Extend your deck rather than replace it to create the outdoor entertainment space of your dreams.
John Granen
Short on space foroutdoor entertainment?
Instead, consider extending your existing deck to create more room.
Credit:John Granen
Luckily, extending your deck is a relatively simple process.
Deck boards that look bad on the surface aren’t indicative of structural damage.
Mark the measurement on the wall with a pencil.
Fasten the ledger to the wall using concrete lag bolts.
This will prevent water from running behind the ledger directly into your wall.
Place a scrap support board with its end resting on the ground at the free end of the joist.
Repeat this process on the other side using the shorter board.
Hold the band joist up against each end joist and screw through the band joist into the end joists.
Check for Square
Check the frame for squareby placing a large framing square in each corner.
Adjust the frame as needed by scooting the temporary supports with a hammer.
Measure and Cut Corner Posts
Cut the corner poststo length.
Bury and Attach the Posts
Check your local building codes for deck-post hole requirements.
Once the posts are in the ground, screw through the outer joists into each post.
Typically, joists will be positioned every 16 inches.
Seal the Wood
Seal new woodusing your preferred deck sealer.
For best results, sand and refinish the existing deck boards.
