A Guide to DIY Raised Deck Installation

As summer is fast approaching, more and more people are turning their DIY focus and skills to their gardens, with installing new decking being particularly popular. Installing a deck can be a rather daunting task, even for the most confident DIY experts. One of the most popular types of deck to install is a raised deck, as it is economically friendly and robust, and very environmentally friendly. A raised deck is also a great way to make the most out of space that is otherwise quite difficult to use, like a steep slope. This guide is here to help you learn more about installing a raised deck.

What Equipment You Will Need

The first step for beginning your raised deck installation is gathering the equipment you will need. Here’s a quick checklist of all the tools and materials you will need to complete your raised deck installation job:

• Joists
• Joist hangers
• Wooden decking boards 
• A drill
• Flatwood bit
• Timber screws
• Deck screws
• Spacers
• A mitre saw
• A shovel
• A tape measure
• A hammer
• A spirit level
• Gloves
• Dusk mask
• Googles
• String
• A combi-square ruler
• Sandpaper

As you can see, there’s quite a lot of stuff needed that you might not have, so it’s a good idea to rent the equipment instead of buying it to save you some money.

Installing Your Raised Deck

Now that you have all the equipment that you need ready, it is time to begin installing your raised deck. Here are the basic steps broken down: 

Measure and Mark Out the Area

The first step is to measure and mark out the area. It would help if you marked where each footing will sit, as well as the size of your deck. It is important to remember that your footings should be no more than 150 meters apart. Remember to check the measurements to ensure that your deck will be even and square.

Dig Your Footings

The first step to building your raised deck is to build the footings. You are likely to need to dig four footings for a standard-sized deck. Your footings need to be dug down below the frost line to ensure they remain secure.

Once you have dug your footing, you should then insert your posts into the holes and check they are level. Next, you can pour in the concrete and leave it to cure.

Install the Joists

Before installing your joists, you should check to see that they are the right length and they have been sanded down and sealed. Then you are ready to install your joists at the marked height. Many people choose to also install hanger joists to support your joists and ensure your decking will remain safe for years to come. Hanger joists come in various angles and sizes, making them a very simple safety solution. You should begin by installing outer joists to ensure your structure is stable before installing inner joists.

Install Your Decking Boards

Once your deck’s structure has been secured with your footings and joists, it is time to install the decking boards. You should try to center the seams of the decking boards above your joists and use spacers to maintain even gaps.

Install the Stairs

To build the stairs, you will first need to pour concrete on the section that will form the base of the stairs. Next, dig post holes ready for the footing for the stairs. Finally, you will need to install the joists and wooden decking.