6 Steps To Build A Beautiful Backyard Deck Like A Pro

Follow our six essential steps to a DIY deck of your dreams, from start to finish! Our basic, easy-to-follow instructions will turn you into a weekend warrior. If you’re still unsure and need extra guidance, visit your local Lowe's. Our knowledgeable associates can provide more assistance or connect you to our installation team!

Skill

Advanced

Time

2+ Weeks

Cost

Less Than $5,000

Light wood deck with stairs leading up to the house and down to the backyard.

What You Need for This Project

Tools

Materials

Building Your Deck in 6 Steps

1
DESIGN YOUR DECK

Plan, Plan, Plan
Start with plenty of research to avoid costly mistakes. Anticipate placement, size, and function in your deck plans. It’s important to create an accessible space that fits your landscape and your outdoor lifestyle.

Pay close attention to your building materials and style accents. From classic pressure-treated lumber to weather-resistant wood composite, the choice is yours! There are plenty of stunning deck designs, layouts, and ideas to play around with!

Note: Be sure to follow local zoning bylaws and obtain any required building permits.
Steps:

sketch of deck plan with measurements on clipboard

2
BUILDING YOUR DECK LAYOUT

Basic Questions to Answer
Freestanding or attached, your basic building blocks will be the same: foundation, beams, joists, and decking. Ensure your deck has proper support, such as a ledger board or posts. Use string, screws, and batter boards (made from furring strips) to lay out your plan. Your level and measuring tape will be your biggest assets for precision and accuracy.

Determine your foundation spacing and add your posts, using more strings for alignment. Plumb bobs will help to mark the spot where you can add your stakes.

Remember that if you’re stuck at any time, you can visit your local Lowe’s for more assistance.
Steps:

Worker uses furring strips to mark deck foundation layout in backyard

3
SITE YOUR POSTS & PLACE YOUR BEAMS
Strong Foundations Rule!
At this point, you may need an extra hand from a friend or a professional Lowe’s installer. Remember your permit before breaking ground and confirm special building requirements for your post holes. Dig below the frost line, then check with your building department if an inspection is required before moving forward.

Roll out landscape fabric and cut openings for your post holes. After scooping concrete mix up to building code level, add your posts and fill in the rest of hole with gravel. Use your post level and layout strings to make sure each post is perfectly centered and aligned. Pour gravel over the rest of your landscape fabric, and allow your footings to set over a few days.

Make a mark on your posts where the top of your beam should line up. Once you’ve installed cleats to each of your posts, place your beam above them and secure in place. Wearing a face mask, cut off the remaining block of wood from each of your posts.

Way to go, you’ve just made your foundation!
Steps:

two workers secure deck posts as part of deck foundation

4
ASSEMBLE FRAMING & ADD YOUR DECKING
Time To Get Building
More heavy lifting will be required, so make sure you have help. First, build your frame with rim joists around the perimeter of your deck. Add evenly spaced beams of wood to form your floor joists. Reinforce your joists with corner brackets, joist hangers, and hurricane ties.

When the frame is complete, lay down your boards and drill two nails per joist along each plank. Place a nail between decking boards to allow enough space for proper drainage. Grooved boards are another available option that hide visible nails or screws. Every few boards, use your measuring tape to check that you’re still on track with your deck plans. Use string as your guide to cut excess wood from the edges of your frame.

You’re almost there. It’s time to start adding your stairs.
Steps:

worker lays out deck boards over deck foundation

5
BUILDING YOUR DECK STAIRS

Step Up!
You’ve got your basic decking, and now you’ll need a staircase. If you need a break or a timesaver, you can also purchase pre-cut stringers and deck stair posts online or in-store.

Once you have the materials you need, mark on the joist where your stairs will meet the deck. (This may be covered by your building code.) Attach your stringers with support brackets and bolts as needed. Add your treads, and your stairs are complete. You’ve stepped it up, and now you’re finally ready to finish it off.
Steps:

6
FINISH YOUR DECK

Almost Beer Time
Upgrade your look with stylish pre-assembled railings and balusters to complement your deck! These accents will help to give your deck extra polish.

Install lattice skirting, fascia, or post caps as the finishing touch. You’ll also need lighting to improve visibility (plus, it’ll add some extra charm to your backyard). As one last safety check, ask for one last building inspection and contact your local recycling centre to dispose of your treated lumber. Apply weather sealer for protection, and visit a nearby Lowe’s store to recycle your paint.

Dress it up with modern furnishings, container plants, or any other outdoor decor trends that suit your taste!

Congratulations! You’ve built yourself an eye-catching, one-of-a-kind deck. Break out the BBQ and have some fun!
Steps:

drilling and attaching metal deck balusters into wood deck railing

Ready To Build?

We stock everything you will ever need to get your project out of the planning stage and into construction. From the ground up to the final finishing touches, Lowe's is ready to get you started and fished the right way. Let's get building!

SOME FAQs ANSWERED TO HELP YOU COMPLETE YOUR DECK PLANS:

How big a deck do I need?

Decks should be the same size or slightly larger than the interior rooms they mimic. For example, a deck intended for cooking and dining should be the same size as a kitchen and dining room. A deck intended for socializing should be a similar size to a living room.

How deep should I dig my post holes?

Post holes in Canada need to be dug to a depth below the frost line. A rule of thumb is minimum 4 ft.

Note: Deck posts should not be placed into the ground. Instead, a concrete pier should be poured with a post bracket anchored on top.

Should I use composite or wood for my decking?

There are pluses for both. Pressure treated is easy to work with and cost effective, but doesn't last as long as composite and is harder to maintain. Cedar lasts longer than pressure treated, however, it's also more expensive.

Traditional wood decks have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Composite decking, which is more expensive, is weather, insect, and rot resistant, making it last for 25 to 30 years or longer.

We offer a variety of decking options to finish your deck the way you want it. Depending on your personal taste and budget, the options are virtually endless. From pressure treated to cedar to composite, design the deck that's best suited for your needs.

That said, most decks frames are built out pressure treated pine as this material is durable, easy to work with and relatively inexpensive.

How To Terms

Tools, products, materials, techniques, building codes, and local regulations change; therefore, Lowe's assumes no liability for omissions, errors, or the outcome of any project. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed professional if in doubt about any procedures.

Back yard of a contemporary Pacific Northwest home featuring a deck a spanning creek-like water feature with a landscaped lawn and custom patio fireplace in the background.

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