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

In every issue you'll find...

  • Expert insights on techniques and principles
  • Unbiased tool reviews
  • Step-by-step details to master the job
  • Field-tested advice and know-how
Subscribe Now!
Subscribe
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
  • Join
  • Log In
Subscribe
List

Guide to Deck Framing

12 Articles and Videos that show you how to build a deck that is safe, solid, and secure.

If you want your deck to last—and, more importantly, be a safe place to spend time with your family and friends—you need to start with a solid foundation and a sturdy frame. Fortunately, there are clear guidelines and time-tested techniques for installing the foundation, posts, beams, ledgers, and joists when framing a deck. Fine Homebuilding has worked with numerous deck-building pros over the years to create concise, detailed explanations of everything you need to consider. Here we’ve collected 12 of our best resources to help you get your dream deck off to a good start.

 

  • How-To 1
    installing and flashing a deck ledger
    How to Install and Flash a Deck Ledger, Start to Finish

    Follow the complete deck ledger installation process from prep to fastening to flashing.

  • 2
    attaching a deck to a wall
    Attach a Deck to Any Wall

    Builder Mike Guertin outlines code-compliant ledger and lateral-tie details for all types of deck builds.

  • How-To 3
    concrete deck foundation
    A Solid Deck Begins with Concrete Piers

    Learn how to size, layout, dig, form, and pour concrete to build a simple but sturdy deck foundation.

  • How-To 4
    attaching deck ledgers
    Get Critical Deck Connections Right

    Learn how to safely install ledgers, beams, joists, guardrail posts, and stairs, in this 5-part deck-building video series.

  • Design 5
    Making Sense of Snow Loads When Building Decks

    The local building official often has the last word, so it’s always good to check how he or she addresses snow and live loads.

  • How-To 6
    deck load calculator
    Online Calculators Help Cover Deck-Load Requirements

    Span tables don’t cover your deck load requirements? The American Wood Council has two handy online calculators that can handle a range of specifics.

  • How-To 7
    deck joists span and installation
    Get Your Deck Joists Right

    Learn how to calculate cantilevers and determine simple spans–plus find a series of installation tips for creating robust joist connections, weatherizing, and more.

  • How-To 8
    deck ledger brackets, flexible flashing, and a joist-hanger jig
    Smart Deck-Framing Strategies

    Ledger brackets, flexible flashing, and a joist-hanger jig are a few field-tested tricks for overcoming construction challenges.

  • How-To 9
    deck building mistakes
    Top 10 Deck-Building Mistakes

    Avoid these common problems, and build a longer-lasting, safer deck.

  • How-To 10
    8 Ways to Make an Old Deck Safe

    Three days’ work and $600 in materials save this deck from a catastrophic ending.

  • How-To 11
    installing joist hangers
    How to Install Joist Hangers

    Joist hangers are almost always required when building a deck—here’s how to install them correctly.

  • How-To 12
    deck permit plan
    A Homeowner’s Guide to Deck Permits

    A building inspector explains the bureaucracy that gets you from plans to permits.

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

Improve Home Efficiency With Inflation Reduction Act Rebates

The new legislation would provide $9 billion for efficiency upgrades, including heating, cooling and cooking appliances, photovoltaics, and electric vehicles.

Featured Video

Video: Build a Fireplace, Brick by Brick

Get an overview of the process of creating a traditional-style fireplace that burns well and meets current building codes from experienced mason Mike Mehaffey.

Related Stories

  • Fastener System for Solving Deck Fascia Board Expansion
  • Steel Sheet Piling Supports This House in the Dunes
  • Changes Proposed for the 2024 IRC
  • Coastal Home That Mimics Nature

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
  • Dial In Your Deck Details
  • Podcast 413: PRO TALK With Deck Builder Max Hegedus
  • Manufactured Deck Railings Make for an Easy Installation
  • Designing Outdoor Spaces: How To Get More From Your Home By Extending It Outside
View All

Decks

View All Decks Articles
  • 2024 IRC Code
    Changes Proposed for the 2024 IRC
  • A Sturdy Rail for Outdoor Stairs
    A Sturdy Rail for Outdoor Stairs
  • pulling posts into position
    Pull Posts into Position
  • Trimming Deck Stairs
    Trimming Deck Stairs
View All Decks Articles

BOOKS, DVDs, & MERCH

Shop the Store
  • Outdoor Projects
    Buy Now
  • 2021 Fine Homebuilding Archive
    Buy Now
  • Code Check Building 4th Edition
    Buy Now
  • Pretty Good House
    Buy Now
  • Shop the Store

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 309 - Aug/Sept
    • 10 Steps to Install Crown Molding on Cabinets
    • How to Get Sturdy Walls Without OSB
    • Choosing the Right Construction Tape for the Job
  • Issue 308 - July 2022
    • Pretty Good House Book Excerpt: Copper Farmhouse
    • 10 Dos and Don'ts for Electric In-Floor Heat
    • A Sturdy Rail for Outdoor Stairs
  • Issue 307 - June 2022
    • How to Raise a Post-Frame Home
    • Trimming Deck Stairs
    • Evolving an Energy-Efficient Envelope
  • Issue 306 - April/May 2022
    • Framing Stairs to an Out-of-Level Landing
    • Building a Zero-Energy Home for Less
    • Good-Looking and Long-Lasting Traditional Gutters
  • Issue 305 - Feb/March 2022
    • The Steady Surge in Residential Solar
    • The Fine Homebuilding Interview: William B. Rose
    • How Good Is Your Air Barrier?

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 my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2022 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

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

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
  • 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