What Do I Need to Build a Different Dimension Deck?

When lumber is produced, it can then be described as dimensional. Dimension is the length, width and thickness of the lumber. Deck construction is almost always made with dimensional lumber. For example, if your existing deck was built with 2-by-4 dimensioned redwood, you could build a different dimensioned deck one step lower using 2-by-6 redwood. Diagonal or sectioned off patterns are also sometimes added to deck construction for aesthetic purposes. Different dimensions add character to decking. Start by adding a 4-by-10-foot deck made with 2-by-4s, onto an existing deck made with 2-by-6 lumber.

Metal 2-by-4 hangars
5 pieces, 2-by-4-by-96-inch dimensioned redwood
Screw gun
1-inch screws
2 prefab concrete deck shoes
2 pieces, 4-by-4-by-96-inch treated beams
12 pieces, 2-by-4-by-120-inch dimensioned redwood

Instructions

- 1
  Measure along the side of the existing deck ledger and make marks every 24 inches across the length of the joist. The ledger is the horizontal piece of lumber that the decking is nailed onto.
- 2
  Screw one metal 2-by-4 hangar at each mark using a screw gun and 1-inch screws.
- 3
  Place two prefabricated concrete deck post shoes on the outer corners of the deck. These are formed concrete pieces that the outer support posts fit into. Measure the thickness of the bottom of the shoe and write it down.
- 4
  Cut two 4-by-4 posts for the outer feet of the deck. Measure from the ground to the top of the hangar. Cut the posts to that measurement with a miter saw, minus the thickness of the bottom of the foot that you wrote down.
- 5
  Place the post in the concrete foot. Place them at the outer corners of the deck. Place the end of one 2-by-4-by-96-inch into the first metal hangar. Pick up the other end. Using the screw gun, screw it to the side of the 4-by-4 post, flush with the top. This is the first joist. Repeat this step on the other side.
- 6
  Place one 2-by-4-by-120-inch piece horizontal, spanning across the front of the outer posts. This is the outside ledger board. Screw it to the sides of the 4-by-4 posts. You should now be looking at a rectangular frame. Climb inside.
- 7
  Measure along the inside ledger board and make marks directly opposite all of the metal hangars on the other side of the deck. Screw hangars to each mark.
- 8
  Place the remaining 2-by-4-by-96-inch pieces into each set of hangars. Using the screw gun, screw through both sides of all the hangars to secure the joists to the hangars.
- 9
  Place the 2-by-4-by-120-inch decking pieces perpendicular across the top of the joists.Start by flushing the first piece on the inside, butting it against the side of the first ledger board. Place each successive piece of decking parallel to the first piece leaving 1/2-inch spacing between all of the pieces. Place two screws vertically straight down through each piece of decking at each intersection.

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