How to Build a Deck | Footings, Posts & Framing

[@noonedidthistome]

growing up building houses, we always set the string off the end posts with a single 2x4 - 1.5" - then we use another 2x4 to gauge alignment of intermediate posts - much easier than pulling out a tape & measuring 18". we did the same when straightening/bracing walls

[@joemanco5864]

post wrap and joist tape are really smart! lil extra effort will add MANY extra years (as u said) probably will outlive the builder!!!

[@dennishinkle5010]

I know a guy who put his floor joists running diagonal and it is solid as a rock. You did a tremendous job. I need to put a new back porch deck on this summer and will refer to this while doing it. Thank you for sharing.👍

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks!

[@Self_Evident]

That tape measure is awesome! I"ve never seen one before, but now that I have, I can't believe ALL tape measures aren't marked top AND BOTTOM! Of course, after I get one, it'll probably just end up being one more tool I won't be able to find when I need it... :)

[@Stormsniper01]

Yankee black widow.. made by lufkin…

[@samTollefson]

Nice quality build, April! As an "old timer" carpenter/builder, There are 2 things I could ad for cost savings. One would be to paint 2 coats of fibered roof paint on the post ends. This will triple the life of the posts, especially here in wet Florida. Another would be to staple 2" strips of tar paper to the tops of the joists. I cut 3' lengths and attach them as the decking progresses so it is easy to reach out. I am amazed at how few builders do this, I think they just don't know about it or care about 10, 20 years down the road. I have torn off face split, rotted, and neglected deck boards to find near new joists protected this way, huge money saver.

[@kiwigrunt330]

Does your tar paper not rot?

[@samTollefson]

@@kiwigrunt330 No, I've used 60# or 90# and never had an issue with it.

[@ericmeissner8413]

This is the difference between an amateur and a professional.

[@samTollefson]

@@ericmeissner8413 I like April; she is very innovative and needs these sponsors to make her business work. I want to offer these alternatives for regular folks with skinnier wallets so they can still produce a fine product.

[@bobvilla2508]

That tip about the string line is top notch. Never would have thought of that even though I knew about the problem

[@pepperjack26]

This is fantastic. Looks like you knocked out about half the work in the first video. Looking forward to the rest of the series! Finished project looks amazing (as always). Seeing how projects are completed in steps is so helpful. You build confidence in those who want to take on a project! Thank you!

[@henrysboy2]

What a project! Really ambitious. Also love the efforts around the video editing and quality. The hard work on both show and the results are awesome. TY.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@iRjarlok]

shortest and longest 16 minutes of my life. You went all in on the specialized tools and best lumber. It'll stand forever and look great

[@clutteredchicagogarage2720]

I built a 2-story play structure for my kids last summer that has an elevated deck. I considered using something like joist tape, but I ended up not doing it. However, I used Seal-Once penetrating waterproofing sealer on my joists and also my beams. I used a mix of non-PT yellow pine (for beams) and Douglas Fir for joists. I think the Seal-Once works really well, and I'd recommend it. I do think that joist tape might be more robust to prevent moisture from sitting on top of horizontal wood. However, in my application, I put a roof over my structure. I used clear, corrugated polycarbonate roofing. A little bit of condensation and wind-driven rain might get onto some horizontal members, but the roof over everything keeps out > 95% of the water, and I think this massively extends the lifetime. So I went with penetrating liquid waterproofing wood sealer rather than joist tape because I think joist tape looks kind of ugly when you can see it from below. If you have a rim joist (or is that a band joist?) and you cannot really see the sides of your joists then I think joist tape is a good idea.

[@cabman86]

I'm never disappointed when I watch your work.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Aw thanks! I'm glad you enjoy my channel.

[@jameshalliday412]

Nice job. I think i would tape the tops of the joists before installation. That’s what i did for my kid’s treehouse. Saved a lot of time and was a lot easier. Keep up the great work!

[@jeffshackleford3152]

That is how I have done it in the past, the only thing is it is annoying to get blocking in there if you need it.

[@nursetamee]

I'm a novice and your helpful hints will help me accomplish many projects in the future. My father never knew this stuff, so I've had to learn as I attempt to fix up my cabin. Thank you for sharing. ✌️❤️🔨🪚

[@AprilWilkerson]

Awesome! 10 years ago I picked up my first tool! If I can do it, anyone can. As my experience and confidence increased I could then do more complex projects. Learn from your mistakes. Now, I feel I can tackle whatever I want. Enjoy the build and thanks for watching.

[@holmesgirlclassics6664]

That deck is just Gorgeous!!!! I am finishing mine up and I have really been working hard on my job and by the time I get off work, I am tired and haven't finished it. But, this has definitely inspired me to get it done!!! Your deck makes me wish that mine was bigger! Incredible work, April!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you!

[@kodyhunter5566]

I really like how you did your deck, I like the way you notched out the 4x4s for your deck supports to sit on.

[@ensenanzadeidiomas9036]

Nice and instructive video, April. Thanks for sharing and greetings from Colombia.

[@kyanbd6826]

Hi April! My husband and you are such kindred spirits. He fell hard for you tonight with the outdoor showers and deck videos! Um. He waterproofed our under deck years ago in much the same way we saw you do so tonight (7.4.24) . And, there's way more but, that waterproofing method was crazy close! You ROCK, Woman! I can't even be jealous cuz, I enjoy your personality, carpentry skills and vibe as well. Thx, April!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! I'm glad you both enjoy my Channel. Thanks for watching.

[@juanhusingz]

Years ago when I first heard about waterproofing membranes, none of the deck builders around me knew about it or would put it in, calling it dumb. I ended up buying it on my own and applying it on in the evenings after they were done framing. I also added hurricane ties.

[@Primal341]

Wow! What beautiful, meticulous attention to detail. Such a gorgeous end result. Lots of skill tips from a born teacher, too. Teach a person to catch a fish, and you feed them for a lifetime! Thank you so much.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoy my channel and find my projects useful. Thanks for watching.

[@nuancolar7304]

Nice to see a well-engineered design using notched posts. I see so many deck builders who attach their beams onto posts using lag screws or carriage bolts. That makes for a weak, and dangerous, deck that could fail under heavy loads.

[@mebcool]

Haven't seen you for a couple of years April. I see you're prospering nicely. Awesome project. And, you still have that signature wave. Don't lose that girl. Cheers

[@johncowie3092]

Gosh who would have thought you could sit on a board and apply tape then move it AWESOME geez you have a whole team Finally a clamp shows up

[@WillysPerformanceCycleCtr]

Nice work April! Looking great! Excited to see the rest of this series. Thanks and be safe out there!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks so much!

[@jwall62]

Beautiful. I also love the fact that you literally get paid for improving your own home!

[@tsjuno]

April. You gotta quit making this look so easy. The wife wants me to do this now

[@AprilWilkerson]

Well, I show step by step. Why don't you do it together and have fun with it? Thanks for watching.

[@iamepimethus]

Sounds like she’d love to help out with this particular project!

[@backyardworker]

Dear wife. No problem, it will take a while to do, but it sure is possible. Well, of course, after I got all the needed tools... ☺

[@ToxicSpork]

The crew she has helping her makes it look easy

[@Sampson2833]

😂😅😂😅

[@troyturner6498]

im also building my own deck from scratch and thought about vlogging the result...including EVERY penny ive spent on even the smallest fastener. the ABSOLUTE most important part of building a deck DIY is having someone to help.

[@Da808Samoan]

Love the step by step and the Lingle you used to make it very easy to follow directions. 👍👍👍

[@johnarnold5739]

Iv watched you for years and years and I honestly think I just found the most impressive woman on KZbin.

[@yodaiam1000]

It is a nice looking project. I would recommend adding columns mid span of the existing exterior beam. You are doubling the load on the beam with the deck extension. It is also better (required by code in most locations) to use a concrete footing with a pedestal that extents at least 8" above grade. It is okay to bury fence posts but not columns for decks and houses. Big Foot for the footings is a good product for decks like this.

[@ymvrr]

Plus that existing outer beam that the new joists are resting on is attached to side of existing post. That beam lacks underneath support from post, an important feature you used on the new posts.

[@robertstevens1537]

We used to use 6 inch wide strips of roof felt to create a drip edge on the top of joists, etc. worked very well.

[@pizzasaurolophus]

Fantastic deck. Here in Atlantic Canada we're told not to bury posts at all, and also not to tape joists unless the decking boards are composite, as water will pool and rot the decking boards faster.

[@saywhat8966]

Had same concern about the tape as well. This looks to be in a dry California location?

[@da324]

I usually use a cut piece of wood for my spacers between my joists when I have several of them. Very nice project...

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@johnjmariettijr5671]

Damn girl, you're full of knowledge! I love the idea of sloping the concrete footings and also the extendable speed square!

[@BearCreekWoodworking]

I enjoy all your videos April. However, I especially enjoy your MASSIVE projects! I like that you show the details of the build. Along with explaining the tools that you use. 😃👏

[@AsifKhan-lb7Scarface]

Always admire your work. There's nothing you can't make it April. 🥰🥰

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you so much!

[@louroberts5567]

Good morning, April! Wow, what an undertaking! It looks pretty awesome so far and I can't wait to see the finished product! Thanks for sharing. Have a great week. God bless.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@Baumeister40]

I always enjoy your videos, April. You do make me nervous though when you toenail the opposite side of the joist into the beam, while pointing the gun toward yourself.

[@77bronc14]

I remember when she was building 1" x 12" pine shelves in her garage...you have come a very ling way, keep up the good work

[@AprilWilkerson]

Yes, it has been quite the journey to be sure! Thanks for staying along for the ride.

[@jonathanflynn618]

Thanks April, I just built the 1/2 picnic tables and they are fantastic!!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Awesome! Glad you like them. Thanks for watching.

[@richardhuber3904]

I saw the cleet under the joists, good job, that's a big job for two people especially so high

[@AprilWilkerson]

It certainly was a big project but so satisfying when finished. Thanks for watching.

[@jackieraulerson2005]

Love the string line tip!! Every girl who loves to build needs a Jacob. Mine is Keith!

[@c.a.g.1977]

And to think she started out with doing some projects in her basement! April, you've come a long way! Great project, as always!

[@adammortensen8861]

Hey April, It's good to see that even you use Harbor Freight tools! I have the same Pittsburg 6 ft level.

[@chipmiller9074]

April my hat is off to you you've got to be one of the most impressive and multi-skilled person I have watched on KZbin! Allso you're a good-looking woman which is even more impressive I hope you don't find this offensive I just admire your work ethic and how you approach things. Truly inspiring, you are a hell of a go-getter I wonder what inspired you to work with woodworking was somebody in your family a woodworker?

[@carole7538]

Do I plan on ever building my own deck? No Did I watch this entire video in awe? Absolutely

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! Yes, I have many Viewers who aren't Makers or Builders but enjoy my channel for the entertainment factor. They like to see what I'm up to now. :) Thanks for watching.

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

APRIL,SOMETIMES IT’S GREAT WHEN A PROJECT GETS OUT OF HAND 😁👍💚💚💚

[@HandymanMAC]

In my part of nh we need a sono tube or Bigfoot 4 feet down and then attach the post with a post base above ground

[@itsmechrispy6083]

Are women just better at everything School, building and the way she explains it is just so clear work makes sense

[@AprilWilkerson]

Aw thanks! I'm glad you find my videos useful. Thanks for watching.

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Looking good April, that's a fine looking deck you all are building. Keep up the great videos and thanks for sharing with us. Fred.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks so much!

[@josegmartinezjr8416]

Dang !!! that's a big project. Wife likes the idea. Perhaps, I can get my financial advisor(wife) to let me buy a new table saw as part of job expenses. You always good instructions on how to. I think every part of Texas is different, so it's always good to mention soil conditions, that always explains some of the why we do things, the way we do. My part of Texas is hard clay. I am close to SPI .

[@christubbs14]

String line tip is gold

[@dannyln]

Whoa! Production quality is so high on this video, loving it!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you!

[@scottmills4164]

Im not sure where you live, but pretty funny watching yii guus set those posts. I live in Canada. Stardard for us is 4' concrete in the ground and post on top. Thats our frost line. Neat to see different stuff.

[@donfrank4429]

just finished building the wood deck around my BBQ shed. I would use mark down lumber from, home depot and my local lumber yard. I am old school used old oil from the tractor shop coat the post. I bought the harbor freight 3 yard mixer, works great

[@GumbootZone]

One very important thing you did correctly that should be mentioned, is add a 2x6 to the face of the beam to support the underside of the notched 2x10's. The added piece's are shown in the view at 13:05. When you first slid them in beside the old 2x8's with the underside notched out, I was horrified, because that notch actually makes the 2x10 even WEAKER than the 2x8, unless the bottom is fully supported. I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw that was done at 13:05 and give you a thumbs up for completing a not-so-obvious but very critical engineering detail.

[@MichaelOnines]

The code governing wood design allows an end-bearing notch of up to 1/4 the depth of the joist without reduction in the bending strength for the member. You do have to reduce the shear capacity, but long joists like this are almost always controlled by the bending stress and not by the shear at the ends.

[@jamesbeecher4431]

that was my thought as I saw her sliding the 8 ends of the 2x10s in alongside the 2x8s. I see she did put a supporting board along the bottom of the 2x10s but it looks like a 2x4 and would prefer the 2x6 or even 8

[@fdort3971]

@AprilWilkerson thanks for the lesson. I love how confident you are...I hope you teach young girls in the trade. We need more like you as a mentor. I had to laugh at the end...you looked like you were being stalked by your drone camera...lol.

[@markmanning5683]

I thought that was a Hawk or some other large bird off your left shoulder at the end, nope just a drone. Project looks almost as good as you do. And that's pretty good.

[@upnorthvids]

Thats a badass framing nailer. Senco makes great tools!

[@HabitualButtonPusher]

For posts and joists you would never see why not just char them for anti rot and bug infiltration? Nordic countries and Asia have been doing it for thousands of years with many structures still standing. Save a lot of time versus tape and sleeves especially as you already have the propane burner. Maybe try it on a smaller future project?

[@shawnbrennan7526]

I’m not sure, but I wouldn’t start burning any wood that had been chemically dipped.

[@MitchHeil]

perfect timing, I'm going to be building a deck on my house this year!

[@AprilWilkerson]

That's awesome! Enjoy the build. Thanks for watching.

[@805socal]

You know you’re a pro when not afraid of cutting pressure treated lumber with no mask!!

[@jamesoncross7494]

You don't need tape. You need to have spacing so that the joists and decking have air to stay DRY. That is the key.

[@nonprogrediestregredi1711]

That might only apply if you are in a climate where there is never snow and/or ice that would sit on the joists at the gap. Ergo, the tape is a good idea.

[@jamesoncross7494]

@@nonprogrediestregredi1711I've been building decks in the NorthEast for a long time and never once have I used tape. I haven't seen one deck fail yet. Pressure-treated wood is meant to get wet, not stay wet.

[@nonprogrediestregredi1711]

@jamesoncross7494 And I've been building decks for over thirty years in the upper Midwest, and I've never seen a deck fail either. But hey, that's irrelevant since I NEVER asserted that one did. Get it? You advocated for keeping the joists and decking DRY, to which I accurately stated that snow and/or ice can certainly sit in the gaps on the joists. In climates such as that, keeping that space dry is highly improbable in the winter months, which is contrary to your dryness hypothesis. I didn't say that the tape is a necessity, but that it is a good idea.

[@garycarpenter8343]

Great job as usual! Like all the details that you point out, materials, tools and techniques. Can’t wait for the next show.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you very much! I'm glad you find my videos useful. Thanks for watching.

[@olga159]

I want whatever coffee April is drinking 💪

[@cristianstriblea792]

Wonderful video and very educational . Helpful for me since I need to change my deck . Thanks 🙏

[@AprilWilkerson]

Awesome! Glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching.

[@dankcoyote]

Cool looking deck. Quick framing tip. Instead of using a tape measure to measure away from a string line, instead use a carpenters pencil and sandwich it between the line and post at the beginning and end of the string line to bump the line out the width of the pencil. (I'm not saying 1/2" because I've found they now deviate from the old time standard) Then as you set posts you just make sure each post is exactly the width of a pencil from the line. Helps keep your hands free to make the micro adjustments to the post, use a level etc and quick check with the pencil rather than trying to wield a tape measure in that situation.

[@Delphisteve]

Joist spacing depends on the material your using.. We use Azek and we put them 14" on center. Also, the first time someone falls off your deck and breaks their neck because it had no rail, your golf days will be over. The 6x6 posts need to have a solid concrete base to sit on instead of gravel.

[@lorenmeyer5290]

WOW very very nice deck April! Can't wait to see the next one!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks so much! Stay tuned.

[@IEnjoyCreatingVideos]

Nice job on building the deck April! Thank you for sharing the video with us!😎💖👍JP

[@AprilWilkerson]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!

[@IEnjoyCreatingVideos]

@@AprilWilkerson Your very welcome April! Have a wonderful Sunday😎

[@patrickradcliffe3837]

12:08 one tip for you. Instead of stopping and measuring the distance between each joist, place the rim joist square up, then mark on center 16" in this case on the rim joist. Then just line up the mark and nail the joist home.

[@jeffshackleford3152]

I am not really understanding how this works.

[@Hollingsworth7171]

I have followed this on your instagram and can't wait to see the rest of the series! Awesome content!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@arhodes2866]

Wish I knew about joist tape when they built my deck. Thanks for the video

[@saywhat8966]

It’s not advisable for all regions.

[@RoadTripTravel]

I just love your DIY videos, I always learn something.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoy them and find them useful.

[@richardhuber3904]

You should install a cleet under the 2x10 notch, and good practice is to cut square ends on the joists.

[@lovejones7545]

You guys rocked this deck out real proper like! I watched this build from beginning to now and it was very awesome to see it come together. Well done🤙🏾💯

[@AprilWilkerson]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lovejones7545]

@@AprilWilkerson I enjoy all of your videos April, You're awesome!!

[@driveman6490]

Ive got to the point were I no longer want to (or have to) go back and step over, climb between, or duck under my joists. I simply set my outer 2 joists, confirm the structure will be square, then mark and remove the nearest joist where my material is staged. I then hang, cut and add mid-span blocking (which you apparently dont feel necessary), hurricane tie and add joist tape (if your so inclined). Ive found this to be the most efficient and where I'm at in the NW (rain, mud, snow, etc.) Im not exerting extra energy by having to go back and for multiple times. Also, on cantilevered decks, i find it best to leave the joist ends uncut until I've decked out to the last board or two. Then measure (compensating for the width of the rim joist, fascia and overhang). This way i can start at the house and never have to rip a deck board.

[@miketayse]

I love your videos and I just did my own cabinet doors, with pocket screws. Thanks for the encouragement. I spray the posts I set in the ground with automotive rust-proofing. I have no tests proving this is a good idea, I'll let you know in 20 years or so. The self stick looks good too, might try that next time. I've used joist tape since I read about it in Fine Homebuilding, a few years ago, seems like a nice idea and cheap insurance. I figure none of the joists I set in place, ove the years, have really seen any water at all.

[@BeasoreBilly]

Awesome job as usual April. A little tip that makes putting the joist tape on when working on an elevated deck, is to apply the tape to the joists before putting them in place. Big time saver and much safer.

[@mikekellam365]

Where you notched your new joist at the "old" carrying beam, I always like to put a 2x4 ledger under the new lumber, nailed to the old beam. This way as the new lumber dries, if it starts to split at the notch, the 2x4 will carry the entire height of the board, and will usually prevent the joist from splitting down it's entire length.

[@michaelzimmerman635]

Love the cattle watering trough pool!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Yes, I love the look! Thanks for watching.

[@texaswildcat2000]

That drop beam is how I have built 2 porches, first one 30+ yrs ago and the other 23yrs ago .. both still standing today....

[@AprilWilkerson]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing and for watching.

[@TheSpatulaCity]

Good tips. I never heard of joist tape before. Thanks.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Great! Glad you found it useful. Thanks for watching.

[@thefrub]

Doubled up 2x12 for a deck, should be able to drive a car on that! Very sturdy work

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! Yep, I love how sturdy if feels when you are walking across. Thanks for watching.

[@tmpsg]

Tar the bottom of your posts in addition to the sleeves. Even though the posts are not living like the trees they came from, they still have capillary channels and water can travel up them.

[@genewaddlerandomstuff2122]

As she said in the video, there is tar on the inside of the sleeves.

[@tmpsg]

@@genewaddlerandomstuff2122, inside the sleeve yes, but the sleeve is not on the bottom of the post. Capillaries are on the bottom not the sides.

[@StuartLowPhotography]

​@@tmpsg if you seal the ends then moisture can't drain away and this can lead to frost heave which can crack the footings. In this build, it is more likely than not because she's made the footings way too shallow. For a build this size, and post width, they should be at least 24 inches deep.

[@spareamintz8708]

Wow snazzy new intro & finish 👍. You all have my dream job!!!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks so much!!

[@ademkollari8992]

Jacob, fingers away from that front circular, bruh, you freaking me out!

[@mashoutman]

Wow. Just discovered this channel. Very impressive.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! Glad you enjoy it!

[@genewaddlerandomstuff2122]

You seem to have a new production style. I like it.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks!

[@roomwithaview4195]

Everything you build is great, thank you

[@AprilWilkerson]

Glad you like them!

[@_Merica_USA]

Another great video Ms April 👍

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you so much 😀

[@customsolutions7167]

Have a wheel barrow there so when you toss those cut offs they go into the wheel barrow Instead of having to pick up off the ground later...

[@moose1164]

Deck even come with a white fluffy golf ball retrieval system as well! Where can I buy one?😂.

[@earldesign991]

I always enjoy your projects. I wish I could get you to come up to KC to help me build my deck and cedar pergola.

[@AprilWilkerson]

I show you how to do it. :) I have a 5 page list of projects still to do of my own. Thanks for watching.

[@ryburnsjr]

Well done my friends !!😀😀😀😀😀

[@tekkamanraiden6065]

April, you're awesome!

[@BLiNKx86]

Hah! I never thought I'd see a Sawzall used for joinery!

[@c50ge]

That deck would be my perfect putting green. (The pool would make a really nice big hole so I wouldn’t miss)

[@AprilWilkerson]

Yes, absolutely! :) Thanks for watching.

[@nordiccitizen]

That looks really simple, and yet I doubt I would be able to do it my self ^^

[@AprilWilkerson]

You definitely need more than one person because of the physical lifting and even holding in place while the other secures it. Thanks for watching.

[@VideoNOLA]

Imma need to see some chem treatment on those PT cut ends, or gotta say "opportunity missed" for prolonging the life of this deck build. Nicely done overall, gang!

[@13jaminjames]

Nice job. Never saw using the tape on joists. I'll go back and register fit item