Miter-cut the ends of plywood spacers and point them upward.
Square the ends and cut them to length.
If desired, cut a decorative angle at one or both ends.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Fasten the spacers, points up, to two beam lengths with 1 1/4-inch screws.
Attach the spacers at 16-inch intervals.
Clamp and Screw Deck Beams Together
Stack two beam pieces with the spacers sandwiched between.
Credit: Dave Toht
Align the ends and clamp them together.
Add the third beam piece and repeat the process.
Begin by cutting your posts about 1 foot longer than needed.
Credit: Dave Toht
Set them in place with temporary support.
Position the members and fasten them with carriage bolts.
Drill through the beam with a long bit the same diameter as the bolts.
Credit: Dave Toht
Repeat this process at 16-inch intervals across the length of the beam.
Tap in Bolts
Tap carriage bolts through the holes.
On the flip side, add a washer and nut and tighten the nut with a socket wrench.
Credit: Dave Toht
Once the beams are built, you cansecure them to poststo continue building your deck.
The solution is a flush beam, which is essentially a header that has been doubled for strength.
Fasten them to the posts so they are level.
Credit: Dave Toht
Double up the headers to make them flush beams.
Drive a pair of nails or screws every 16 inches to bind the pieces together firmly.
