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Fine Homebuilding Project Guides

Decks

Guide Home
  • Design & Planning
  • Tools & Materials
  • Footings & Foundations
  • Framing a Deck
  • Installing Decking
  • Installing Railings
  • Deck Stairs
  • Custom Details
  • Finishes, Repairs, and Maintenance
  • Complete Deck Builds
How-To

Ultimate Deck Build

Follow along with these step-by-step instructions on how to build a grade-level deck with cable railings.

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      Introduction: In this episode we get a glimpse at the site for this year’s deck project. After taking down the old deck, the site is cleared and prepped for the new deck to be built. This year’s project will focus on framing a grade-level deck, including fastening a ledger to concrete, pouring concrete piers and pads, setting a built-up beam, installing deck joists, building a deck landing, framing stairs, installing deck posts, fastening joist hangers and other hardware, installing cumaru decking with hidden fasteners, and finishing off the job with cable rail hardware.

      Read the related articles:

      Frame a Grade-Level Deck

      Frame a Grade-Level Deck

      The Complete Guide to Building a Deck: Woodbury Conn., 2015

      Frame a Grade-Level Deck

      Videos in the Series

      • Ultimate Deck Build

        Follow along with these step-by-step instructions on how to build a grade-level deck with cable railings.

      • Ultimate Deck Build: Fastening a Ledger to Concrete

        Learn how to make this critical framing connection for a safe and sturdy deck.

      • Ultimate Deck Build: Pouring Accurate Concrete Piers

        Learn how to use the deck ledger to determine the pier heights, a critical dimension in a grade-level deck.

      • Ultimate Deck Build: Building and Leveling a Beam

        Even at grade level, this beam has an important job.

      • Ultimate Deck Build: Framing the Deck

        With the ledger and beam in place, the rest of the framework can be assembled.

      • Ultimate Deck Build: Pouring and Finishing Concrete Slabs

        Editor Justin Fink and builder Chris Aherns build a code-compliant landing for the stairs on this Project House deck.

      • How to Install Railing Posts for Cable Rails

        In order to meet code requirements for strength, railing posts must be reinforced with the same lateral-load connectors used at the ledger.

      • Ultimate Deck Build: Cutting and Installing Stair Stringers

        Simple math and accurate cuts yield a perfect set of deck stairs.

      • How to Install Hardwood Decking and Skirtboards

        Learn tips for cutting and fastening dense exotic hardwoods like Brazilian Teak, Cumaru, or Ipe.

      • Installing Cable Railings

        Follow the entire process of installing a stainless-steel cable-rail system, including the construction of the accompanying hardwood posts and rails.

      Previous: The Complete Guide to Building a Hardwood Deck Next: The Complete Guide to Building Second-Story Deck Over a Patio

      Guide

      Decks

      Chapter

      Complete Deck Builds

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      View Comments

      1. CT_Yankee | Jul 16, 2018 05:24pm | #1

        As an engineer immersed in the crumbling foundation region of CT & MA, I have some additional considerations to offer:
        - Wood decks just a few steps above grade do not allow for grading & drainage improvements after completion. DO provide adequate slope away from the house foundation. Better still, grade the subsurface with adequate slope, cover with a heavy waterproof membrane, cover the membrane with crushed (or rounded) stone.
        - No matter what the skirt is around the perimeter, it is highly probable critters will eventually find their way under the deck.
        - If a crawl space under a house requires ventilation, why wouldn't the space under a tightly built deck?
        - In my many foundation examinations one theme keeps recurring - the obvious failure to remove snow from a wood deck connected to the house. One can blame this on improper flashing perhaps, but when you see the water stains on the interior only along the interior where the deck is located, it's a pretty easy diagnosis of water intrusion. Decks should come with a maintenance manual.
        - Always provide at least 1/8" (preferably 1/4") per foot slope down away from the house. One can justify not doing this by gapping the deck boards, but if you're in snow country it only takes a thin layer of ice to create an impervious barrier to water drainage. Guess where the water will find its way?
        - In my NTBH opinion, a raised, paved terrace is far better than a wood deck just 12-24" above the surrounding grade. Wood decks are obviously better when they're high enough above grade to allow access underneath.

      2. user-302806 | Mar 28, 2019 06:04pm | #2

        Maybe not attractive to carpenters but a ground level deck is better done with concrete or pavers than with wood. Huge difference in long term costs to keep wood decking looking good year after year as compared to concrete or stone where all one needs is an annual power washing.

      3. fenceanddeckconnectioninc | Jan 24, 2024 03:23am | #3

        The guid make deck building a grade-level deck with cable railing is giving guidance that's good but here are some points that's important like Consider the purpose, size, and desired features. Choose durable materials, and explore design ideas. Prioritize safety and functionality.

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      Decks

      Decks

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      Design & Planning
      • Basic Design Options
      • Generating Plans
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      Tools & Materials
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      Footings & Foundations
      • Choosing a Foundation
      • Sizing and Laying Out Footings
      • Excavation
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      Framing a Deck
      • Framing Overview
      • Installing the Ledger
      • Setting Posts and Beams
      • Installing Joists
      Installing Decking
      • Decking Basics
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