Instructions / Assembly

6
Building Decks
4 Attach the Beam
In This Step: you will either lay a single beam on top of the
posts or you will attach a double beam to the sides of the
posts.
Tools:
pencil, framing square, tape measure, hammer,
circular saw or hand saw, drill with long 1/2" augur bit
Materials: beam board(s), framing nails, 1/2" x 4" lag
bolts for double beam or post to beam connectors with
nails for single beams
Considerations: Single or double beam?
Whether to use a single or a double beam is largely an
aesthetic decision; however, double beam boards are
generally more available, and are easier to install.
Length of beam = deck length
If the deck length exceeds the length of your beam
board(s), make sure that each splice is located at a post.
Use connector plates and bracing to keep the splice from
shifting .
Transfer the joist
hanger height to the
posts using a joist and
level, or by
using string
and a line
level.
Installing a Single Beam
Since a single
beam will lay
on top of the posts,
you will need to subtract the
height of the beam from the posts.
Therefore, make a second mark on
each post below the first mark at a
distance equal to the height of the
beam. Then cut the posts at the
second mark. Set the beam on top of the
posts and attach with connectors and
nails. Single beams are more
susceptible to swaying, so
use bracing wherever
possible.
Installing a
Double Beam
A double beam
assembly uses two
3 Install Your Posts
In This Step: you will install the posts, either on pier blocks
or in the ground.
Tools:
post-hole digger, shovel, wheelbarrow, level,
hammer
Materials: ready-mix concrete/pier blocks, posts, stakes/
braces, block and post connectors with nails
Considerations: Pier blocks or post-holes? Using pier
blocks is easy and effective for decks less than 3' high;
over patios or hard, rocky soils; where ground is level;
and in colder climates.
Post-holes are sturdy, and can be used practically
anywhere
.
Using Pier Blocks
Set them on level, stable
ground. Then secure the posts
to them with any of several
types of connectors,
making sure to check
posts for level.
Using Post-Holes
Dig holes at your footing positions that are at
least 2' deep and are below the frost line.
For harder, rockier soils and in colder
climates, pour a bed of gravel into
the hole, place a block of
treated wood on the bed, insert
the post, level it, and fill the
hole with layers of earth and
gravel, tamping frequently and
leaving a mound at
the top for drainage.
For sandy soils, insert the post
in the hole, level the post and
fill hole with concrete. Brace
the post if necessary and pour
additional concrete to form a
mound for drainage.
Note: In extreme frost heave
conditions, sonotubes may be required when
installing posts—consult your local building codes.
Earth
Gravel
Earth
Gravel
Earth
Gravel
Soil or
concrete
concrete
Single beam splice
connector
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