DIY deck building tips: How to detail deck railings and design under a deck

We take a different design approach than most deck builders.

Posts go in the ground in a plastic sleeve called Post-Protector. Soooo much saved time.

We taper our beam ends with a flat spot so we can use a clamp to snug the beam in. And we run skirting--deck boards on edge--to mask the underside of the structure, keep critters out, and add some visual interest on the ground.

Spax #8 x 2 1/2 washer heads work great for this connection. And add cable railing so the homeowner can enjoy the view and add to the home's upscale minimalist style.

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[johndough]

I commend you for taking on a project like this on your own home, many wouldn't even try. From that perspective you did a great job! However, as a 45+ year carpenter and custom home builder, the workmanship shown here simply would not pass a majority of client scrutiny, not to mention that some of the suggested practices are definitely questionable, and should not be considered best practices by industry standards. As a DIYer you are doing great and will get better if you keep an open mind to learning better practices... I still do every single day, even after 45 years.

[ZLRocket]

Obviously, your not building a Steinway. But, the outside corners on the joist-to-rim joist connection should have been neatly 45’d, as well as the outside corners on your skirting should have been 45’d.

The girder/header beam lost a lot of integrity on the end by doing your fancy “wing cut” inside of the outer joist. The deck railing adds more weight to that area. If a decorative end cut is in the plan, we extend the girder/header out beyond the outer joist and keep the decorative cut outside of the load area where it won’t reduce the intended strength of that beam. In addition, down the road if the beam end starts to rot, you have something to trim off to eliminate the rot damage without having to replace the beam.

Speaking of wood rot, as much as I do like the decorative joist trims, those are very likely to trap moisture and promote premature wood rot. Same goes for the skirting where it’s attached to the support posts.

Bora-Care is an excellent product to protect raw lumber and the cut ends from fungus/rot and termites, but must be applied BEFORE any paint, stain or sealant (refer to product label).

[carpenterguys.]

It's about time to finally see some good carpentry skills!

[jasonalvarado]

I never thought of doing the under side that way, but I think it looks awesome 👍💯! Great job!!

[bobbygetsbanned]

Dude, beams are STRUCTURAL members, you don't cut 2/3 of it off for some fancy pants wing cut look. You can only cut a beam like that if it's not supporting a load in that area, which this one is.

[Bryan-wqng]

Looks really good but you know the experts always will pick your work apart. If the customer is happy and pays you. There you go. Good job 👍

[maxlove]

This is a hack job looking those corners

[beantea]

To all the people saying he should have mitered those corners, im not sure you've worked with wood before. Wood moves and when it does there would be an ugly gap. There's nothing wrong with butt joints. They don't look that bad and not a single layperson would even recognize a butt joint.

[frankcox]

Why didn't you miter the 2x10's? You mitered all the trim.

All work should be as if it's your best work. It just becomes natural

[jackshen]

Looks alright just cautious about your wing cut especially on the load bearing boundary joist, would never pass inspection in New Zealand but seems like you got away with it.

[jonny-b]

Kind of annoying me you stopped the 1x6s on that beam haha. Just symmetry wants me to force you to add one more at the top of the beam even though it's unnecessary.

[Gantzz]

those corners look like something my 14-year-old nephew would be proud of, and What is the point of adding trim details if you are not hiding nail holes on the lower trim detail. Not to mention your top deck board is 30% on and 70% overhang. But props for being proud of this job.

[zachklaphaak]

I see a lot of negative comments on these shorts you post, you always handle them very efficiently... That said I'm going to nitpick over the screws going into wing cut girder - if it were my deck, I'd fasten the joist to the girder from below so water can't collect. Otherwise there's a lot to like about how this turned out.

[allred]

Gosh. Can’t you miter all outside corners?

[wannabtrucker]

This looks my 16 year old neighbor built it.

[Random-bmho]

A "professional " wouldn't add a 1" rip. That deck wouldn't pass inspection where I live due to the amount of material taken out of the front plate. And really, hide the screws on the facing

[mrreid]

Now, the rats can live under deck in peace and quite

[donrobinson]

Sloppy corners. Did a beaver chew on that rim joist?

[contreras]

Your deck looks good . I see a few flaws but no big deal . No more flaws than I would have in one of my decks. I see on your comments you really get ripped a lot. Kinda a different build with this deck you built . With a cantilever beam in front . Normally I would put a beam like that near the center . If it is large. And then run my posts in front. Still it looks good. Nice trim around band. I d love to take you on in a build off.