No matter if you want to build a deck in order to relax after a long and tiring day at work or if you want to simply entertain your guests under the sun, building a deck can be an amazing way to create a relaxing outdoor space where you, your family members, and friends can gather.
However, spring is almost here, which is why you might want to speed up the building process, but you must wonder – what things do I need to do in order to make the building process faster? Luckily, the article below will shed some light on the entire topic, so without further ado, let’s take a look at what you’ll have to do:
Step 01: Gather Your Equipment
Before you can go through the rest of the list, you’ll have to gather the tools and equipment you’ll require. Hence, you’ll have to purchase some deck boards, lumber, screws designed for wood, weed membranes, cement blocks, a tape measure, a pencil, a spirit level, a rectangle, a hammer, a jigsaw, and a drill driver. Once you have the tools, you are ready to start.
Step 02: Clear The Area + Build The Framework
You’ll have to prepare the area where you’re planning on placing the construction, which means that you should level the area, and more importantly, you should get rid of any weeds. Once you’re done, you should create the structure with the timber you purchased and then connect them together with the wood screws you opted for. You must ensure that the frame formed a square, hence, measure it from one corner to the next. If needed, you can adjust it.
Step 03: Raise The Frame
In order to raise the structure, you’ll have to cut four blocks of timber to the height you want. When you get the blocks, you should screw them on the inside of the frame in each corner. Keep in mind, you should guarantee that they’re aligned with the height of the structure. You must utilize at least 3 or 4 bolts for every section, mostly because the posts will be holding the entire weight of the construction.
Step 04: Ensure That It’s Surfaced And Stable
Now, if the construction will be placed on dirt or grass, you’ll have to put slabs under each of the legs. Why do you have to do this? Well, by doing this, you’ll be capable of spreading the weight and load of the construction, which means that the entire base will be leveled, and more importantly, it’ll be stable. According to your design, adjust and position the structure and use a spirit level to check if everything is properly adjusted.
Step 05: The Number of Joists is Important
If the design is smaller, you could use three joists that you’ll place in the middle and other center-points between the edges of the frame and the center. You should mark across one side of the frame at the beginning, and then, repeat the same process on the opposite side. On the other hand, if you’re planning on building a larger one, you should ensure that you use more joists and also set them at 400mm centers.
If you’re unsure of your ability to build the framework and construction, you can always opt for professional deck building services such as https://decksforlife.ca/.
Step 06: Cut The Lumber
Next, you’ll have to measure the interior of the structure at the joist points you made. Once you’re done, you should cut portions of the wood to suit the measurements. To attach the support, you could simply hit them in with a hammer until they’re aligned with the top. Once they’re positioned properly, you should screw them in position from the outside of the construction. This will ensure that the structure is stable.
Step 07: Support The Structure With More Legs
You’ll have to support the joists additionally, something that you can do by attaching additional legs, all of which should be spaced at a 1-meter interval. For this task, you’ll want to follow paragraphs three and four, and ensure that each of them is supported with a fitting block of timber.
Step 08: Make The Facing
When talking about the facing, you should measure the length of the exterior sides of the construction. Once you’re done, you should cut the deck boards to accommodate the measurements you took. Mark each of the cutting lines with a rectangle, something that will ensure that it’s straight. Screw the boards to the construction while ensuring that the boards are leveled with the upper part.
Step 09: Lay The Boards
In order to start laying the level, you should ensure that you measure it properly from the tip of the structure. When you’re done cutting the lumber to the needed length, you’ll want to level the initial board with the external side of the structure and the facing. Ensure that you mark the position of the support beams on the boards.
Step 10: Mark And Drill Holes
Over the center of every joist, you have to mark and make the openings for the screws. You must guarantee that you utilize a sharp tool that’ll produce a clear hole. If needed, you can drill a pilot opening in order to hinder the beams from splitting. Additionally, you’ll want to utilize at least 2 bolts for each of the boards.
Step 11: Ensure That You Leave Gaps Between The Boards
You’ll want to include a 5mm extension gap between every board you’re planning on placing. You could use a spacer to complete this task, or if you don’t have a spacer, you could simply use a screw to measure the gaps and place all of the boards according to your needs and design.
Step 12: Finish it!
The last task will require you to repeat the same process until you’re done with building your deck. Now, if you purchased pre-stained boards, you won’t need to paint or stain them, however, if you didn’t purchase them, you’ll need to stain/paint them in order to protect them from the elements.
Conclusion
Although a lot of homeowners think that building a deck by themselves is complex, daunting, and time-consuming, this isn’t entirely true. In fact, if you choose to keep the things mentioned above in mind, you’ll be capable of making the entire process easier, less daunting, and more importantly, less time-consuming.
So, now that you’re aware of all the things you’ll have to do, you might not want to waste any more of your time. Instead, you should return to the beginning of this article, and start with the first tip we mentioned – which is gathering all the tools, materials, and equipment you’ll need for the project.
