Deck Plans

Nellie

Anyone have a good deck building process? I am interested to see the different methods of building a deck (structural support, stairs, railing). If you have any pictures or plans I would like to learn from them to improve my process. I am just starting my own buisness and always looking for ways to improve.

DecksEtc

I'm not sure how detailed you're looking for Nellie but I'll give you a basic run down of how I generally do things. Keep in mind that not every deck is the same or follows this list. Also, I'm not sure what you mean when you are asking for pictures/plans - every plan is different and I don't really take progress pictures - maybe I should?

Day One
1. Layout deck dimensions and location of piers
2. Have piers dug to a depth of 4' (I subcontract my deck piers & fence posts)
3. Make sure wood delivery is scheduled to arrive on site for Day One, or sooner
4. Call for and await inspection of hole depth prior to pouring cement
5. Pour cement piers and set saddle brackets in cement (you have to wait 24 hours for cement to cure before setting framing on them)
6. Attach ledger board(s) to house

Day Two to Day Three or Four (depends on the size of the deck)
7. Frame deck as per plans
8. Call for and await inspection of framing

After framing:
9. Install posts for railings (done prior to decking if posts are set inside frame of deck - this is critical if the deck is higher than 4' above grade)
10. Install decking
11. Install railing balusters and top rails
12. Install stairs & stair railings (Note: I generally install the stairs near the end as it reduces the foot traffic by me and my crew)
13. Install skirting (if purchased)
14. Install any additional features as per contract (benches, pergolas, trellis work, etc.)
15. Light power wash of deck to clean off any dirt and/or sawdust left behind after we're done

16. Call for and get final inspection approval.

Off the top of my head, that pretty much sums it up. Again, not every deck follows the above or any list for that matter - but this covers the basics for me. Also, I don't guarantee that I remembered everything...

Hope this is along the lines of what you were looking for.

RobertCDF

I do things a little differant than most.

Get permit blah blah blah.

Day 1 get wood Nail ledger to house (lag later) add 1 joist to each side and level on temp supports. Add rim joist. Add beam 1' - 3' back (depending upon plans) add temp supports under beam. Dig holes call inspection.
Day 2 Lag off ledger while waiting for inspector. Cut all joists and start framing. Add hangers after deck is framed. Pour concrete as soon as inspector comes and leaves.
Day 3 finish framing and adding hangers if needed. Start decking. Call for frame inspection if less than 4' off ground.
Day 4 Decking, add permanent posts under beam.
Day 5-6-7-8 decking (depending on size) Start posts for rails and start railing
Day whatever after decking. Railing, stairs
Day whatever Add trim and remove temp suports clean up and leave.
call for frame (if more than 4' above ground) call for final
GET PAID

__________________
Robert Shaw
Colorado Springs Custom Decks
Colorado Custom Decks
Custom Composite Decks