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How To Build A Deck Frame

5 Tips on How to Build a Strong Deck Frame

Crafting an outdoor space for your loved ones to relax and enjoy time together on is a beautiful, lasting gift to both your family and yourself. Let's make it a present that will last for generations with these top 5 tips on how to build a deck frame and substructure. With thorough planning, solid materials, and a few pieces of deck construction advice; you can take a standard backyard build or renovation from okay to "OH WOW!"

Further reading: Deck Framing Guide

A diagram showing all the parts that make up traditional deck framing

1. Lay Out Your Deck Plan With Deck Boards Or Lumber

Most DIY construction or home improvement books recommend plotting deck footings using chalk lines, batter boards, and string. Instead, save time and get a more comprehensive overview by laying out a rough outline of the deck using lumber or deck boards. Unlike string, a wood outline gives you a solid guide to mark deck post footing locations and set post bases. You can mark the location of the outline by driving a few stakes, allowing you to remove the boards to dig holes or pour footings. Then you can quickly replace your outline boards to align post bases or set posts.

2. Check the End Grain on All 4x4 or 6x6 Boards

When buying 4x4 or 6x6 deck framing lumber, don't just check them for straightness - also look at the ends of the boards. Try to avoid any lumber that includes the center of the tree, especially if anywhere near the center of the 4x4 or 6x6 deck plank. If you see the center of the tree in your decking timber, know that those boards will inevitably twist and warp. This is particularly true of 8-foot boards because those are often the leftovers from “peeling logs,” the outer layers of which have been shaved off.

3. Skip the Lag Screws - Go For Construction Screws

While construction screws may look weak in comparison to the commonplace lag screws, they're actually much stronger and better designed than traditional lags. Also, you'll save tons of installation time since you won't have to spend five minutes working each lag screw in with a ratchet. Any standard 18-volt screw gun can drive your construction screws in immediately, all without the need for predrilling!

Learn how to build a strong, long-lasting deck frame and substructure

4. Square Your Deck Frame Using A Ledger Board

As the ideas and materials for your deck begin to come to life, it will give you a great idea of how and where you'd like to attach the structure. It is usually best to start against the house as the ledger board offers a stable, stationary surface that you can pull measurements from and fasten the deck joists to. If your deck features multiple levels, it makes sense that you should finish one section of the deck before starting the next. Stairs and step landings should be the final step in building deck framing.

An in-progress photo as a deck builder is building a deck frame onto the back of a house

5. Install a Diagonal Brace to Prevent Deck Swaying

A diagonal sway brace should be mounted to prevent racking on all decks featuring horizontal decking. A metal T-shaped brace installed diagonally across the top of the joists or a diagonal deck board installed across the bottom of the deck frame will minimize deck movement in high winds and will provide extra security and support for years to come. Decks with diagonal decking installed do not typically require sway bracing, but you can mount it for maximum stability.

6. For Easier Install & A Longer Lifespan, Consider Steel Framing

Wood framing has been the traditional go-to for decks, but it has its drawbacks. Wood absorbs water and tends to expand and contract as temperatures change. Over time, a wood deck frame exposed to the elements will start to warp, crack, or develop mold or mildew, forcing you to inspect your deck frame each spring and repair any major issues.

Even worse, the wood framing of today is actually weaker than the wood framing traditionally used for deck frames in years past. Over time, lumber farming has evolved to produce more wood faster - but the drawback is that modern lumber isn’t as strong, with growth rings that are visibly further apart.

That’s why steel deck framing is growing in popularity. Unlike wood, steel is incredibly consistent: steel joists and beams come in completely standard sizes, making for much easier installation than wood beams, which can vary slightly in actual size and shape from one beam to the next. Steel also holds its shape no matter the temperature, and doesn’t suffer from water or insect damage.

Steel deck framing lasts longer and holds more weight than wood framing, allowing for longer joist spans or for heavy deck elements like firepits or even hot tubs. If you’re interested in learning how to build a deck with steel framing, we’d suggest giving our estimating team a call at 1-888-824-5316 to find out what a steel framing project would look like.

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