FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Tiktok YouTube 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
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In
Video Series

How to Build a Deck: Video Series Four: Elevated Deck, East Greenwich, R.I.

By Rick Arnold

Since 2013, Fine Homebuilding has constructed four different decks and has created a series of start-to-finish how-to videos for each one. In each of these video series, you will learn every phase of the build, straight from the pro deck builders doing the work. Each series has its own particulars, so either choose your favorite project and dig in, or watch all four full builds! You’ll learn the right and wrong ways to dig and pour concrete footings, see how to fasten and flash a ledger to a house so it will never rot, hear tips and trick for installing deck joists so they’re flat and flush, learn the reason and right way to install each piece of code-required hardware, find out how to cut accurate stair stringers, learn how to fasten guardrail posts so they’re practically bombproof, and master the skills needed to lay decking quickly and flawlessly.

Still not sure? Well, each series has an introduction video to show you the project in summary. These introductions are available to all viewers free of charge, so check them out:

Reading, Mass. This series focuses on the critical connections and hardware features you have to get right for a sturdy deck.

Woodbury, Conn. This build includes some interesting options, including Cumaru skirtboards and cable railings.

Newtown, Conn. If you always wanted to build a grade-level deck, this is the video series for you!

East Greenwich, R.I. Everything you need to know to build the perfect elevated deck.

If you are a FineHomebuilding.com member, you can see all episodes of all four series.

Critical Deck ConnectionsRead the related article, Critical Deck Connections, or watch the rest of the video series below.

 

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
Start Watching

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.

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

About Video Series

Fine Homebuilding is constantly producing new videos to provide you with the details and techniques you need to build beautiful, high-quality homes. Watch all of our videos to see builders, remodelers, and other tradespeople demonstrate how to do a top-notch job when installing foundations, roofs, and everything in between.

Watch our latest videos

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Turn Up the Heat With Induction Cooktops

Learn what induction is, what you need to know about making the switch from gas or electric, and top products to consider.

Featured Video

Video: Build a Fireplace, Brick by Brick

Watch mason Mike Mehaffey construct a traditional-style fireplace that burns well and meets current building codes.

Related Stories

  • Exterior Materials for a Midcentury Home
  • Screened-Porch Cable-Rail Installation
  • Airtight Kneewall Access Door
  • Stay Cool With a Prefab Plunge Pool

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 Videos
  • Podcast 591: Members-only Aftershow—Hidden Costs of Construction
  • Podcast 573: Vibrating Washers, Rot Behind Deck Ledgers, and Tightening Vented Crawlspaces
  • Podcast 549: Members-only Aftershow—Patios vs. Decks
  • Podcast 527: Sloping Decks, Brick-Filled Framing, and Skylights
View All

Decks

View All Decks Articles
  • Best Deck for a Steel Roof
  • Protect Board Ends to Prevent Rot
  • Butt Joints in Decking
  • Deck-Board Straightener
View All Decks Articles

BOOKS, DVDs, & MERCH

Shop the Store
  • Pretty Good House
    Buy Now
  • 2022 Fine Homebuilding Archive
    Buy Now
  • Code Check Complete 3rd Edition
    Buy Now
  • 2023 Tool Guide
    Buy Now
  • Shop the Store

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 318 - October 2023
    • Make Mudsills Square and Level
    • Turn Up the Heat With Induction Cooktops
    • The Fine Homebuilding Interview: Lloyd Alter
  • Issue 317 - Aug/Sept 2023
    • Finishing Drywall With Seamless Results
    • A Flat Roof in a Cold Climate
    • Compact Cordless Shop Vacs
  • Issue 316 - July 2023
    • Timber-Framed Solar Canopies
    • Build a Transom Above a Stock Door
    • Understanding Toilet Design and Efficiency
  • Issue 315 - June 2023
    • How to Craft a Copper Roof
    • 5 Lessons from Building in a Cold Climate
    • The Advantages of Cellular PVC Siding
  • Issue 314 - April/May 2023
    • 7 Options for Countertops
    • Tool Test: Wood-Boring Bits
    • Critical Details for Ductless Heat Pumps

Fine Homebuilding

Follow

  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok
  • twitter

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 or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2023 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

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
  • FHB House
  • 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

  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok
  • twitter

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