How to Cut Decks

While it is possible to cut decking by hand, doing so is time consuming and a lot of hard work. As well as being quicker and easier, using power tools to cut your individual boards to shape will give you a cleaner and more accurate finish. If you've done a good job fitting the frame for your decking, the process of cutting and installing your boards should be a straightforward process.

Tape measure
Pen and paper
Calculator
Set square
Pen
Solid work surface
Chop saw
Gloves
Goggles
Mask
Jigsaw

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the dimensions of your deck's framing. Then, draw out a detailed plan of your raised flooring's foundation on paper.
- 2
  Calculate how to cut your decking. Establish the dimensions of your decking boards -- if you don't have these from your decking's manufacturer, use a tape measure -- and work out how to fit them over your frame. Use a calculator to determine where you to cut your boards when you reach the end of your foundation. For example, if you have a frame that measures 6 feet in length and boards that measure 4 feet, you'll need to use one and a half boards to cover your frame, plus any overhang you require.
- 3
  Mark your boards where you need to cut them using a set square and pen, and set up your chop saw on a solid, flat work surface.
- 4
  Put on your goggles, gloves and mask.
- 5
  Align the guide marks you've made on your boards with the blade of your chop saw and start to cut. You operate a chop saw by bringing the blade down on the item you're cutting.

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