How To Build A Grade-Level Deck - Fine Homebuilding FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Main Menu
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
Main Menu Subscribe

Fine Homebuilding Project Guides

Decks

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

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.

By Mike Guertin

Spring is officially here and it feels good to be getting outside to enjoy our brand new backyard deck. For this project I was lucky to work alongside veteran builder and longtime Fine Homebuilding author Mike Guertin. And let me tell you, Mike has useful tips and tricks for every step of the project. So whether this is your first deck or your 50th, you’re sure to learn something.

Mike clarified some of the most stringent code requirements for securing the deck to the house and strengthening its framing connections. He offered some strategies to make sure that our deck would stand the test of time against our harsh New England weather, from footings to frame to finish. And he also taught me some of his best tricks for making the whole job run more smoothly. We also added a few custom details to set the deck apart from a standard build. There are wrap-around stairs, a built-in bench, a skirt that conceals the underside of the deck, and a half wall that will shelter our grill.

It took some long cold days in mid-November, but the work paid off, because now that the last of the snow has finally melted off, we can spend time enjoying our finished product.

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

Sign Up
X
X

Videos in the Series

  • how to build a grade-level deck

    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.

  • grade level deck layout frame and footings

    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.

  • grade level deck footings and piers

    Build a Grade-Level Deck: Footings and Piers

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

  • installing a deck ledger

    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.

  • installing deck posts and beams

    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.

  • installing joist hangers for a grade-level deck

    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

  • installing decking for a grade level deck

    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.

Previous: The Complete Guide to Building a Grade-Level Deck Next: The Complete Guide to Building a Hardwood Deck

Guide

Decks

Chapter

Complete Deck Builds

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Decks

Decks

Hundreds of articles and videos by top deck-building pros on how to design and build a beautiful, sturdy, and safe deck

View Project Guide

View All Project Guides »

Become a member and get unlimited site access, including the Decks Project Guide.

Start Free Trial

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 and Maintenance
  • Deck Finishes
  • Cleaning and Refinishing
  • Inspection and Repair
Complete Deck Builds
  • Grade-Level Decks
  • Raised Decks

Fine Homebuilding

Follow

Newsletter

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

Sign Up See all newsletters

Membership & Magazine

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

Taunton Network

  • Green Building Advisor
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Fine Gardening
  • Threads
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Careers
  • Copyright
  • Terms of Use
  • Accessibility

© 2021 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

    Main Menu

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

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk
  • Account

  • Log In
  • Join

    Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk
  • 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

Sign Up See all newsletters

Follow

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 52%

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