Instructions on Building a Porch Deck

Preparation

• Check with your local housing authority to see whether or not you need a building permit to create your porch deck. Some areas require you to apply for a permit and most mandate that you have your yard marked by the utility company for underground pipes, wires, cables, and sewer lines. Once you are cleared to start work, you must determine how large to make your porch deck---and if you want steps, doors railings, or a roof.

Layout

• Lay out the lower portion of the deck by marking its location in the yard using stakes and string to get the outline. Around the stakes, nail two foot borders to create a corner guide for the porch. Mark the location for all of your deck posts according to your deck plan. Place a stake in the ground for each post. Determine how high your deck will be by measuring the height of your house floor. Your deck will begin 2 to 4 inches lower than this to prevent water leaking into the house, which is basically how high your posts are. To prevent water damage, do not attach your deck to the house using a wooden ledge.

Making your deck

• After completing all of the measurements, it's time to dig the holes for your posts. If you are using 4x4 posts, dig the holes 10 inches in diameter. The depth of the holes should be half of the height of the posts but should be deep enough to satisfy local building regulations. Fill the holes with concrete and set your posts, ensuring they are all at the same height. Girders are attached to the posts once the heights are set correctly. The girders will run the length of your deck and will be where the decks planks are nailed. Once the girders are in place, install the plank, making sure to nail carefully.