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How-To

Build a Grade-Level Deck: Stairs and Blocking

Mike Guertin wraps up the deck framing with some sturdy stairs, several meticulously-placed posts, and plenty of blocking to keep things straight

By Mike Guertin

In this episode, Mike will:

  • Explain how and why he built the box-style stairs instead of using stringers
  • Show how to fasten the stair frame to the deck frame
  • Install blocking to firm up the edge of the deck and support posts for railings and benches
  • Use a custom jig to position bench posts accurately
  • Install blocking and furring to support skirt boards that will surround the deck
  • Cap the framing with a protective material to shed water

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Videos in the Series

  • Build a Grade-Level Deck

    Learn tips for making the project run smoothly and the deck stand the test of time in this video series chronicling the construction of a new deck on the Fine Homebuilding Project House.

  • Build a Grade-Level Deck: Layout for Framing and Footings

    Builder Mike Guertin shares tips for putting deck piers in the right place and securely attaching a ledger to a house.

  • Build a Grade-Level Deck: Footings and Piers

    Tips for forming piers, mixing concrete, and adding hardware to support deck posts

  • Build a Grade-Level Deck: Install a Ledger

    Builder Mike Guertin applies peel-and-stick flashing before securely fastening a new deck ledger to the house.

  • Build a Grade-Level Deck: Install Posts and Rim Beam

    Fit deck posts and square up beams and end joists easily with the tips builder Mike Guertin shares in this video.

  • Build a Grade-Level Deck: Joists and Hardware

    Builder Mike Guertin installs joist hangers before placing joists and connecting them to the main deck frame.

  • Build a Grade-Level Deck: Stairs and Blocking

    Mike Guertin wraps up the deck framing with some sturdy stairs, several meticulously-placed posts, and plenty of blocking to keep things straight

  • Build a Grade-Level Deck: Install Decking

    Follow along with Mike Guertin as he fits and fastens the composite field decking, decorative border, perimeter skirt boards, and stair treads.

  • Build a Bench and Half Wall for a Grade-Level Deck

    In this Fine Homebuilding Project House video, Mike Guertin and Justin Fink build a custom bench to match a new deck.

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About This Video Series

Since 2013, Fine Homebuilding has constructed four different decks and has created a series of start-to-finish how-to videos for each one. In each of these video series, you will learn every phase of the build, straight from the pro deck builders doing the work. Each series has its own particulars, so either choose your favorite project and dig in, or watch all four full builds! You’ll learn the right and wrong ways to dig and pour… More about this Video Series

View Comments

  1. CraftmansSkip | Jun 04, 2020 03:26am | #1

    Great video
    Please make available in numerical order

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