Proper Deck Construction

Support

• A very important part of deck construction involves the support posts. The entire weight of the deck and the people and furniture on top of it is supported by only a few support posts. The posts must be adequate for the job, and the deck must be attached to the posts in a way that creates safe, stable support. Notching a support beam so that the joists sit on a post instead of attached to the outside of it increases stability. Using special metal deck brackets designed to create a solid connection between the joists and support posts is also effective.

Foundation

• Proper deck construction starts on a proper foundation. The ground and the way the deck attaches to the ground need consideration. The ground under the deck must slope away from the home so that water doesn't drain toward the home's foundation. In regions where the ground freezes during winter, either a deck floats on pier block or reinforced concrete footings secure the deck.

Stairs

• A stable staircase ensures that people have a safe way to exit and enter the deck, and the strength of the staircase depends upon stable stringers. Stringers are the long boards that go up the side of the staircase and which are cut in the shape of stairs to support the stairs' floorboards. Cutting each stringer extra long ensures that the outside joist fits in the highest riser spacing and the second joist sits flush against the stringer. That approach provides a strong anchor and increases stability.

Railing

• A strong and sturdy railing is another important feature for any deck, and it becomes more important as the elevation of a deck increases. A railing shouldn't just be tacked onto the deck. Instead, the main deck supports that are footed in concrete should extend all the way to the height of the railing and form the primary railing supports. Local building codes include safety specifications that a railing must meet.