Decks are fun and straightforward to construct, a great return on investment, a super way to learn about building, and very nice to relax on when done.  This hands-on building course will cover the design, layout, material, footings, fasteners, and finishes for outdoor decks.  Beginner to Intermediate.

Course start time: Saturday, 9am
Course end time: Sunday, 5pm

 

  • Competency Level: Beginner to Intermediate
  • AIA credits: 14

Materials to Bring

  • A pencil and notebook
  • outerwear
  • work boots
  • sunscreen
  • A basic toolbelt
  • Sturdy work gloves
  • Hammer
  • Tape measure
  • Speed square
  • Eye and ear protection
  • Utility knife
  • Chisel
  • Nail puller/Cat's pawLevel
  • Chalk line

Yestermorrow provides tools for all courses, but you are encouraged to bring your own tools if you prefer. Be sure to label your own tools!

Class Schedule

The beginning lecture/discussion portion of the class will take place at Yestermorrow, and then students will work on the site in the afternoon and on Sunday.

Course Outline

Deck Design

  • Basic Considerations
  • Variables in Deck Design
  • Bells and Whistles

Elements of Deck Construction

  • Piers: deck meets the ground
  • Ledger: deck meets the house
  • Posts: tie beams to piers
  • Beams: support joists; carry weight across the deck span
  • Joists: carry the decking
  • Railings
  • Decking
  • Stairs

Materials

  • Framing
  • Decking

Treated Southern Pine

Treated Western softwoods

Redwood

Cedar

Tropical Hardwoods

Composite Decking

Vinyl Decking

  • Moisture Content

Other materials you should know about

The absolute minimum tools for building a deck efficiently and properly

Finishes

  • Film-forming
  • Penetrating

Tips and techniques for applying finishes

Start Date: July 30, 2011
Closed