2nd Story Deck Build | New Custom Stairs | Full Build Time Lapse

Watch how we build a 2nd story deck complete with new custom stairs in a full build time lapse! Thank you so much for taking the time watch us tear out the old rotten deck and install a new updated one with the latest materials and techniques. Look below for a list of tools we use with links! #DeckBuilding #TimeLapse #CustomStairs #ZemConstruction #DeckBuild
Stay tuned for pricing support options as well as more videos.
This is my new Patreon page, this is where I will be posting and discussing pricing, all support also goes into production for new equipment as well as offset some of the time taken to create.
/ zemconstruction
Check out Kyle with RR Buildings
/ @rrbuildings
Also check out my brothers new channel, he is just getting started give him some love! He is the one working along side me in most of my videos.
/ @northwestglassactspok...
- Tools I Use
These are the actual tools I use on the remodel projects and I stand behind them as great products.
Yes these are affiliate links, they don’t cost you any more but they do support and help out the channel by giving me a slight kickback. Thank you!
Tile Leveling System!
- affordable and work great!
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Canless Recessed Wet Location Lights
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Laser Level
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Dewalt Drills
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Dewalt recip saw
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Dewalt Framing nailer
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Dewalt Brad nailer
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Stapler
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Dewalt Flexvolt Circular saw
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Dewalt Multi Tool
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Dewalt Drywall Cut Out Tool
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Dewalt Angle Grinder
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Ridgid Tile Saw
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Ridgid Shop Vac
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Texture Hopper
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Air Compressor
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Dewalt Tool Storage Bins
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Ryobi Miter Saw
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Ridgid Miter saw stand
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Ridgid Job Site Table Saw
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Ridgid Hybrid Table Saw
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[@josemuniz2878]

Here’s the first thing you did Wrong. You didn’t do it at my house Lol. Outstanding work bro. And Go WSU!

[@x-maris_stela-x1292]

I can build you one 😊

[@eriverajr89]

Not only did you do a great job you more then likely saved that home owners family from serious injury.

[@quill1260]

And potential lawsuits.

[@thenextgreat8652]

Truth. Reason I’m even here is that our deck was similar and collapsed during our siding project 5 months ago with the crew on it. Very fortunately outside of a small cut, nobody was seriously injured. Beam just snapped. Project for new deck which will be a larger version of this deck starting today so wanted to see what my contractor buddy will actually be doing :)

[@radchander]

Amazing, how two people understanding each other, and working in harmony can create a masterpiece...very inspiring...

[@SpecialK2644]

It's a masterpiece! That's all anyone can say. Thank God it didn't collapse before you could build this new one! Thanks so much for sharing the details.

[@maintenancebynathan2150]

Very nice again!. Love the fact that you build to code and don't take short cuts. Half of my work is fixing other guy's nightmares.

[@shawncannata]

Loving all the builds, but the editing and aerial shots make them look even more amazing. Great job! Got a new house and will definitely call for some contractor work.

[@easyclean21]

Had to watch this again son!!

[@colleenscottcarmello5103]

HEY ZACK.. A CLIENT OF MINE INSTALLED CORRUGATED FIBERGLASS PANELS UNDER THE WHOLE DECK and added a GUTTER at the far end with a beautiful rain chain that went into a bottomless bucket in the flowerbed .. That kept the lower level patio underneath clean and able to still be used even it if was raining, as it made a 'roof' for the lower level. Another plus is his wife didn't like the idea of her being on the top patio in a skirt or dress and other people being underneath on the downstairs patio. (ha had to share that part, it's important! lol). They liked it also because they could hose the top if needed and it would run off into the gutter and not onto the bottom patio.. Was brilliant and looked brilliant. :) wanted to share as you do some really great work. Love your videos.. :)

[@rogerdodger7833]

As other have mentioned, you can’t attach a deck ledger to a cantilever. You needed to pull the rim joist off and sister the floor joists 6’ back. Then add Simpson LS90’s to both sides of joists. At this point you need to go back and put two posts and beam under the deck ledger this making it a free standing deck. I’m not try to bust your balls, just making you aware. That deck could very much fail at the ledger connection. The rim joist is only held onto the end grain of the floor joists by 3 16 penny nails and has no sheer strength.

[@timobrien2586]

Absolutely correct. Excellent comment.

[@BarryHull]

Ok, I'm not a deck builder just DIY, although I do have an engineering degree for whatever that is worth, but it seems the deck does not have strength connecting it to the house, allowing it to pull away, is that your point, because this looks a bit dangerous. Am I missing something? Thanks.

[@driveman6490]

@@BarryHull it's a combination of lateral forces pulling the rim joist of the house (which the deck is ledgered to), and sheer (downward) force from the weight of the structure and its occupants. On a cantilevered "bump out", there is nothing below the rim joist such as studs, sill plates and or other vertical bracing. So attaching the deck ledger board directly to the house floor rim joist isn't sufficient enough to carry a dead, let alone a live load. The original person who commented on this listed the only two viable options that would make this deck code compliant. Hope that helps.

[@ZanDeeMan]

Could you send me an example of this? Photo or video? I can't find anything and I'd love to see someone do this. If you can't find anything to send no worries. Thanks for all the great info.

[@StephenBoesch]

I see what you're saying here. They attached a new ledger any of the house joists or beams. Half of the deck is supported by the screws holding the deck boards to the new free-hanging ledger .

[@benjaminreinhardt259]

Exceptional build quality. I like it. Surprised he didn't want to install a under deck drainage system to make that lower patio sheltered from rain.

[@wendywendy6270]

I really appreciate 🙏your help on teaching people about the do and don't of the building or rebuilding of a perfect 👌deck .👍❤ to a long time ⌛⏲️happens of entertainment in your own home 🏡✨😌 this's incredible 👏🙌

[@jackalandia81]

The only BIG no.,no here is...a back beam is definitely missing, deck can't rest on a existing overhang, in my state will fail the framing inspection. But the rest of the deck looks beautiful, very well done 👍🏾

[@mcline2175]

Which back beam ? The one against the house?

[@wayneguy6043]

@@mcline2175 footings and posts

[@StephenBoesch]

@@wayneguy6043 Still unclear: the deck was placed atop the existing slab. Now I agree that might raise eyebrows since there is a quite involved calculation of the footing dimensions especially the depth. But is that what you're talking about?

[@StephenBoesch]

Please define the "back beam" and "existing overhang" in this context.

[@KingHarry1]

I think he’s referring to the ledger board can’t be fastened to the overhang of the house in his state without an additional beam spanning the back posts. That’s my guess.

[@donkiko6708]

It looks amazing! All it needs now is a paver patio underneath or flagstone on fresh concrete!

[@jenniferjemison636]

...and some flowers😅

[@richardbedard1245]

I can really appreciate the way you do a job. It's too bad we don't have more contractors with your standard of excellence. I did like your tip on flashing the top edge of the built up beam. I'll do that on the two decks coming up soon. Thank you!

[@justforthetv]

Lol at the dog checking you guys out @ 5:57 in the deck's door

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

Awesome. I'm looking forward to the update regarding pricing.

[@chrisphillips2053]

I notice you did not install bracing from your 6 x 6 post in either direction. example a pair of bracing on post1 and post 3, There should be four bracing members on those posts. A deck at that height will have lateral movement with a load applied. Also bracing from the post to the joist. You are relying on joist hangers screws to prevent lateral movement. There is very little structural support given by the fasteners on your posts and the amount of wood structure remaining from your notching of the posts to accept the two beams. My recommendation is to add bracing to at least two of your posts. Overall looks well thought out and constructed.

[@dknigh73]

Looks really good but i would use wood preservative when you cut treated lumber, the stair stringers will rot out in 10 years in Washington without preservative.

[@lynale990]

great that you kept in mind to have Flashing over the ledger. Thumbs up for well-though planning.

[@savethnim496]

Outstanding work! thank you for the content and honestly! I'm a contractor focusing on decks and porches. Estimating is a challenge. Trying to make money, provide an excellent product and customer service.

[@bdubrealityvisions]

This deck gave me the chills🥶. Great Work!

[@briansmeback8912]

GO COUGS!! Your craftsmanship is admirable. The finished product is awesome!

[@jenniferjemison636]

Well done. I like that you went the extra mile for safety. Thanks. Keep it up.

[@patricka.crawley6572]

One of the very best construction videos that I've seen.

[@stenman9106]

No bracing for the posts to make them able to resist horizontal movement. Also attaching a ledge for a second story deck in the manner shown is a high risk approach as any leakage will go into the wall of the house and this is a very expensive repair to make later.

[@Donyeil1]

Amazing amazing 👏 ❤ 😍 ballpark around how much do someone like this cost ??

[@StephenBoesch]

6x6's are actually not over engineered for decks at 8 feet or higher like this one: they are the (minimum) code (I'm also in WA state). That is relatively new. I liked the idea of laying out and installing the hangars on the ledger board (while it is simple to so on the ground) before attaching the whole shebang on the house joists. tbh the 48" posts seem overly intrusive: maybe 42" which is actually commercial specs if you wanted to exceed the 36" residential code.

[@FreeBladez]

I would be interested to see your county deck detail. Attaching a deck to an overhang/cantilevered like that house is a no go around here.

[@FreeBladez]

Also IRC says the maximum size opening on a guard rail shall not exceed 4”. Your bottom portion of railing looks bigger then 4”

[@zaza6151]

Luis Most deck details come from the International residential code (IRC) and and long story short you cant attach a deck ledger to a cantilever period!!!

[@PabloGonzalez-ii4no]

Deck attached on overhang is a no no for code

[@SkysMomma]

Great video! Very informative. Good info in video notes. As I am a total beginner, it would be nice to add quick links or resources that go more in-depth on some of the individual tasks - for people who have never built anything before.

[@perjrgensen8280]

Respect.. Great job.. Greetings from Denmark, Northern Europe, the old Viking country.

[@wendywendy6270]

Insane deck 😳 very well 👏done ✔👏👌

[@B.r.i.a.n.1]

I always place the PVC post sleeves on as soon as my railing posts are on to hopefully help slow down the sun drying out and twisting the pt posts. Not sure if it helps but it cant hurt.

[@Redfiregtag]

A quick tip on stairs I have found, like you notched out the bottom of the lower stringers and inserted a 2x4 to tie all the stringers together. Well do that at the top aswell that way the whole stair unit can be moved around as one unit. But what this does it give you a leger board that is tied into all the stringers that you can lag to your leger on the landing or deck. I essentially think of stairs like building a wall where you have a top and bottom plate notched into your stringers and your stringers are like your studs I hope that makes sense lol

[@chrisw443]

Your videos are getting better. Nice. Enjoy watching your stuff

[@pharmapirate]

Fantastic project. Ideas flowing through my head now. What a great looking deck.

[@donkiko6708]

Imagine that deck in your backyard in the evening with a cold beer 🍺 😃

[@TheMrCougarful]

Man that demo was scary AF. I hope the homeowner got to see that.

[@cloudydays1792]

Have to agree with another comment on here I have never seen where a deck was not supported by some under support on and overhang. In my personal opinion I don't think the overhang has enough support to hold the load of a deck on it especially in area.that gets snow which could add more weight. Also think some braces on the end where you have 6x6 should have braces so you take some of the twist factor out of it. Again these are my opinions.

[@StephenBoesch]

Cantilever/overhang is allowed by code up to 24 inches in King County, WA . There are some details involved but that's the big picture.

[@mariabustillos9220]

You do excellent work! Loved the way you edited the video also 👏👍😊

[@BigmoRivera]

Great Job👍📐🔨 Always Secure The Door For Safety

[@frankowusu9161]

Zack like the energy and the team work. it looks good. But i was wondering if the local building code allow ledger attachment to the house overhang. My local building code prohibits this type ledger attachment. However, i do not no your local code. Good job. There will a problem with this ledger attachment.

[@aleczachreson]

I'm looking at building a deck similar to this in my back yard, thank you!

[@danconlan8735]

Nice job Zack, I was wondering how all the structural wood was going to come out with all those “dash” marks in it, I’m guessing that is what the pressure treated looks like. The final product looks great! That original deck was just plain crap! Keep up the great work and I’m glad to see how fast your channel is growing. Thanks, DC

[@neonpcmsplus]

From following DrDecks on Instagram, another WA state deck builder... I learned pretty quickly that in the Pacific north west they used incised lumber, those holes are where the pressure treatment is soaked into the wood... usually Hemlock for them it seems rather than the Southern Yellow Pine we use back here out east.

[@patriciabockenstette6550]

I saw the Trex used on another patio video. So glad you used it too as it turned out very solid and beautiful. Solid, safe and crisp looking. Thanks for sharing.

[@JC0620]

seriously great work

[@michaelgreen7085]

We are using trex on our deck rebuild too and saw in the Trex guide how to route a groove into the square edge boards to still take advantage of the hidden fastener and reduce the number of surface screws on the stair treads. Also I saw they only recommend a max overhang of 1/2” (I think) on the stair treads.

[@mikesmithh]

Outstanding job. Looks great..👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@ZEMConstruction]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@quadstardesign]

There's nothing I love more than an over engineered project!

[@solareclipsetimer]

I enjoyed watching your video and the framing looked great. (17:11) Note: The Trex 2020 Decking Installation Guide states that the max overhang of the stair tread is NOT to exceed 3/4" (over the edge of the fascia board). See page 24 of the Installation Guide.

[@kevinbutler644]

I'm pretty sure he face nailed (screwed) the treads

[@bigj6895]

You may want to invest in a Builders level to speed up your post and ledger install. 👍Also, your building codes don't require an extra support on that bump out? I am a deck builder and am just curious. 🤔

[@JS-ri2rx]

Love the speeded up video with clear narration. The deck looked amazing. As a total amateur its very interesting to watch. Perhaps over 2 videos you van also include the prep side with measuring from the ledger out. Type of fixings bolts and screws, water proofing. But excellent work. Keep going

[@Etdubs]

When that deck came down I was glad to see nothing went through the lower slider and glass window! I would have put a piece of plywood there to protect them

[@cjmst3k]

This is the BEST deck building video ever. I’m curious what you would have changed if they only waited two posts. Different size posts?

[@MyT5_]

Absolutely love this deck. Well done!

[@rickchaffey9521]

Well done and professional. I am also a fan of overbuilding. Don’t like call backs.

[@cujobo]

What a sharp looking end result. As someone who is about to tackle a deck project, I'm envious!!

[@neonpcmsplus]

Looks very nice... two questions after building my own deck. 1) I have to imagine there is some degree of lateral movement possible near the beam on that deck since there is no knee bracing, no? I have 3 6x6 posts set in those same Simpson cast-in-place brackets and before knee bracing you could get a decent amount of side to side movement while on the deck without too much effort. 2) Is the ledger board just screwed/lag bolted into the floating rim joist on the house? My house has a 2' cantilever just like this one so for peace of mind I have a flush beam atop 3 6x6 posts near the house supporting the joists. Unless I was confident I was going to be able to lag the ledger directly into the floor joists on the house I decided this was the best method since that rim joist on the house is just nailed into the end grain of the floor joists and supported by nothing. Was this ledger board bolted into the floor joists or just through the rim joist? If just the rim, do you have any concerns about this? I don't mean to sound critical... I'm not an expert, I just made sure I did a lot of research regarding acceptable code compliant practices for my area and like you then overbuilt where possible...

[@neonpcmsplus]

@Adirondack Homestead That is exactly how I built mine. A flush beam (triple 2x12) near the house that is supported by 3 6x6 posts. If I remember correctly the 2 lateral support requirement wasn't added until IRC 2015 which hasn't been adopted yet in my jurisdiction so I wasn't required to do it. For piece of mind I did so anyway. I ran all thread through the two outside posts and through the foundation wall into the basement of the house. I also ran a long FastenMaster structural screw through every other joist bay and into the rim joist of the house. This along with the knee bracing at the far end of the deck an I had zero deflection. We actually just sold that house this past spring and the buyer's home inspector asked me if I built the deck myself. When I told him I did he was floored. He told me it was probably the best constructed deck he had seen in his career. I may not do this day in and day out but I made sure to do my homework to ensure the safest, strongest, best possible build in the end and I certainly achieved that as far as I'm concerned

[@bobolson7610]

Great video. Good coverage of the ledger board and stairs install. Thanks!

[@almaturcios9362]

No words, its just amazing!!..

[@timobrien2586]

In my city this 2nd floor deck has to be built free-standing. It can't be attached to the 2nd floor overhang like you have it (and like the original deck was).

[@StephenBoesch]

What does that mean "free standing"? Do you need posts on -and thus no ledger board/attachment to the house??

[@xtra7errestre]

That looks great !! I been trying to get mine done but I just want the labor because I can the material from lowes for a good price but so far all the companies I talk to they Don’t do just labor

[@johnbalasco8869]

Looks great but the stair over hang is going to come back and bite you , outside of that fantastic !!!

[@Flyingdogturd]

Wow an impressive build guys. Looks amazing 👍👍

[@braulimedina8342]

How much cost it I’m in NJ I’m looking for someone to do it for me.

[@timjones2695]

Good video overall A+. Like the details given in narration + plenty of angles to see. Great job covering the important points while still moving quickly.

[@chrishunter9256]

Absolutely stunning.... very impressive.... !

[@brucelee248]

Amazing job🎉 Thank you for your high quality video.

[@rashida60cb]

I just watched your video on this deck and it looks awesome. I have a couple questions. 1. For the lower landing you bolted the plates to the existing cement. Are you worried about that cracking over time? 2. Why not wrap in pvc the beam/ posts for a finished look? 3. Underneath the joist for a finish look either use dry space or batter board. I would like your thoughts. I'm glad that I found you.

[@GoldsConcrete]

Great work, love watching these !

[@jamesorr5334]

Beautiful deck. Beautiful job. Love safety and quality always determined materials and fasteners, NOT the chapest. Did customer consider waterproofing deck and gutters to create usable space or storage under deck?

[@kdent865]

Absolute fabulous job. You also made a great video, very understandable, volume was good, and easy to follow info. Thanks. Kelly from Ontario, Can

[@sandracarstairs7232]

You Guys Do AMAZING Work I was just looking around for deck ideas and came across Your Video Very Good 👏🏻

[@ajs96350]

If I may make a suggestion for future deck projects: Have you considered scaffolding? The 12"x20' aluminum walk board is indispensable and would save a significant amount of ladder climbing. The expandable scaffolding is quite handy too.

[@shebopsentertainment4643]

Hello this was very informative! I just bought my first home. And the top deck patio is similar to the one you just built in this video. However, it's not functional because the floor of it is attached to an extended room beneath. The previous owners didn't take the time to build it correctly, so I'm unable to use it. My question is would it be a good idea to just rip the floor off put down the supports and build it correctly or perhaps just build right over it a brand new deck?

[@happytoberu]

What was the cost on this one? Both what he paid and what it cost for the materials! Would love to know!!

[@sheldonpaul6521]

Hey good job. Could have used water bladder underneath for dual use on rainy days

[@b.alexander8558]

you are amazing--i want to quit nursing after watching you. i love the time lapse process.

[@robertpeters2741]

B. Alexander Aren't you a little old to be "nursing"??

[@b.alexander8558]

​@@robertpeters2741 there no age when you have ENERGY I still do HOME HEALTH and I have been retired 5 years. I can only hope you have energy to keep living.

[@earthling5337]

Nice job guys. Very professional looking. Go Dawgs! Sorry, had to do it!

[@Hugh_Jaynis]

Curious how much this project cost. I pretty much need the exact same thing done, same size and everything.

[@yezzyr.1499]

shyt the quote i got from a professional was $31,000 for a wood deck. GOOD LUCK WITH FINDING A DECENT RATE UNLESS IT'S NOT PROFESSIONALLY DONE.

[@feiyanyu4937]

@@yezzyr.1499 30k for a similar deck in the video?

[@feiyanyu4937]

@@yezzyr.1499 crazy expensive

[@user-zz8xn1fm5p]

Woooo you are perfectly hard worker 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰love it

[@FueledByRyan0]

CLEAN AF!!!!

[@raulchavez5432]

It came out freaking awesome 😳..I need mine redone too

[@abewilcox4560]

You can by the stair stringer trim boards in 16". you wouldn't need that extra piece to cover the frame.

[@richardb7093]

Needed to see the strategy for doing the decking when its elevated.

[@MrHandsomeferny]

Once again craftsmanship! You guys are awesome!

[@gregorycase5091]

Well built, I like your style! Make sure you treat all those cuts to the treated lumber, over on the west side of the mountains I know its code for us.

[@AaronPlay]

Yeah, definitely look up codes. Beautifully built deck, but this wouldn’t have passed code where I live. The top of those caissons would need to be 8” above surface grade.

[@StephenBoesch]

Why 8" - where are you located ? I've seen no more than four inches (King County, WA)

[@rlucas12348]

It looks amazing! Great job! You are a highly skilled Carpenter! I’m qualified to say this sense I have been in this business for 40 years. 👍🏻

[@larryyang6140]

Great jobs pal it is beautiful but if you can show more detail for DIY people it could be better, thank you for share it

[@onearmy942]

Wow, excellent job, deck looks great!!! Get information and details, thanks a ton!

[@radchander]

I was hoping to see how you installed the boards...what is your preferred method/ tool to take out the bow, and get uniform gap between boards.

[@paulmarsden662]

Great video and quality work. Loved it! More please.

[@driveman6490]

3:05- and with one mighty blow......the illfated deck was no more.

[@TimberTaipei]

Loved it. Thanks for posting

[@johnkonstantine9115]

Excellent work.

[@johnbrennan4770]

This is an awesome build. I need my deck to be really low to the ground...has anyone heard of tuffblocks? They look like they'd do the trick..

[@MrDavey57]

WOW! Just amazing work. Wish you were in OR. Lol. Great work

[@OSCARANDRES039]

Nice video, thank you!! Link to the vynil facia please!🙏🙏

[@cptechno]

The old deck was DANGEROUS! Somone could have gotten seriously hurt on that.

[@aaronsamples1471]

Awesome looking deck guys

[@marioalejandro9563]

That was Awesome I Learned a lot