Published Articles - Todays Homeowner - Deckplans.com - deck building made easy using our custom decks setup.

DAY TWO

Installing the 2x6 decking is the second phase of construction (it took less than four hours on our project). First, arrange all the 2x6 deck boards on the joists (photo 7). If the boards are wet, butt them tightly together; they'll shrink as they dry out, and gaps will form between each board. If the decking is dry, leave a 1/8- to 1/4-in. space between the boards.

7. LAY OUT the 2x6 pressure-treated decking across the joists. Then adjust the boards so that the ends by the house are perfectly aligned.

John Nasta

Shift the decking so the first and last boards overhang the left and right side band joists an equal amount. Also align the ends of all the boards along the house, leaving about 1 in. of space between the decking and the siding. Then attach the boards with 3-in. galvanized screws (photo 8). Finally, snap a line across the outer ends of the boards and trim them straight with a circular saw (photo 9).

8. SECURE the decking to the joists with 3-in.-long galvanized screws. Bore pilot holes to speed this process and avoid splitting the deck boards.

John Nasta

9. TRIM THE ragged decking ends with a portable circular saw. The boards should overhang the band joist by at least a half inch.

John Nasta

That's all there is to building this deck. Got a larger, more elaborate structure in mind? Though you won't finish in a weekend, these techniques will help you build almost any deck in less time.

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