An elevated deck can add great value and style to your home which enhances your outdoor space. According to Bob Vila, homeowners can recover approximately 65% of the cost when building a wood deck. The average cost of adding a 16×20-foot wood deck is about $19,000, with composite decks offering a 62% ROI.
This allows you to be creative with its design and use. Therefore, the information for How to Build an Elevated Deck is provided below for you in this article.
Table of Contents
Guide Before Building An Elevated Deck
Elevated deck transforms your space by having an extra space. A proper way should be ensured to do the work. Here, you will find the guide Before Building an Elevated Deck.
- Proper Measurement: You need to be sure of the measurements. This will ensure that it becomes safe to do the process of building an elevated deck.
- Avoid Cheap Material: Don’t use cheap materials for building an elevated deck. Use better quality materials for long-lasting results.
- Safety Gear: To protect yourself while working, especially when cutting and drilling. It is important to have safety gear concerning specific types of work.
- Seek Professional: If you are not familiar with the home building works. Then, you must avoid building an elevated deck as you can seek a professional.
Tools And Supplies Needed For Building An Elevated Deck
For successful work, you should have a proper collection of tools and supplies. Therefore, this will be useful and helpful for you to build your elevated deck as provided below.
| Item | Description |
| Measuring Tape | To measure and mark your deck dimensions and placement. |
| Level | To ensure the ledger board and deck are perfectly horizontal. |
| Saw (Circular Saw or Jigsaw) | To cut deck boards and framing materials to the required size. |
| Drill | It is used to make holes and drive screws into the wood. |
| Screwdriver | To tighten screws particularly when attaching the ledger board and other structural components. |
| Hammer | To drive nails into joist hangers and other parts of the deck. |
| Post Hole Digger or Shovel | To dig holes for the deck’s footings and posts. |
| Concrete Mixer (or Buckets) | To fill the pier forms and secure the footings. |
| Ledger Board | A board that attaches to your house and supports the deck’s framing. |
| Joist Hangers | Metal brackets are used to hold the joists in place. |
| Deck Screws or Nails | To attach the deck boards to the joists and secure other parts. |
| Deck Boards | The top surface of your deck is where you’ll walk and place furniture. |
| Concrete Forms | Tubes or molds are used to shape and support the concrete for footings. |
| Post Bases | Metal or plastic supports that hold the wooden posts in place above the concrete footings. |
| Lag Screws or Bolts | Strong screws or bolts to attach the ledger board and opposing board securely. |
| Skirting Board | A decorative board is used to cover the sides of the deck. |
5 Simple Steps to Effortlessly Build a Stunning Elevated Outdoor Deck
There are many varied processes followed for Building an Elevated Deck. But, you don’t have to look in searching for them all online. Therefore, we have provided below on how to build an elevated deck for you all.
1. Planning & Design
The first step in building an elevated deck is to create a plan. You need to Start by researching your local building codes. Therefore, these will help you understand the size and strength requirements for the deck.
In most cases, you will need a building permit before you begin your project. So, contact your local building office to find out what you need. It’s important to contact your local utilities to mark any buried lines on your property.
They will help you check for any buried gas, water, or electrical lines in the area to build the deck. Even if you think there are no underground lines, it’s always better to be safe. This step can prevent accidents during construction.
If you live in a region with cold winters, the frost line is the average depth to which the ground freezes during winter. When you dig holes for your deck posts then they should be at least 6 inches below the frost line to install your deck piers and support posts.
Finally, plan out the size and building materials of your deck. Don’t just guess as you need to make a specific plan. This will save time and help you get all the materials you need. If you’re unsure, you can also ask an architect or engineer to help with the design.
2. Attaching The Ledger Board
The next step is to attach the ledger board. This is the board that will be connected to your house and will support the deck. Therefore, you need to begin by marking where the top and bottom of the deck will be on your house.
If there’s any siding, remove it so you can mark it directly on the wall underneath. Cut the ledger board to the correct length, and also cut the opposing board (the board on the other side of the deck) to the same length. Mark where the joists (support beams) will go on both the ledger and the opposing board.
Start by marking the locations for the left and right side rim joists, which are the outermost joists. Next, secure the joist hangers, which hold the joists in place. Center each joist hanger over the lines you marked for the joists on the ledger board.
Then, attach the ledger board to your house using lag screws, which are strong, heavy-duty screws. Make sure everything is lined up before securing the board fully. Once the ledger board is attached, double-check that everything is level and square. This is important because the ledger board will serve as the foundation for the rest of the deck’s structure.
3. Setting The Footings And Posts
The third step is to set the footings and posts. First, you’ll need to mark out where the footings will go. These are the concrete supports that hold up the deck. Dig holes for each footing, making sure they are deep enough, especially if you live in an area with a frost line.
Place a tubular concrete form into each hole. These forms are usually made of plastic or heavy-duty cardboard, and they help shape the concrete. Trim the tops of the forms so they are level with each other. Pour concrete into the forms and insert anchor bolts while the concrete is still wet. These bolts will help attach the posts to the footings.
After the concrete has dried, secure the post bases to the footings. These bases will hold the wooden posts that support the deck. Set each post into its base and check the fit and positioning.
Once you’re happy with how the post is positioned, tighten the anchor bolt to secure it. Make sure all the posts are level and correctly placed before moving on. The posts will carry the weight of the deck. So, it’s important that they are securely attached and properly aligned.
4. Laying The Floor Structure And Decking
With the posts in place, it’s time to lay the floor structure and decking. First, attach the opposing board to the tops of the posts. Ensure the board is level and square before securing it with lag screws or lag bolts. Therefore, this board should match the ledger board you attached to the house earlier.
Next, attach the rim joists to both the ledger board and the opposing board. These joists form the outer frame of the deck. Secure them with galvanized nails or decking screws to ensure they are strong and weather-resistant. Then, install the rest of the joists into the joist hangers that were attached earlier.
Before attaching the decking boards, check each joist for signs of bowing or bending. This ensures the deck floor will be flat and even. Once the joists are secure, lay the decking boards on top, making sure they are properly spaced and aligned.
You can cut the boards to length after installation using a circular saw or jigsaw. This step forms the main floor of your deck. Take your time to ensure everything is level and well-secured. This is the surface where you and your guests will spend time.
5. Adding Skirting, Railings, And Stairs
The final step is to add finishing touches like skirting, railings, and stairs. Skirting boards can be added around the bottom of the deck to cover the rim joists and beams, giving the deck a cleaner, more finished look.
Next, install the railings. All elevated decks need railings for safety, and local building codes will determine how high the railings need to be and how far apart the balusters should be.
Make sure to follow these regulations to keep your deck safe and secure for everyone.
If your deck is high off the ground, you will also need to build stairs. Plan the number of steps carefully, ensuring they are even and comfortable to walk on.
The stairs should be sturdy and built according to local building codes to ensure safety. Once these finishing touches are complete, your elevated deck is ready for use. Enjoy your new outdoor living space!
What Are The Different Types Of Decking Material?
There are several types of decking materials you can choose from, depending on your needs and budget. The first type is pressure-treated wood, which is one of the most common and affordable decking options. Therefore, It’s treated with chemicals to prevent decay and insects.
Another popular choice is Cedar and redwood decking. These goods are more expensive than pressure-treated wood but look beautiful. They need regular oil-based stains to keep their appearance and prevent decay.
Ipe is a dense, long-lasting hardwood from South America. It’s very durable and can last up to 25 years with little maintenance. Ipe is naturally resistant to rot, insects, and even fire, making it a very sturdy choice. You can oil it to keep its dark color or let it turn silver-gray naturally.
Lastly, Composite decking is made from a mix of recycled wood and plastic. It’s the most expensive option but requires the least maintenance. It doesn’t rot and is easy to clean with soap and water. It can last over 25 years, though some issues like warping can occur.
How to Easily Waterproof Your Elevated Deck for Lasting Protection
Waterproofing an elevated deck helps create a dry space underneath. One common method is to use a waterproof membrane. Therefore, this is a special material like a PVC membrane, which is placed on top of the deck surface.
It creates a watertight barrier, keeping the area below the deck dry. The PVC membrane is walkable and non-slip which makes it a good choice for both safety and durability. Some homeowners choose an aluminum under-deck system, which is a more budget-friendly option.
This system creates a waterproof ceiling under the deck, preventing rain from dripping. While it may not keep everything 100% dry during heavy rain. It is still a good choice for those who want an affordable way to protect the space under their deck.
Overall, waterproofing an elevated deck can transform the area underneath into a useful outdoor living space. Whether you install a waterproof membrane, an aluminum under-deck system, or any through another way. These methods can help protect the space below, allowing you to enjoy it even in wet weather.
Wrap Up On How to Build an Elevated Deck
The steps told to build an Elevated Deck in this article can help you to easily make a space. Therefore, it is important to go through each of the sections carefully and understand about the steps to do it.
An elevated deck makes a space look beautiful place for relaxing, entertaining, and enjoying. It can seem challenging to build for some people. The right tools and guidance, building a deck is an easy project to complete.
Also, we hope this article helped for find how to build an elevated deck. So, you must visit our website for more such updates. You can comment below on this article in the comment section for your doubts related to the topic.
FAQ: How To Build An Elevated Deck
Most people while looking through Elevated Deck also have some questions related to it. This is the reason we have provided some important questions along with their answers related to the topic in this section.
Q1. How much weight an elevated deck can hold?
Ans: The weight that an elevated deck can hold varies on various factors. You can seek a professional who can give you guidance for weight. Therefore, factors such as size, material, build time, and construction quality, etc have a role in holding.
Q2. Can you be able to build an elevated deck yourself?
Ans: A person skilled with good DIY projects is more able to build an elevated deck. It seems difficult who are not friendly with home working. Therefore, it saves your time when you build an elevated deck by yourself.
Q3. What is most commonly used for supporting elevated deck framing?
Ans: To support an elevated deck, use cement piers or footings in the ground. Therefore, these piers hold up wooden posts, which keep the deck stable.
