Building a Raised Wooden Deck
Step-by-step guide made from VITALIK TATALIK's YouTube video.
A timelapse video showing the complete process of demolishing an old, elevated wooden deck and building a new, larger one from the ground up. The project covers setting posts, framing, installing decking, and building the final railings.
- Difficulty: advanced
Safety
- Always wear safety glasses, especially when cutting wood or using power tools.
- Be extremely cautious when working on ladders and at heights.
- Ensure the deck's ledger board is securely and properly attached to the house structure to prevent collapse.
Must know before you build
- Apply joist tape to joist tops to prevent water damage and extend frame life.
- Securely attach ledger board to house structure; improper attachment risks collapse.
- Flash ledger board properly where it meets the house to prevent siding rot.
- Use ratchet straps to straighten warped deck boards before fastening for a clean finish.
- Properly set support posts in concrete footings for critical structural stability.
Tools
- Sledgehammer
- Pry bar
- Circular saw (Cordless)
- Miter saw
- Impact driver (Cordless)
- Ladder (Extension and A-frame)
- Hammer (Claw hammer)
- Sawhorses (optional)
- Ratchet straps (optional)
Materials
- Pressure-treated lumber
- Joist tape (Flashing tape, Trex)
- Joist hangers (Metal hardware)
- Fasteners (Screws/Nails)
- Concrete form tube
Step by step
Step 1: Demolish the Old Deck
Tear down and remove the old deck structure, including railings and floorboards.
- Remove Railings. Use a sledgehammer and pry bars to knock down and remove the old deck railings.
- Pry Up Deck Boards. Use a pry bar to lift and remove the old deck floorboards from the joists.
- Dismantle Frame. Take apart and remove the remaining joists and beams of the old deck structure.
Step 2: Construct the Deck Frame
Set the support posts, attach the ledger board, and install the main beams and joists to create the deck's structure.
- Set Posts and Beams. Set the main support posts in concrete footings and attach the primary beams that will support the joists.
- Install Ledger and Joists. Attach the ledger board to the house and begin installing the floor joists, spacing them evenly across the beams.
- Secure Joists with Hangers. Use a hammer and joist hangers to securely fasten each joist to the ledger board and rim joists.
- Tip: Properly flashing the ledger board where it attaches to the house is critical to prevent water from getting behind the siding and causing rot.
Step 3: Apply Joist Tape
Apply protective flashing tape to the tops of all joists to prevent moisture damage and rot.
- Apply Tape to Joists. Roll out and press down the joist tape firmly along the top edge of every joist in the deck frame.
Step 4: Install the Decking
Lay out, cut, and fasten the deck boards to the joists to create the floor surface.
- Lay and Fasten First Boards. Place the first few rows of deck boards, ensuring they are straight, and begin fastening them to the joists with screws.
- Straighten and Secure Boards. Continue laying boards, using ratchet straps or a pry bar to straighten any warped boards before screwing them down.
- Cut Boards to Final Length. Once all boards are installed, use a circular saw to trim the overhanging ends for a clean, straight edge.
Step 5: Build and Install the Railings
Install the railing posts, then attach the top and bottom rails and fill in with vertical balusters.
- Install Railing Posts. Securely attach the main railing posts to the deck frame.
- Attach Rails and Balusters. Install the top and bottom rails between the posts, then attach the vertical balusters, ensuring even spacing.
- Add Top Cap Rail. Install the final top cap over the posts and top rail for a finished look.