So I am a first time deck builder (built other things, this is first time for the deck), and am trying to build a deck on ground that slopes away from my home. My only true concern is getting the footing all level and square. Reading through this site I’ve found a lot of good information, but not exactly a play by play how to for this specific idea. I’d like to share my game plan for the frame and would love to hear about anything I should do differently or am missing.
– Deck Size is 13 x 9
– Footing will be one 2×8 ledger board in to concrete foundation with 5″, 1/2″ diameter anchor bolts, and then opposite side will be three, 4×4 posts
I have measured out and marked the 4 corners with rebar all of the measurements horizontally, vertically and diagonally and all directions are the same, or within 1/2″ just depending on the angle the rebar is leaning. I feel like this is enough for me to call it “square” to begin, if not let me know.
The game plan is to first install the 2×8 ledger into the concrete. Here is where I’m a bit shaky and would like some help. I guess I can go ahead and install the first joint hangar on the far left side of the ledger board looking at the house, cut it to my desired length (9′) make sure it is square and level where it attaches, and decide exactly where to place my 4×4 post off that.
After that I think I can do the same thing on the right side, respecting the diagonal measurements.
I’m thinking about using a post base that dry anchored into concrete to give me a little play when installing the posts.
I appreciate any feedback!
Replies
Sounds like a good plan, just make sure to keep the joists level when you pull your diagonals, otherwise you’ll get goofy results, especially if you’re on a slope. You may need to add a temp brace to get them level while you take your measures.
You can build the entire floor box (ledger, side joists, and rim joist) and support them on temporary posts. Square that, and install the girder from below.
Two unsolicited pieces of advice. Use 6x6 posts and notch them around the girder, through bolting between them. And for the two side joists, use concealed flange joist hangers. It's a much neater job.
Hi Andy, thanks for the repy.... could you go into a little more detail regarding what you mean by building the floor box? Not sure how I could build and install the girder from below.
Sure. Just the ledger, the two side joists, and the rim joist. Support the ledger at the house, the side joists and the rim on temporary 2x4s, then square and level that assembly. Once that's done, build the girder below.
How are you mounting the deck to these posts?
will the joists be supported by a doubled up rim joist and hangers, or sit on a beam which you support with the posts?
The plan is to use joint hangars support 2x8 beams, then screw the 2x4's (top of the deck)to those beams.... The ledgers will be attached to 4x4 posts with carraige bolts. Is that what you mean?
I am having a hard time following your nomenclature.
https://www.finehomebuilding.com/project-guides/decks/deck-elevation-and-detail-drawings
My question is if you are planning to install a beam, on top of the 4x4 posts, similar to that shown in the above link. the beam would be parallel to the ledger board attached to the house, but lower in elevation by the thickness of the floor joists.
if so, the distance from this beam to the house is not critical.
If you plan to skip such a beam, and support the deck joists with hangers on both ends, then the outside board (parallel to the ledger secured to the house) should be doubled up, and really should sit on top of your 4x4 posts. (not a great idea to just lag a single board into the side of the post)
The suggestion to lay out the framing on temporary supports and then set the posts sounds like a good one.
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Over 3 years I’d guess he either gave up, finished and is satisfied, or perhaps divorced.