FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In
How-To

How to Build a Deck: FOUR Video Series

These four video series demonstrate the entire process, from planning to staining.

By Fine Homebuilding Editors

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 concrete footings, see how to fasten and flash a ledger to a house so it will never rot, hear tips and trick for installing deck joists so they’re flat and flush, learn the reason and right way to install each piece of code-required hardware, find out how to cut accurate stair stringers, learn how to fasten guardrail posts so they’re practically bombproof, and master the skills needed to lay decking quickly and flawlessly.

Still not sure? Well, each series has an introduction video to show you the project in summary. These introductions are available to all viewers free of charge, so check them out:

Reading, Mass. This series focuses on the critical connections and hardware features you have to get right for a sturdy deck.

Woodbury, Conn. This build includes some interesting options, including Cumaru skirtboards and cable railings.

Newtown, Conn. If you always wanted to build a grade-level deck, this is the video series for you!

East Greenwich, R.I. Everything you need to know to build the perfect elevated deck.

If you are a FineHomebuilding.com member, you can see all episodes of all four series.


Video Series One: Critical Connections, Reading, Mass.

  • Part 1: Ledger
  • Part 2: Beam and Support Posts
  • Part 3: Joists
  • Part 4: Guardrail Posts
  • Part 5: Stairs

Video Series Two: Concrete Piers, Cumaru Skirtboards, and Cable Railings, Woodbury, Conn.

  • Introduction
  • Episode 1: Fastening a Ledger to Concrete
  • Episode 2: Pouring Accurate Concrete Piers
  • Episode 3: Building and Leveling a Beam
  • Episode 4: Framing the Deck
  • Episode 5: Pouring and Finishing Concrete Slabs
  • Episode 6: Installing Railing Posts for Cable Rails
  • Episode 7: Cutting and Installing Stair Stringers
  • Episode 8: Installing Cumaru Skirtboards and Decking
  • Episode 9: Cable Railings

Video Series Three: Grade-Level Deck, Newtown, Conn.

  • Introduction
  • Layout for Framing and Footings
  • Form and Pour Footings and Piers
  • Install the Ledger
  • Install Posts and Rim Beam
  • Install Joists and Hardware
  • Build Stairs and Install Blocking
  • Install Decking
  • Build Benches and Half-Walls

Video Series Four: Elevated Deck, East Greenwich, R.I.

  • Introduction
  • Build a Solid Foundation
  • Framing the Deck
  • Installing Joists
  • Laying Down Decking
  • Building Basic Deck Stairs
  • Assembling Deck Railings

If you are not an online member, please click here to join.

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters
×

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Achieve a Flat Drywall Finish

These products and methods result in the clean lines essential to a midcentury-modern aesthetic.

Featured Video

How to Install Exterior Window Trim

Learn how to measure, cut, and build window casing made of cellular PVC, solid wood, poly-ash boards, or any common molding material. Plus, get tips for a clean and solid installation.

Related Stories

  • Podcast 569: Bath Fan Installs, Sunroom Trim, and Basement Control Layers
  • Podcast 569: Members-only Aftershow — Rob Yagid’s Addition
  • Timber-Framed Solar Canopies
  • New House, Old Shell

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Video

View All Videos
  • Podcast 549: Members-only Aftershow—Patios vs. Decks
  • Podcast 527: Sloping Decks, Brick-Filled Framing, and Skylights
  • Dial In Your Deck Details
  • Podcast 413: PRO TALK With Deck Builder Max Hegedus
View All

Decks

View All Decks Articles
  • Deck-Board Straightener
  • Sloping a Deck: Is This Necessary?
  • Smart Deck Spacers
  • 5 Steps for Flashing a Deck Ledger
View All Decks Articles

BOOKS, DVDs, & MERCH

Shop the Store
  • 2022 Fine Homebuilding Archive
    Buy Now
  • Code Check Building 4th Edition
    Buy Now
  • 2023 Tool Guide
    Buy Now
  • Pretty Good House
    Buy Now
  • Shop the Store

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 316 - July
    • Timber-Framed Solar Canopies
    • Build a Transom Above a Stock Door
    • Understanding Toilet Design and Efficiency
  • Issue 315 - June 2023
    • How to Craft a Copper Roof
    • 5 Lessons from Building in a Cold Climate
    • The Advantages of Cellular PVC Siding
  • Issue 314 - April/May 2023
    • 7 Options for Countertops
    • Tool Test: Wood-Boring Bits
    • Critical Details for Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 313 - Feb/March 2023
    • Practical System for a Seismic Retrofit
    • Fine Homebuilding Issue #313 Online Highlights
    • Practical System for a Seismic Retrofit
  • Issue 312 - Dec 2022/Jan 2023
    • Tool Test: Cordless Tablesaws
    • Gray-Water System for a Sustainable Home
    • Insulate a Cape Roof to Avoid Ice Dams

Fine Homebuilding

Follow

  • twitter
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • pinterest

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences

Taunton Network

  • Green Building Advisor
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Fine Gardening
  • Threads
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Copyright
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2023 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Shop the Store

  • Books
  • DVDs
  • Taunton Workshops

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • twitter
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • pinterest

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in