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Decks

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Chapter
  • Design & Planning
  • Tools & Materials
  • Footings & Foundations
  • Framing a Deck
  • Installing Decking
  • Installing Railings
  • Deck Stairs
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  • Finishes, Repairs, and Maintenance
  • Complete Deck Builds
How-To

Ultimate Deck Build: Pouring and Finishing Concrete Slabs

Editor Justin Fink and builder Chris Aherns build a code-compliant landing for the stairs on this Project House deck.

By Justin Fink

Pouring and Finishing Concrete Slabs: Building codes require us to install a landing at the base of the deck stairs, which we do once the deck frame has been established. If you don’t have much experience with concrete flatwork, these small slabs are a great way to hone your skills. We’ll show you how to build the slab forms, mix concrete to the right consistency, screed the pads to be level, and then work through the different floats and trowels that are used to smooth and finish the surface of the concrete.

Read the related articles:

Frame a Grade-Level Deck

Frame a Grade-Level Deck

The Complete Guide to Building a Hardwood Deck

Frame a Grade-Level Deck

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Videos in the Series

  • Ultimate Deck Build

    Follow along with these step-by-step instructions on how to build a grade-level deck with cable railings.

  • Ultimate Deck Build: Fastening a Ledger to Concrete

    Learn how to make this critical framing connection for a safe and sturdy deck.

  • Ultimate Deck Build: Pouring Accurate Concrete Piers

    Learn how to use the deck ledger to determine the pier heights, a critical dimension in a grade-level deck.

  • Ultimate Deck Build: Building and Leveling a Beam

    Even at grade level, this beam has an important job.

  • Ultimate Deck Build: Framing the Deck

    With the ledger and beam in place, the rest of the framework can be assembled.

  • Ultimate Deck Build: Pouring and Finishing Concrete Slabs

    Editor Justin Fink and builder Chris Aherns build a code-compliant landing for the stairs on this Project House deck.

  • How to Install Railing Posts for Cable Rails

    In order to meet code requirements for strength, railing posts must be reinforced with the same lateral-load connectors used at the ledger.

  • Ultimate Deck Build: Cutting and Installing Stair Stringers

    Simple math and accurate cuts yield a perfect set of deck stairs.

  • How to Install Hardwood Decking and Skirtboards

    Learn tips for cutting and fastening dense exotic hardwoods like Brazilian Teak, Cumaru, or Ipe.

  • Installing Cable Railings

    Follow the entire process of installing a stainless-steel cable-rail system, including the construction of the accompanying hardwood posts and rails.

Previous: Deck Building Tip: Anchor-Bolt Depth Stop Next: Installing a Grade Beam

Guide

Decks

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Footings & Foundations

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Design & Planning
  • Basic Design Options
  • Generating Plans
  • Calculating Deck Loads
  • Code Compliance
Tools & Materials
  • Deck Building Tools
  • Foundation and Framing Materials
  • Decking Materials
  • Fasteners and Hardware
Footings & Foundations
  • Choosing a Foundation
  • Sizing and Laying Out Footings
  • Excavation
  • Pouring the Foundation
Framing a Deck
  • Framing Overview
  • Installing the Ledger
  • Setting Posts and Beams
  • Installing Joists
Installing Decking
  • Decking Basics
  • Installation Process
  • Adding Fascia and Other Decorative Elements
Installing Railings
  • Installing Deck Railing Posts
  • Building Wood Rails and Balustrades
  • Non-Wood Railing Options
  • Installing Nonwood Balustrades
Deck Stairs
  • Deck Stairs Overview
  • Laying Out, Cutting, and Installing the Stringers
  • Installing Treads, Risers, and Stair Railings
Custom Details
  • Benches, Planters, and Privacy Features
  • Pergolas
  • Lighting
Finishes, Repairs, and Maintenance
  • Deck Finishes
  • Cleaning and Refinishing
  • Inspection and Repair
Complete Deck Builds
  • Grade-Level Decks
  • Raised Decks

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