Planning Your DIY Deck

Building a deck expands your outdoor living space and adds home value. While it is a manageable project for advanced DIYers, you must follow local building codes regarding structural framing and load paths.

The Anatomy of a Wood Deck

  • Ledger Board: The pressure-treated board that anchors the deck to your house. Must be bolted using structural lag screws.
  • Footings: Concrete piers poured below the frost line to support the posts.