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Decks

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  • Design & Planning
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  • Footings & Foundations
  • Framing a Deck
  • Installing Decking
  • Installing Railings
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  • Complete Deck Builds
How-To

How to Build an Elevated Deck

In this series, “build along” with contractor Rick Arnold and his crew right on the jobsite as they construct a sturdy, elevated backyard deck.

By Rick Arnold

An elevated deck is the classic model you’re going to see in most backyards. In the process of deck construction—and construction in general—nothing ever goes perfectly according to plan. Whether you’ve been building for three days or 30 years, you know this. Rather than edit out these moments, we’ve included them, so you can learn with us and let us make the mistakes. In the case of this deck, the homeowners wanted a larger deck and upon inspection, Rick found rot around the ledger, the concrete piers weren’t steady, and many other reasons the deck was not up to code. These seven videos will show the process of working from nothing to a medium sized deck with room to accommodate outdoor furniture while keeping construction costs to a minimum. The deck will have two staircases on either side and will use synthetic decking, railing, and trimming to create a long-lasting deck that’s easy to maintain. Follow along as Rick uses his experience to show us how to make deck building simple and easy.

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Videos in the Series

  • How to Build an Elevated Deck

    In this series, “build along” with contractor Rick Arnold and his crew right on the jobsite as they construct a sturdy, elevated backyard deck.

  • Build an Elevated Deck Series: Build a Solid Foundation

    Learn how to secure a ledger board to the house then establish and pour a square foundation.

  • Build an Elevated Deck Series: Framing the Deck

    Learn all about piers, posts, and beams and installing the ledger that attaches to the house.

  • Build an Elevated Deck Series: Installing Joists

    Deck rim joists, joists, blocking, and newel posts complete the framing before decking boards can go down.

  • Build an Elevated Deck Series: Laying Down Decking

    At this stage in this complete-deck-build video series, builder Rick Arnold and his whole crew pitch in to lay down decking with a decorative rim band.

  • Build an Elevated Deck Series: Building Basic Deck Stairs

    Calculate, cut, and construct deck stairs using simple math and basic tools.

  • Build an Elevated Deck Series: Assembling Deck Railings

    Install a synthetic deck-railing system and measure the trim boards for a perfect miter joint.

Previous: The Complete Guide to Building Second-Story Deck Over a Patio Next: The Complete Guide to Building a Multi-Level Deck

Guide

Decks

Chapter

Complete Deck Builds

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  1. Cornhusker1 | Sep 07, 2018 07:18am | #1

    You guys need to get your crap together running web pages. I'm logged in and got to see the intro (5 minute) video. I either expected the second video to autoplay after the first one completed or thought I should click it. Neither worked as when clicking it, it sends me to a 14day free trial page. But I'M ALREADY LOGGED IN!!!!".
    Please get your page fixed.

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Decks

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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
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Complete Deck Builds
  • Grade-Level Decks
  • Raised Decks

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