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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

Build a Grade-Level Deck: Layout for Framing and Footings

Builder Mike Guertin shares tips for putting deck piers in the right place and securely attaching a ledger to a house.

By Mike Guertin
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Build a New Deck: Framing and Footing Layout
Builder Mike Guertin shares tips for putting deck piers in the right place and securely attaching a ledger to a house
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      In this episode Mike will:

      • Use a moisture meter to test the house’s framing for possible water issues

      • Inspect the rim joist and mud sills for proper ledger-attachment points

      • Use a rotary laser level to locate layout lines on the house

      • Plan and mark joist and fastener locations on the ledger

      • Do a dry layout of decking and plan framing to avoid ripping boards

      • Use a simple formula to locate piers

      Videos in the Series

      • Build a Grade-Level Deck

        Learn tips for making the project run smoothly and the deck stand the test of time in this video series chronicling the construction of a new deck on the Fine Homebuilding Project House.

      • Build a Grade-Level Deck: Layout for Framing and Footings

        Builder Mike Guertin shares tips for putting deck piers in the right place and securely attaching a ledger to a house.

      • Build a Grade-Level Deck: Footings and Piers

        Tips for forming piers, mixing concrete, and adding hardware to support deck posts

      • Build a Grade-Level Deck: Install a Ledger

        Builder Mike Guertin applies peel-and-stick flashing before securely fastening a new deck ledger to the house.

      • Build a Grade-Level Deck: Install Posts and Rim Beam

        Fit deck posts and square up beams and end joists easily with the tips builder Mike Guertin shares in this video.

      • Build a Grade-Level Deck: Joists and Hardware

        Builder Mike Guertin installs joist hangers before placing joists and connecting them to the main deck frame.

      • Build a Grade-Level Deck: Stairs and Blocking

        Mike Guertin wraps up the deck framing with some sturdy stairs, several meticulously-placed posts, and plenty of blocking to keep things straight

      • Build a Grade-Level Deck: Install Decking

        Follow along with Mike Guertin as he fits and fastens the composite field decking, decorative border, perimeter skirt boards, and stair treads.

      • Build a Bench and Half Wall for a Grade-Level Deck

        In this Fine Homebuilding Project House video, Mike Guertin and Justin Fink build a custom bench to match a new deck.

      Previous: Better Ways to Frame a Deck Next: How to Install and Flash a Deck Ledger, Start to Finish

      Guide

      Decks

      Chapter

      Framing a Deck

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      Decks

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      Design & Planning
      • Basic Design Options
      • Generating Plans
      • Calculating Deck Loads
      • Code Compliance
      Tools & Materials
      • Deck Building Tools
      • Foundation and Framing Materials
      • Decking Materials
      • Fasteners and Hardware
      Footings & Foundations
      • Choosing a Foundation
      • Sizing and Laying Out Footings
      • Excavation
      • Pouring the Foundation
      Framing a Deck
      • Framing Overview
      • Installing the Ledger
      • Setting Posts and Beams
      • Installing Joists
      Installing Decking
      • Decking Basics
      • Installation Process
      • Adding Fascia and Other Decorative Elements
      Installing Railings
      • Installing Deck Railing Posts
      • Building Wood Rails and Balustrades
      • Non-Wood Railing Options
      • Installing Nonwood Balustrades
      Deck Stairs
      • Deck Stairs Overview
      • Laying Out, Cutting, and Installing the Stringers
      • Installing Treads, Risers, and Stair Railings
      Custom Details
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      Finishes, Repairs, and Maintenance
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      • Grade-Level Decks
      • Raised Decks

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