Custom Details for a Grade-Level Deck

Built-in seating on a deck not only defines the perimeter of the deck, but it also provides a great place for folks to relax. We used the same decking, trim materials, and border pattern so that the bench would blend in with the rest of the deck.

A half-wall creates privacy off the deck for a grill, recycling bin, or hose reel. Drill pilot holes before screwing together the 2×2 frame. After attaching 1/2-in. pressure-treated plywood on one side, apply joist tape where the joints for the vertical boards will be. Space boards 1/8 in. apart, and fasten with color-matched stainless-steel screws.

Check Code: Decks that are higher than 30 in. off the ground must have guardrails with a top rail at least 36 in. high. Some jurisdictions measure the guard height from the surface of built-in seating; others measure off the deck surface. Check to see how your local building department applies the code.

Start with a simple base. Size a 2×2 frame to fit between the two trimmed-out posts, but make it 3 in. shorter than the post height to create a gap at the bottom.

Screw the panel to the posts. Raise the half-clad panel on top of 3-in. spacer blocks, and align it 1/2 in. From the post cover edges. Drive screws through the 2x2s into the posts to secure the panel. Cover the unclad side with black tape, and install vertical trim boards.

Finish with trim. Screw the same trim material used to clad the wall to the top and bottom of the panel. For contrast, cap the top with one of the darker trim boards.

Dress up the perimeter

Our design called for the perimeter of the deck to be enclosed by a skirt made from 5⁄8-in.-thick composite trim boards installed vertically. To create nailing for the skirt, blocking hangs from the side joist.

Photos by Charles Bickford, except product photo by Dan Thorton; drawing by Toby Welles, WowHouse.

To see how we built this entire deck, read the article:
The Complete Guide to Building a Grade-Level Deck