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Video Series

How to Build a Deck: Video Series Four: Elevated Deck, East Greenwich, R.I.

By Rick Arnold
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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 concrete footings, see how to fasten and flash a ledger to a house so it will never rot, hear tips and trick for installing deck joists so they’re flat and flush, learn the reason and right way to install each piece of code-required hardware, find out how to cut accurate stair stringers, learn how to fasten guardrail posts so they’re practically bombproof, and master the skills needed to lay decking quickly and flawlessly.

Still not sure? Well, each series has an introduction video to show you the project in summary. These introductions are available to all viewers free of charge, so check them out:

Reading, Mass. This series focuses on the critical connections and hardware features you have to get right for a sturdy deck.

Woodbury, Conn. This build includes some interesting options, including Cumaru skirtboards and cable railings.

Newtown, Conn. If you always wanted to build a grade-level deck, this is the video series for you!

East Greenwich, R.I. Everything you need to know to build the perfect elevated deck.

If you are a FineHomebuilding.com member, you can see all episodes of all four series.

Critical Deck ConnectionsRead the related article, Critical Deck Connections, or watch the rest of the video series below.

 

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Videos in the Series

  • How to Build an Elevated Deck

    In this series, “build along” with contractor Rick Arnold and his crew right on the jobsite as they construct a sturdy, elevated backyard deck.

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  • Build an Elevated Deck Series: Build a Solid Foundation

    Learn how to secure a ledger board to the house then establish and pour a square foundation.

  • Build an Elevated Deck Series: Framing the Deck

    Learn all about piers, posts, and beams and installing the ledger that attaches to the house.

  • Build an Elevated Deck Series: Installing Joists

    Deck rim joists, joists, blocking, and newel posts complete the framing before decking boards can go down.

  • Build an Elevated Deck Series: Laying Down Decking

    At this stage in this complete-deck-build video series, builder Rick Arnold and his whole crew pitch in to lay down decking with a decorative rim band.

  • Build an Elevated Deck Series: Building Basic Deck Stairs

    Calculate, cut, and construct deck stairs using simple math and basic tools.

  • Build an Elevated Deck Series: Assembling Deck Railings

    Install a synthetic deck-railing system and measure the trim boards for a perfect miter joint.

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About Video Series

Fine Homebuilding is constantly producing new videos to provide you with the details and techniques you need to build beautiful, high-quality homes. Watch all of our videos to see builders, remodelers, and other tradespeople demonstrate how to do a top-notch job when installing foundations, roofs, and everything in between.

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