DIY Pool Decking

Remove sod and move the soil with a shovel until it is level. Check that the ground is level by driving stakes into the ground at all four corners of your work area and stringing a cord between them, in line with the ground. Check that the strings are horizontal using a level. Lay landscape fabric on the ground over the area where you plan to install the pool deck. Pour river pebbles or gravel over the fabric, so that water will drain easily. Confirm that the surface still is level with your stakes, string and level.

Cut the 2-by-6 boards to frame your floor, according to the size and dimensions of your deck. Affix individual boards together into small square frames by nailing them together with corner brackets. Nail these individual frames together, also using corner brackets. Add extra 2-by-6 joists through each of the individual frames for added stability. Nail them into frames with joist hangers.

Set out the concrete pier blocks on the ground beside your pool. Cut the 4-by-4 posts to size, to the desired height of your pool deck. Lower the posts into the concrete pier blocks. Set the posts in place and lay a long, straight board over each set of posts. Check that the board is horizontal using a level. Dig out the ground beneath the posts, as necessary, until they are level.

Place the framed floor over the upright posts. Drive the deck screws through the framing to secure it to the posts. Use additional 2-by-6s as diagonal braces. Cut them down to size to fit from the lower end of one post to the upper end of the next post. Drive screws directly from the diagonal braces into the upright posts. Position enough diagonal braces in place so that each upright post has at least one brace connecting it to the post beside it. Extend this pattern along the length and width of the deck so the diagonal braces support both directions to form a full scaffolding.

Cut 2-by-6 boards to size using the circular saw so they cover the top of the floor framing. Begin at one edge and add each board so it fits snugly beside the last. Drive a few screws from each board into each of the braces underneath. Anticipate a 1/4-inch gap when the boards shrink over time.

Cut 4-by-4s to use as railing posts. Cut them to height, based on your preferred height for pool railings. Use lag screws to fasten them into place, setting one railing post at each point that the floor joist frames touch. Use 2-by-6 boards as horizontal rails and fasten them with deck screws. Cut 2-by-2 boards to size so that they span the distance between the flooring and the horizontal rails, to serve as balusters. Set them at 4-inch intervals so they cover the sides of the railing.