FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Question on Squaring Deck Framing

ScipioUSA | Posted in Construction Techniques on June 6, 2020 12:05pm

Good afternoon everyone.

I have a question for those that do this much more than me. 

Im building a free-standing deck off the back of my house.  It will be Approx. 16’x24′, and is supported by 9 helical piers.  Im using a double 2×12 beam, and there are three of them running parallel to the house.  The joists will be 2×10, spliced in the middle at the middle beam. 

I am not attaching to a ledger, so wont be able to just hang the joists and square using the 3-4-5 method.  Im trying to figure out what the best way will be to frame up the joists so that I can have a square surface for decking.  They will mostly be 16″ OC, but the last space is different to support a picture piece of decking. 

Would you recommend putting up the joists closest to the house and working out, then squaring just the last board before attaching the rim joist?  Or should I make my “square” of the first and last joists, combined with the rim joists also and square that? 

Not a professional here by any means, but looking for the best way to get this done.  Thanks in advance!

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. calvin | Jun 06, 2020 01:09pm | #1

    Google Batter Boards. It will describe how to use string reference lines to square up frame in advance .

  2. oldhand | Jun 06, 2020 02:21pm | #2

    My first thought would be to square the first and last beams using diagonal measuring. You can put the beams on the piers and slide them around until square. If they are not parallel you'll have to account for that. Once the beams are squared and secured I'd square the first and last joists the same way and fill in the blanks. If the first and last are square the rims will be also. It's way easier if you have some cantilever in your plan to start with.

    1. calvin | Jun 06, 2020 03:56pm | #3

      I initially thought the same thing, then I wondered how he laid out the piers.....

      2 corner batter bds out beyond the layout from the house and 2 nails on the house at the ends of the deck and all layout and squaring of the job are done. Unless you bump the board (upside dn smiley face)

      1. oldhand | Jun 06, 2020 05:19pm | #4

        If the piers are laid out halfway accurately I'd race ya. You on the strings and me with the boards. As old as we are it wouldn't be very exciting of a contest but I'd bet a 6 pack on it but reserve the right for my 3 beers even if I lose.

        1. calvin | Jun 06, 2020 05:55pm | #5

          Deal.

          Now don’t sneak up in the middle of the night and kick the boards!

          1. ScipioUSA | Jun 07, 2020 07:18am | #7

            I wouldnt want to race either of you, but would make the 6 pack a 12 if I can get in on the split...

  3. ScipioUSA | Jun 06, 2020 07:51pm | #6

    Thanks calvin and oldhand for the quick replies.

    I did use batter boards and line to set up the outline of the deck, as well as the center point for the piers. So I think that went fairly well, and things are close-ish to parallel/perpendicular where they should be. But there is still wiggle room for the beams in the brackets, so Ill be shooting to get them closer to square also, but understanding that my joists are going to be where the rubber hits the road, so to speak.

    My thoughts were to install the first joist next to the house, and try to keep it spaced from a trim board that surrounds my sliding door. If I can keep that gap consistent, and then make sure that the joist that it is sistered to stays straight, (maybe some blocks and a string line?), I can then set the one at the other end and measure diagonals.

    There is cantilever on both the beams and the joists. I do need to trim down just a bit off of the 24' dimension since I want to avoid ripping a deck board, so I suppose I could set my joists, run them wild, and then snap a string and cut them square. I would rather lay things out though and do it right from the get-go.

    Also, Im planning to use g-tape on the tops of the beams to help keep the water out. Any tips for marking on top of that? Silver sharpie?

    Thanks again!

    1. oldhand | Jun 09, 2020 01:03pm | #8

      Just a couple random thoughts. ... I'd f-clamp any joist I wanted to measure with and see that it stays perpendicular as you hook a tape on it. More slowness..

      And I missed what you are going to deck with but you might save trimming the ends of the outer joists until you get most of the deck down if you're intent on ending with a full deck board. It's really easy to cover more or less than you expect on paper, just the way it goes for me.

      I don't know what g-tape is but maybe you can mark it by scratching a dent in it with an awl or a nail.

      It sounds like you are over figuring this thing but it also sounds like you'll end up with a decent job. Sounds like.

      1. ScipioUSA | Jun 15, 2020 11:30am | #9

        Thanks for the reply oldhand.

        Over figuring is what I do... And you nailed that pretty quick. Just don't do this often enough so I am second guessing and moving slow to try and not make a mistake or have it result in looking terrible or more work to finish.

        I set the joist near the house, and held it temporarily with a hurricane clip that had a deck screw in it. Seemed to work OK, and I got at least one edge of the deck pretty square. So that's good.

        Going to only square cut off the pile and leave the rest of the joists long until they are all installed. Then I can string line to make sure I'm still square and make my final cuts. I'll probably hold off on the far rim joist until most of the decking is on and trim down to avoid the rip. Plus I can fix the square then if I am still off in my measurements somehow.

        Grape is a relatively new tape, easier to work with than the foil backed bitumen stuff. Years by hand, pretty thin, but it's like black duct tape. I'm using a Milwaukee silver marking pen and it works OK, just a lot thicker than my pencil marks. But it's a deck, not furniture so I guess I need to get over it!

        1. oldhand | Jun 15, 2020 07:49pm | #10

          Sounds to me like you have this totally under control. As for thick marks for precision all you have to do is eyeball the center it or use the edge, either way it's a judgement call. Do a few dry runs for practice and use that as your gold standard. Center, edge, what ever method works consistently for you.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Mortar for Old Masonry

Old masonry may look tough, but the wrong mortar can destroy it—here's how to choose the right mix for lasting repairs.

Featured Video

Micro-Adjust Deck-Baluster Spacing for an Eye-Deceiving Layout

No math, no measuring—just a simple jig made from an elastic band is all you need to lay out a good-looking deck railing.

Related Stories

  • A New Approach to Foundations
  • A Closer Look at Smart Water Leak Detection Systems
  • Guest Suite With a Garden House
  • Podcast Episode 688: Obstructed Ridge Vent, Buying Fixer-Uppers, and Flashing Ledgers

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data