How to Frame Around a Tree in a Deck

If there is a tree in the area where you plan to build an outdoor deck, you have three options. Move the tree, move the deck, or build the deck around the tree. Framing around the tree adds to the deck's overall ambiance and saves you the cost and labor of tree excavation. You will, however, need to make a few adjustments to the deck's framing in order to accommodate the tree.

Instructions

- 1
  Run deck support beams in front and in back of the tree allowing 3 to 5 inches of clearance. Three inches should be sufficient for a tree that is already mature. Add additional inches if the tree is fairly young.
- 2
  Measure the distance between the two beams. Cut two beams to that measurement and attach one on each side of the tree, running perpendicular to the other beams. Allow 3 to 5 inches of clearance from the tree trunk. The idea is to create a box, or frame, around the tree.
- 3
  Measure the distance from the two short perpendicular beams out to the ends of the deck on both sides of the tree.
- 4
  Cut two beams to those measurements and run them from the ends of the deck to the shorter beams framing the tree.
- 5
  Install extra supports diagonally below the joists of the frame. The extra supports strengthen the deck. Installing them diagonally gives the tree room to grow and avoids as many of the tree's roots as possible.

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