Enhance your home’s exterior with a freestanding deck.
This guide will walk you through the how-to instructions for getting the job done.
A freestanding deck is a beautifuladdition to your home’s backyard landscape.
Credit: Caitlin Atkinson
This punch in of deck structure is self-supported and not directly attached to your home.
A freestanding deck can also be placed away from the house as a standout feature orbuilt around a pool.
With basic building knowledge, you and a helper can tackle these steps with ease.
Credit: Kimberly Gavin
But with a little extra care, a treated-wood deck can look great for many years.
First, choose boards that are straight, dry, and free of large knots.
After a month or so, check to see whether any fasteners are working loose.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
If so, remove them and install longer fasteners.
These temporary posts will help ensure precise lines and corners.
From there, string a grid along the posts to measure out the confines of your future deck.
Then rake 1 to 2 inches of gravel over the surface area your deck will cover.
Local codes usually require that concrete footings within 3 feet of the foundation must be 8 feet deep.
The middle beam supports both deck levels.
This step takes about 30 minutes per post to complete.
To make your surface as safe as possible, we suggestusing beams made of three 2x10-inch wood boards.
A safe place for your family depends on your attentive work.
You’ll want a handy helper for this installation.
When you’re done, you’ll be able to see the freestanding deck coming together.
Inside joists hold up the surface planks of a deck.
It is important that these are level, precisely spaced, and most importantly, strong.
For this step, you’ll begin bymeasuring and cutting the joists.
Then use a blocking technique to prevent the joists from warping.
A chalk line will help you cut your edges to perfection for a smooth, crisp finish.
Complete your freestanding deck bybuilding a set of stairs.
Just like your deck, the stairs will need a foundation followed by a surface of wood planks.
Use the skills you already have learnedto build strong, sturdy stairs.
