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Question

Can I build a deck on my own?

Sarah Fogle
DIY Specialist
Sarah Fogle is a DIY Home Improvement Specialist and the creator of Ugly Duckling House. With over a decade of experience, Sarah specializes in beginner-friendly home remodeling projects. Sarah holds an MBA from Georgia State University. She has been featured in multiple publications including Better Homes and Gardens and Make Magazine. She has also partnered with brands such as Lowe's, Home Depot, and Martha Stewart Crafts.

Sarah Fogle

DIY Specialist

Expert Answer

You can, but it might be helpful to have a helper or 2 on hand, especially when you're handling those heavy boards.

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Question

How big can I build a deck?

Sarah Fogle
DIY Specialist
Sarah Fogle is a DIY Home Improvement Specialist and the creator of Ugly Duckling House. With over a decade of experience, Sarah specializes in beginner-friendly home remodeling projects. Sarah holds an MBA from Georgia State University. She has been featured in multiple publications including Better Homes and Gardens and Make Magazine. She has also partnered with brands such as Lowe's, Home Depot, and Martha Stewart Crafts.

Sarah Fogle

DIY Specialist

Expert Answer

Check with the local codes in your area to see how large your deck be. While you're reading, double-check specific requirements, like whether you need railings, steps, and permits.

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Question

How do I build a cheap deck?

Sarah Fogle
DIY Specialist
Sarah Fogle is a DIY Home Improvement Specialist and the creator of Ugly Duckling House. With over a decade of experience, Sarah specializes in beginner-friendly home remodeling projects. Sarah holds an MBA from Georgia State University. She has been featured in multiple publications including Better Homes and Gardens and Make Magazine. She has also partnered with brands such as Lowe's, Home Depot, and Martha Stewart Crafts.

Sarah Fogle

DIY Specialist

Expert Answer

Call 811 before you get started if you live in the United States. This way, professionals can come out to, check, and mark your your yard for utility lines. Breaking a buried utility line can be a really costly repair, so taking precautions can save you some money.

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Question

How do you build a professional deck?

Sarah Fogle
DIY Specialist
Sarah Fogle is a DIY Home Improvement Specialist and the creator of Ugly Duckling House. With over a decade of experience, Sarah specializes in beginner-friendly home remodeling projects. Sarah holds an MBA from Georgia State University. She has been featured in multiple publications including Better Homes and Gardens and Make Magazine. She has also partnered with brands such as Lowe's, Home Depot, and Martha Stewart Crafts.

Sarah Fogle

DIY Specialist

Expert Answer

Take measurements of the area where your new deck will go. Then, create a diagram with all of your measurements, along with a drawing of your new deck.

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Question

What is the maximum distance for the span of the beam without adding extra footings?

Community Answer

For rim joists or beams made of doubled-up 2x lumber, the boards' nominal width (in inches) should match the span (in feet); a rim joist spanning 10 feet requires two 2x10s. The ledger is made from a single board of the same width. For interior joists, halve the span then add two—a joist spanning 8 feet warrants a 2x6. (In all cases, round up odd numbers or fractions to the next even number.)

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Question

Can corner brackets hold the rim joist in place?

Community Answer

Yes.

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Question

Can I use pier blocks set in concrete for a 10x10 free standing deck in California?

Community Answer

Yes, you can, however do check what your local codes stipulate because they can vary.

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Question

How do I bolt a 4x4 post to a rim joist?

Community Answer

Get a metal-alloy bolt from a hardware store.

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Question

Is it possible to resurface a deck by screwing a new layer of boards on top of the old boards?

Community Answer

If you are only looking for a cosmetic difference and the structure is sound, then yes, you can screw the new layer on top of the old. Be careful that the new height is still flush with thresholds and stairs for safety.

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Question

How do I calculate how much material I need for a deck that is shaped like a semi-circle?

Community Answer

Measure the radius of the semi circle. use the equation πr2 and half the answer, and you have the area of the semi circle. Acquire the appropriate materials to a sufficient quantity.

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Question

What size are the deck boards?

Community Answer

Deck boards are typically 5/4 x 6 treated lumber. They're an inch thick.

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