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How-To

Ultimate Deck Build: Framing the Deck

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

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      Framing the Deck: All of our careful work with the ledger and beam pays off when it comes to the rest of the framing work to be done on this deck. The process starts with setting and squaring the two outermost joists and the rim, creating the rough perimeter of our frame. From there, we set joists, joist hangers, and finish up the installation of the tension ties that reinforce the connection between the deck frame and the house. Then we share some tricks for framing a landing, which is essentially a deck on top of the deck.

      Read the related articles:

      Frame a Grade-Level Deck

      Frame a Grade-Level Deck

      The Complete Guide to Building a Deck: Woodbury Conn.

      Frame a Grade-Level Deck

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      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.

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      About This Video Series

      Since 2013, Fine Homebuilding has constructed four different decks and has created a series of start-to-finish how-to videos for each one. In each of these video series, you will learn every phase of the build, straight from the pro deck builders doing the work. Each series has its own particulars, so either choose your favorite project and dig in, or watch all four full builds! You’ll learn the right and wrong ways to dig and pour… More about this Video Series

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