Simple Sundeck

How to build a 12x16 deck in less than two days - honest!
by Joseph Truini

Build an entire deck - from start to finish - in one weekend? Sounds impossible, especially because it typically takes two days just to lay out and dig the postholes and mix and pour the concrete footings. But, using a deck-building technique that doesn't require any of these time-consuming steps, the 12x16-ft. sundeck shown here was finished in time for a late-afternoon cookout on Sunday. Although you might not want to complete all the work in one weekend, this is a deck you can use - and not just build - this summer.

The time-saving construction method we used is called a floating-foundation system; the deck isn't attached to the house or to posts buried in the ground. It's supported by precast concrete piers that sit on the ground. The system is allowed by building codes nationwide, including regions where frost heaving is a concern.

For our structure, we used Dek-Block piers, each of which weighs about 45 lbs. and measures 8 in. high x 11 in. sq. Molded into the top of each one are 1 1/2-in.-wide slots and a 3 1/2-in.-sq. "hole." The slots accept 2-by joists, while the hole is for a vertical 4x4 post - required only when building on sloping terrain or to create multilevel decks. The yard where we built is fairly level, so posts weren't needed.

The lumber shipment, which cost $538, included: 38 12-ft. 2x6s ($8 each), 7 16-ft. 2x6s ($12 each) and 30 Dek-Block piers ($5 each).