" Deck Manual"

By: The Saratoga Deck & Pool Company

Use the menu on the left to navigate through our pages.
Below is a brief description of information found on the page.


Table of Contents

1 Layout & Footings Using the 3/4/5 Triangle - Using the Deck Frame for Layout - Digging Post Holes - Pier Blocks - Adjustable Post Bases - Embedded Post Anchors - J- Bolts
2 Installing a Ledger The House Frame - Transfer Floor Height - Drilling the Ledger - Marking the Wall for Drilling - Fastening the Ledger with Lag Screws - Spacing the Ledger: Washer Method - Flashing the Ledger - Fastening the Ledger to a Masonary Wall - Drilling Masonary - Expansion Bolts
3 Setting Posts & Beams Nailing to a Precast Post Base - Plumbing and Bracing Posts - Marking Post Heights with a Level - Measuring Posts with a Water Level - Cutting the Posts - Handy Jig for Cutting Posts - Post Caps - Sandwich Beams
4 Installing Joists Squaring the Frame - Framing Anchors - Joist Layout - Joist Hangers - Installing Joist Hangers - Blocking - Hanging Joist - Crowning Joists - Fastening Joists to a Beam - Doubled Joists
5 Installing Decking Fastening Deck Boards - Nails, Screws or Clips? - Which Side Up? - Spacing Deck Boards - Straightening Curved Decking - Preventing Split Ends - Scribing - Notching - Marking a Straight Edge - Flush Sawing
6 Building Railings Installing Rail Posts - Measuring a Stair Post - Calculating Horizontal Rail Spacing - Baluster Spacing - Marking a Railing Miter - Safe Handrails
7 Building Stairs Stair Types - Cleated Stringers - Measuring Stair Rise - Calculating Rise And Run - Laying Out Rise & Run - Cutting Stringers - Attaching Stringers
8 Finishing Your Deck Sanding - Sealing - Applying Stains - Bleaching Wood - Finishing Touches