Simple deck platforms are most effective when built around the perimeter of an existing deck. The platform, which should be slightly larger than the space under the deck, should have a couple inches of clearance between its inside edge and the deck’s wall. A simple support structure consisting of 2x4s connected by boards running perpendicular to the platform’s length works well for this design. The supports should run about 4m long so that 3 or 4 joists can be laid on top of them. These joists will form a walkway in front of your house.
The bench of a deck is the platform where you can sit and relax, eat your meals or simply enjoy the sound of nature around your home. In fact, it plays an important role in the overall look of a deck. The deck platform is constructed with pressure-treated wood consisting of legs, rails, beams and joists. You need to get a design for your deck and then work on building the platform accordingly.
Building a deck platform is a simple way to expand your outdoor entertaining area. You can use this surface as the base for a shed, gazebo, or other structure. While you can build it in several ways, there’s one approach that stands out from the rest for its simplicity and effectiveness: building a platform deck with posts sunk in concrete footings. This method is not only easy to learn but also results in a sturdy, level platform that’s much more durable than laying down deck boards straight on grass. Though you may feel intimidated by the task at first, installing your own deck platform using this method is straightforward especially with these step-by-step instructions.
1. Determine a clear shape for your platform.
The first step in building your platform is to determine its shape. The easiest shapes to build are square or rectangular, as those will make for the most straightforward construction. If you have any concerns about the size of your platform, you can always measure beforehand and then adjust it before you begin laying out your lumber.
Make sure that it’s large enough for whatever needs need to be met by this type of structure. If your family has grown since last year and you want more room on the deck during barbecue season, consider upping the size of this addition accordingly. Also take into account how much space will be taken up by other additions such as built-in seating—you may need more room than you think.
You don’t want your platform being too small either; if it’s too cramped everyone will feel like they’re sitting too close together when they eat lunch or dinner outside with family members who might not know each other very well just yet (if ever).
2. Add a border around the perimeter of your deck.
Add a border around the perimeter of your deck. The border is the edge of your deck, and it’s important to make sure that it’s uniform in appearance with the rest of your deck. In order to do this, you’ll want to make sure that:
- Your board’s width is equal to that of your border pieces (for example, if you use 1-by-6 boards for your deck boards, then use 1-by-6s as borders).
- The height of both pieces should be identical as well (if possible).
- If possible, choose a thinner material like ¾ inch plywood or cedar fencing boards instead of standard 2x4s or 2x6s. This will give you more flexibility when installing hardware later on; also keep in mind that thicker wood might mean more weight on top as well.
3. Cut posts to support the main beam and set them in concrete.
The first step is to cut your posts to the right size. Since you want the height of your platform to be equal to that of your deck, it’s important that this measurement be precise. Once you’ve got them cut, check for squareness by measuring diagonals from corner-to-corner. If they are equal and 90 degrees apart from one another, then you’re good to go.
You’ll also want some support beams running in an “L” shape along both sides of your platform (see diagram). These will connect with the posts on either side of them—thus providing lateral stability for the deck itself—and should be attached securely at certain points so as not to move around too much when people walk across them (this will cause cracks in the surface). It’s best if these beams can be locked into place during construction so they don’t have anywhere else they could turn except straight up or down; this way there won’t be any wobbling motions needed when taking steps onto or off platforms later on down roadways.
4. Level and attach the joists across the beams.
You will have to level the joists across the beams and attach them to each other with joist hangers in order for this deck platform to be strong enough for people to walk on it.
- Place a level on one of your joists that is not attached yet, and adjust it until it is level.
- Attach this first joist to its beam with nails, making sure it sits flush against the beam before driving them in at an angle (so they don’t split out).
- Attach any remaining rails next using their own hangers, making sure they are also parallel and level before attaching them too.
5. Lay the deck boards, alternating their direction from row to row.
- Lay the deck boards, alternating their direction from row to row.
Use a chalk line to mark the first row and make sure your deck’s length is at least 3 inches longer than it needs to be. You can use a tape measure or you can use a laser level to make sure that the top of each board is parallel with the floor below it (and thus perpendicular with all other boards). Use a square tool to ensure that the boards are straight right-angles; this will help keep them in place as they expand over time due to moisture and weather conditions, as well as ensure that they don’t wobble when walked on later on in life. A hammer may prove helpful when driving nails into joists that are spaced 2 feet apart or less apart so long as nails aren’t placed near existing wall studs for safety reasons—the hammering force could damage those walls if not used properly.
6. Install the inside border pieces, leaving space for drainage between them and the platform surface.
Now, it’s time to install the inside border pieces. You’re going to dig holes for each of them using a posthole digger. The soil should be damp but not wet, and you’ll want to tamp down the dirt around your posts so that they stay level with one another as well as with the platform surface.
After digging your holes, use a spirit level (or other type of level) to make sure that all four posts are standing straight up and down in relation to one another.
You can build a nice deck platform in just a few hours using some basic tools, lumber and your own hands.
A deck platform can be constructed in a few hours using some basic tools, lumber and your own hands!
You need to have the right tools to build a deck platform. This means you should have at least one cordless drill/driver, as well as a hammer, screwdrivers and measuring tape. Most of these tools can be rented from your local hardware store if you don’t want to purchase them outright. You’ll also need lumber for building your decking surface — ideally softwood boards or planks that are 3-4 inches thick. You may also want some outdoor paint for finishing touches after construction is complete.
Final words
Congratulations, you’ve built a deck.. If you want to get fancy about it (and most people do), there are countless ways to tweak and perfect this basic design. We encourage you to try out different things and see what works for your space. Before you get started, we just want to remind you that safety is the most important thing when it comes to DIY projects. Don’t be afraid of asking questions before getting started.
