Step-by-step guide

Deck building basics: permits, footings, ledger and safety

A deck looks simple, but deck failures can injure people. Most of the risk sits in the footings, the ledger connection to the house, and the railings.

1. Check permits and setbacks

   Many jurisdictions require a permit for attached decks, decks above a certain height, or decks over a certain size. Ask, and ask whether they publish a prescriptive deck guide.

2. Locate utilities

   Call 811 (in the US) before you dig, every time.

3. Design to code

   Joist size and spacing, beam spans and footing size depend on loads, wood species and local code. Use your local prescriptive guide or have it designed.

4. Footings

   Footings must be the size and depth your code requires (often below frost depth). Inspection is usually required before concrete.

5. Ledger attachment

   An attached deck's ledger must be fastened to the house framing with code-approved bolts or screws, never nails alone, and flashed so water cannot get behind it. A rotted or poorly attached ledger is a well-known cause of collapses.

6. Framing and hardware

   Use rated, corrosion-resistant connectors and fasteners compatible with treated lumber.

7. Decking, railings and stairs

   Guard height, baluster spacing, stair rise and run, and stair lighting have code requirements. Follow them exactly.

8. Final inspection

   Then inspect it yourself every year: loose connections, rot, and rusted hardware.

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