A home owner can buy computer programs that will enable them to design their own deck. This can be daunting for those with very little experience but if you work at it you can have something that you can build with.

Building Codes and local by-laws

When building you deck it is important to work with your local building department. In most areas you will need to have your deck plan approved and a building permit issued before you can start construction.

Your local building department will likely look for following information.

•Overall deck size •Height off ground •Position relative to property lines •Size and location of framing •Species of wood being used •Soil type •Method of connecting framing

Once your local building department is satisfied your plans meet code and local bylaws. They will then issue you a building permit, likely for a fee.

At certain stages of construction you will need to get a building inspector to do a site inspection. You will likely be informed of these inspections when you building permit is issued.

Now it is time to start building your deck.

Continue to do this until you have required number of steps, 8 in this case. This first riser is always shorter by thickness of steps, for us that is 1.5". This makes first riser 5-5/8".

Cut 'em out Now use you circular saw to cut out stringers (technical name for 2x12 with stair marks on it) being sure to cut on waste side of line. When you cut into corner with a circular saw blade misses some of wood on bottom side of board. This is fine, simply cut up to line and stop, then finish cut with your hand saw.

Now use first stringer as a template for other two. Lay stringer onto 2x12's and trace around it. Then cut out other stringers same as first.

Reinforce stringers Align one of 8' 2x4's along bottom edge of string and mark it to fit profile of ends of stringers. Cut 2x4 and secure it to bottom edge of stringer. Repeat this for one other stringer. These help to strengthen stringers and reduce "bounce" in stairs. Use framing nails to secure them.

Assemble stairs The plywood is used to attach stairs to deck. Secure sheet of plywood to top end of stringers. The two outside stringers are nailed flush with edge of plywood while third stringer is centered on sheet. Simply nail through plywood into face of stringers using framing nails. 4 into each stringer will be enough.

Now take 45" 2x6 and nail it in between bottom of outside stringers. The 2x6 will fit into notch cut into center stringer. This provides right spacing for bottom of stairs and secures them to pad.

Attach them to deck Move stairs into their final position. make sure they are level across stringers and that risers are plumb. When stairs are positioned correctly nail through plywood into side of deck. Use some 3" concrete nails to secure 2x6 spacer to concrete pad.

Install treads Cut 8 - 8' 2x6's in half, be sure to cut them square. Starting at bottom of stairs, start placing 2x6 stair treads. Simply center them on stringers and use some 3"deck nails to attach them. You can also use an exterior adhesive to assure that they don't move.

Continue to work your way up stairs until you reach top.

You are done... well, almost Railings. You need to install a railing to keep people from falling off.