Tie strings between the midpoints of each set of opposite batter boards. Also tie strings between the ends of the side-facing corner batter boards.

• 11

  Using your measuring tape, drawings and these strings as the location of each row of piers, place stakes in the ground to mark the location of each pier. Check the straightness of these stakes using your plumb bob.

• 12

  Tie a string between the midpoint of each front-facing corner batter board and the last stake on each side of the first row of piers.

Checking Measurements

• 13

  Check the straightness of your layout. The strings and stakes mark the exact lines and pier locations for your deck. Before you begin building on these lines, ensure they are straight. Use your hand square to check all angles.

• 14

  Use your measuring tape and the dimensions from your drawings created to ensure the location of all piers relative to one another and your house match those of your design.

• 15

  Measure angles between pieces of the deck, such as piers in different rows, to ensure that these distances match those of your drawing.

• 16

  Use your angle to ensure that the rows of piers run exactly parallel to the ledger strip you put up in Step One.