BUILD YOUR OWN WOOD DECK Then, Let the Party Begin!
It may seem like a huge undertaking, but to build your own wood deck is really not that hard. By that I mean it, like almost everything else, is made of small individual parts.
The heaviest is maybe a ten foot long two-by-six. At least two people should be involved in the actual construction, but there are lots of folks who can do the entire project alone.
You have many wood deck options today and many building options as well. The hard part may be deciding what you want! If you already have a deck, but are looking to improve, refinish, paint, repair or replace the lumber, click on any of the links below for info and ideas:
Check out homedepot.com to compare prices and products. Free Shipping on most purchases over $49. Click image below then search product.
There are pictures and plans all over the internet for do-it-yourself deck builders. Search wood deck plans or build your own wood deck for starters. You'll be amazed. In fact, if you'll Google free deck plan, you will be even more amazed! And you can customize these plans to fit your own situation. Use the Google Custom Search Box (right).
There are plans for decks built using piers, decks attached to your house and what's called floating decks, with the foundation made of simple deck blocks (left)—ingenious tapered cement blocks with notched tops to hold the floor joists (generally 2x6 pressure treated pine or similar).
Foundations needing no digging, no pouring concrete, no nailing or screwing—except to the rim joists, which are the boards attached to the ends of the floor joists. If your deck doesn't need steps or tiers and will lie on a completely flat ground, this may be the way to go.
Prepare the construction area so that the ground is absolutely flat (if using the floating system) and free of debris, weeds and grass. There are really only three types of outdoor decks; those anchored in the ground with posts (piers) usually cemented a foot or so deep (right) and two types of floating decks, 1) which use the deck blocks or 2) built on a cement pad.
The first of the three is the sturdiest and latter two are the easiest to construct. Other than that, all use basically the same tools and materials.
NOTE: if you build your own wood deck and attach it to your house, it must be built with posts, to code, not floating.
Search any of the terms or words you just read or floating deck, diy wooden deck or build your own wood deck. Also, check out the books below. Mouse over an image to see customer review ratings and price, and click image for more info.
Before doing anything, though, check with your city or county to see if you'll need a building permit. Or search building department your city or building permit your city (ie. building permit dallas tx) using the Google Custom Search Box (upper right). Once you know what's required, you can then go ahead and, if you do need a permit, submit your plans.
All you need (besides the wood) is a tape measure, 7" circular saw, drill, hammer, square and a 24" or 36" level.
It's easy to build your own wood deck, but it does take time. The floating deck system could have you cranking up the barbie in a couple of days or so, while the standard deck may take a few weekends.
Also, make sure you're using the right fasteners (screws or nails) as the treated wood today eats some fastener materials over time! If your deck collapses five years from now and someone gets injured, you may be liable. In this case, if you didn't pull a permit and one was required, you may be in real trouble. Galvanized is usually good, hot dip galvanized is better, and may be required by code.
And, when you're ready to build your own wood deck, there are many ways to illuminate your new deck. Solar outdoor lighting is the the best and most environmentally responsible way, with lots of options for the homeowner!
Its a medium large project and should be treated as such. But the satisfaction and the equity build it provides will make it all worth it. Not to mention the feeling you'll get when one of your outdoor party guests says "You actually built this yourself?"
It may seem like a huge undertaking, but to build your own wood deck is really not that hard. By that I mean it, like almost everything else, is made of small individual parts. 
There are plans for decks built using piers, decks attached to your house and what's called floating decks, with the foundation made of simple deck blocks (left)—ingenious tapered cement blocks with notched tops to hold the floor joists (generally 2x6 pressure treated pine or similar). 
only three types of outdoor decks; those anchored in the ground with posts (piers) usually cemented a foot or so deep (right) and two types of floating decks, 1) which use the deck blocks or 2) built on a cement pad.
