Scribd
Upload
35 views2 pages

What You'Ll Need: Building A Low-Level Deck

Building a low-level deck requires approximately 73-88 hours per side. Key steps include laying out footing locations which takes 7-9 hours, digging and pouring concrete footings which takes 10-12 hours, installing and bracing 4x4 posts which takes 7-9 hours, building the beam and joist framing which takes 10-12 hours for the beams and 14-16 hours for the joists, installing decking which takes 6-8 hours, and installing railing posts which takes 7-8 hours. Proper tools, layout, and bracing are needed at each stage.

Uploaded by

Jose Martin
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
35 views2 pages

What You'Ll Need: Building A Low-Level Deck

Building a low-level deck requires approximately 73-88 hours per side. Key steps include laying out footing locations which takes 7-9 hours, digging and pouring concrete footings which takes 10-12 hours, installing and bracing 4x4 posts which takes 7-9 hours, building the beam and joist framing which takes 10-12 hours for the beams and 14-16 hours for the joists, installing decking which takes 6-8 hours, and installing railing posts which takes 7-8 hours. Proper tools, layout, and bracing are needed at each stage.

Uploaded by

Jose Martin
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Building a Low-Level Deck

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

SKILL SCALE
Hard

TIME REQUIRED
Building each side of a low-level deck
should take about 73-88 hours.

Decks are a perfect area for outdoor entertaining and outdoor relaxing. The style
of deck you choose to build determines how you use your deck, as well as how
you build it. Although similar in appearance, different decks can require different
construction techniques.

Out Installation Services Associates built this Low-Level deck and documented
the steps taken in order to help you build your own outdoor living area.

Footing positions were established around the concrete pad surrounding a pool.
The low-level deck on each side of the pool is 30 feet long and 8 feet wide; 2x8
framing will be used on this low-level deck. Smaller-dimension framing requires
more footings. Batterboards and mason's string lines were used to locate footing
positions.

Approximate time for a novice (with a helper) to lay out footing locations for each
side of the deck: 7-9 hours.

Ten holes for 8-inch-diameter footings for each deck side were dug with a power
auger. Each hole is 48 inches deep to get below the local frost line. Tube forms
were required for the footings. Concrete was delivered by truck and pumped to
the footing locations. Post anchors for 4x4 posts were installed after the
concrete cured for 48 hours.

Approximate time (for each side): 10-12 hours.

4x4 posts were plumbed and temporarily braced in position. A water level was
used to establish post heights, and each post was trimmed to accurate length.
The ground slopes away from the concrete pad so the outer posts are longer
than the inner posts. Landscape rock was added to cover the area after posts
were installed, but before framing was completed.

Approximate time (for each side, not including ground cover): 7-9 hours.
Double 2x8 beams were built in place on top of the posts. They are attached to
the posts with adjustable post caps. A 45-degree beam was installed in each
corner. Decking will be attached around the deck perpendicular to the joists. The
diagonal beam will support joists meeting from both directions.

Approximate time (for one side, including a 45-degree beam): 10-12 hours.

2x8 rim joists and inner joists were installed. Inner joists were attached to the 45-
degree beam with 45-degree joist hangers.

Approximate time (for one side): 14-16 hours.

A ledger and framing for a box stair were installed. The front edge of the stair
rests on the concrete pad. A 45-degree header joist was installed between box-
stair sections in each deck corner.

Approximate time (for one side, including the stair framing in a corner): 12-14
hours.

5/4x6 decking was installed on the deck and the box stair perpendicular to the
joists. Seams between boards were staggered between adjacent rows of
decking. The board ends meeting in the corner are mitered at 45-degree angles.
Decking was fastened with deck screws.

Approximate time (for one side, including decking on one side of a corner): 6-8
hours.

Railing post locations were calculated and posts installed. Posts were notched
and attached to the outside of the perimeter framing. One post was notched to fit
around each deck corner. Stair railings were not needed. Coated metal tubes
were used as railing balusters.

Approximate time for one side, including corner post: 7-8 hours.

Total approximate time for one side: 73-88 hours.

You might also like