To me, deck building has always been one of the most rewarding jobs. Within just a few days, you’ve added a significant amount of finished square footage to a home. But deck building has dramatically changed since I started 25 years ago. Not only are there many more material choices, but there have been critical code changes that reflect the importance of proper design and construction. So while deck building remains one of the easier and more rewarding outdoor projects, it’s crucial to adhere to codes and manufacturers’ recommendations to ensure a safe and long-lasting deck.

The deck I’ll describe here is medium-sized, with two sets of stairs to easily access both sides of the yard. It is framed with pressure-treated lumber, and the decking, railing, and trim are synthetic products. A double border accents the deck’s perimeter. A ledger attaches the deck to the house on two sides; its weight is supported from below by two beams resting on eight 4×4 posts centered on concrete piers.

Mark the perimeter

To start, I measure and mark the edges of the deck’s 20-ft. length on the house. Then I plumb down to the foundation, measure out the width of the deck (in this case also 20 ft.) from each point, and drive in a stake at each corner. Next, I adjust the stakes so that they are exactly 20 ft. apart. To make sure the deck perimeter is square, I take diagonal measurements in both directions. If one diagonal is longer than the other, I adjust the corner locations until the diagonals are equal, making sure to maintain the 20-ft. distance between the two. I use string to outline the perimeter of the deck from the house, around the stakes, and back to the house.

Dig the piers

Next, I…