How To Build My Own Deck – This DIY deck is perfect for Alexi Parry’s backyard. Alexi blogs about DIY projects, design and fun at Seeking Alexi. She created this simple deck to turn her backyard into a great spot for outdoor entertaining.
Alexi didn’t have any special deck building skills, but she’s a fearless DIYer and made this simple and sturdy deck without spending a lot of money.
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I think this is my favorite DIY project I’ve ever done and The Home Depot really did it all! From their friendly staff to all their tools and ideas on their Pinterest page, Home Depot really has everything you need for a big DIY project!
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First of all, it is very possible to do it yourself! I’m not a professional carpenter or contractor, but this project is easy enough to do. (Just don’t underestimate the time it takes to drill 768 screws!) However, if you’re brave enough and have a few extra hands, it’s very possible to build your own deck!
Why build your own deck? I needed to learn a new skill and save a lot of money! It’s so satisfying to stand on a deck you’ve built with your own two hands. Bragging rights are second to none! And more importantly, you can save so much money! Paying someone to build a deck my size out of common materials would cost between $6,000 and $8,000! My deck cost less than $900 because I only paid for the wood, cement and screws. Wow, right?
If you want to keep your low level deck as inexpensive and simple as possible, do what I did! This requires the use of 2 x 6 pressure treated joists spaced 24 inches apart on center. Support for these beams from concrete deck piers must be placed at least every 8 feet.
I wanted mine to be as low to the ground as possible (mainly because I didn’t want stairs) so I dug out the cement deck piers closest to my house a few inches and the piers further from my house didn’t need to be dug. altogether. You should do one deck pier at a time and ALWAYS measure the perfect distances, line up each deck pier with each other and be as careful as possible to get everything level!
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To do this, measure and cut each joist one by one if there are any small differences between the cement support distances.
If your deck is large like mine, you will most likely need to connect two joints on one deck pier to reach the full length of the deck. I have to mention that the Ryobi miter saw I used was amazing for these big beams. It cuts everything so smoothly and even has a laser line that seems to make your job easier. I really like that sight!
You should also spray some grass and weed killer or lay a weed control fabric under the entire area of your future deck. You don’t want weeds popping up in your deck when it’s all done!
I decided to use 2 x 4 Douglas Fir lumber (plain framing) because it is inexpensive but still extremely strong.
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If you can get your hands on a wood plane, use it! This will ensure that all of your wood is the same height and the rough 2 x 4s will have a nice, smooth finish. Remember that you only have to fly one side (the one that will be visible)!
Since this wood is not a typical decking wood, you need this extra step to prevent the wood from rotting and disintegrating faster.
Note that Douglas Fir may not be suitable for other climates, but dry climates (I live in Utah) should be fine as long as you waterproof the bottom first. No need to waterproof the top as we will paint/seal that side! I used Thompson’s Water Seal and a paint roller; just be sure to follow the instructions on the container!
This part isn’t rocket science, it just takes some time. Some of the boards are slightly warped, so you may need two people to hold them as you get the first outdoor deck screws in each board. Use ¼-inch tile spacers between the boards and screw two screws into each joist. I used Ryobi impact drivers because that wood is hard and you need something sturdy to drive the screws into!
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You may also need to use a miter saw, such as this Ryobi miter saw, to cut drain pipes or edging your deck, as I did.
Tip: Make a simple template out of clear material so you know exactly where to put the screws and they will line up perfectly.
This part is easy, just add 1 x 6 lumber to the ends of your deck to give it a finished look.
Go back through each screw and make sure they are flush with the wood or even slightly bent. If the screws stick out, people can trip or snag their shoes when walking.
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Then go around each screw and sand it down a bit to remove some of the chips that will inevitably appear as we are working with a natural product.
Also sand the edges of the end caps you just added to make those corners a little smoother.
I used a waterproof stain/stamp and I’m already happy with it! And if you know me at all, I love the color white, so of course I painted my deck opaque white!
Make sure you allow enough drying time between coats, as well as a few days of drying time before putting anything heavy on top of the deck, so it has time to harden.
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Tip: Use the edge of the paint so you don’t have to tape the side of the house (the tape doesn’t stick well anyway because it’s a rough surface!).
This is where all the magic happens and all the amazing products I decorated with at The Home Depot really brought this whole project together. For more information and tips on how to create a cozy and intimate space in your backyard, check out my new deck here on The Home Depot Blog.
I used these Edison bulbs for outdoor lights and these rattan lanterns to add variety, some lovely plants in terra cotta pots. The copper Weber grills are gorgeous and really add a sophisticated pop of color to the space, as well as these matching white and copper lanterns.
And of course, the two biggest focal points of the whole thing are the amazing deck furniture and the hanging umbrella. The umbrella is very sturdy and very functional. This allows you to change the angle, which will be wonderful on long hot summer afternoons. And I am very impressed with the quality of the Hampton Bay Mill Valley collection. It’s steel reinforced, weather resistant and actually quite comfortable! Highly recommend!
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Overall, building my own deck was an incredible experience. One that I am so glad I achieved, if not more so for the amount of money it saved me! And I didn’t have to cut any corners – I ended up with a gorgeous deck that’s now ready to enjoy all summer, and it only took a few days of work!
Was it a little scary to spend hundreds of dollars on a wood project I had never tried before? absolutely.
And it was worth every scary moment because I now have the most beautiful deck at an amazing price and I learned so many new skills along the way. And I could not have built this DIY deck without The Home Depot. Thanks to them for the courage to try something new!
Alexi Parry of Seeking Alexi is a design-aholic, Instagram junkie, avid blogger, novice letterer, DIYer, professional microchip eater, pretend traveler, semi-holiday (female), soccer supporter, churchgoer, self-employed – Published foodie, home lover and highly motivated creative director, graphic designer and web designer.
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Check out more DIY projects here on The Home Depot Blog and follow our Easy DIY Projects board on Pinterest.
This post was created in partnership with The Home Depot. The author may have received compensation for this article and related images or videos, possibly in the form of products and/or services. All opinions and experiences expressed are the author’s own.
#8 x 3 inches. Philips Bugle-Head Coarse Thread Sharp Point Polymer Coated External Screw (1 lb. package) Thinking about building a deck? Do-it-yourselfers and even many professional builders often make mistakes. Read our tips to make your deck last a lifetime.
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