How To Renovate Your Homes Exterior Part 6: Framing the Front Deck

During this episode of how to renovate your homes exterior, I had to tackle framing the front deck. In order to go any further with the LP Smartside I need the framing on the front deck to be installed so I could flash it properly. This is the part of the project I definitely never planned on tackling, but in the end, I am glad I did.
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[@RRBuildings]

About to wrap up this project, but had to tackle this porch framing first to continue....anyone else go the simplistic route sometimes when framing...like just laying it out and figuring it out as you go? Math never lies, but this was a just a simple one to run with

[@billmiller7138]

I think the newest code calls for flashing between the ledger and the house framing? At least where I am.

[@hammertime7349]

Bill Miller that’s how it is bye us. The theory is if moisture gets behind the ledger board (the treated board on the house) it could rot out. But the way he does things it’s pretty much bullet proof.

[@billmiller7138]

Hammer Time I do both, so it passes code and doesn’t rot. I like the flashing over the top, don’t like to fail inspection.

[@hammertime7349]

Bill Miller it is the best way to do it. I like ice and water behind the ledger then metal flashing on top of the ledger but everyone does it differently.

[@Bigjmoney83]

Why did you not double up your outside band? Does code in your area not call for a double band?

[@blainehartzke4852]

I run a Menards store in Indiana and I am always referring people to your page to watch your instructional videos! Very informative stuff you got here. Thank you for sharing.

[@vuonglexuan3960]

It is a very good book for beginners as well as for those that are already into kzbin.infoUgkxTNB_zFBSnTo_O1PqfVUwgi7ityw0JlKt A very good basic ebook to keep as a reference too. I like it and the way the subject matter is presented. It has humor and that helps with the reading.

[@spankiedoodlesteve2086]

I can’t say that anything about this was terribly quick or efficient but I got wicked respect for how carefully and properly you went about building this. Very well done

[@MsValerieDev]

I love how you go above and beyond to do a project well.

[@safemasteryoh2717]

I love your work- it’s clean and precise all the time. I wish I was trained by someone like you.

[@ramonochoa9855]

You sliding that level across that smooth was the best thing I've ever seen

[@tombryan1]

He grew the trees from which the lumber came. He held them straight up for 139 years.

[@davidlittle611]

I would take this guys recommendation on power tools all day. I used that bandsaw commercially for several years mobile welding, it can take the place of a cutting torch in the field very often.

[@mikesauve9381]

I love this series. I think it's watching you problem solve and work out things in your head that i relate to the most, you're not like a robot expert builder. great work!!

[@I_Am_Michael]

the best videos. little to no talking to the camera. only talking while working and to each other. this is a good video because of that.

[@Likadees]

All the different tool sounds and explanations is the perfect musical just like your good work! Keep it coming..

[@rezzgoatrising1829]

My first deck build wasn’t good but still holding together lol. My 2nd build was better, 3rd awesome. Just keep building everyone 🤘

[@michaelcarroll991]

Also we always double our band where I'm from. Gives more for the decking to grab ahold

[@ARTTLife]

We gotta rebuild our rental porch, and this gives me a good idea how to revamp it

[@Fetecheney]

I love the standing around scratching your beard and readjusting you hat bits you included. It's the first step to any project :)

[@RBallarddesigns]

I like the flashing on top of the deck joists. Had not seen that before but makes sense.

[@xSpiritAWx]

Man I need more videos. Keep em coming. I like the flashing ideas. Water is the enemy.

[@TommyFamous]

Your hard work becomes your motivation, so keep it up!

[@mikenicholson2548]

This has been a really fun series to watch. 👍

[@EMattHowerton]

Really? That's a tease. I'll be right here waiting for the rest of the deck.

[@doinjusfine1]

A red head beating up on another red head... sounds like a drunk night in Ireland.... 😅😅

[@Rickmakes]

I like to position my boards with the cup down so water runs off. The end grain should have a “U” shape. It seems like the “U” would catch water but the cupping is opposite of what the end grain looks like.

[@RRBuildings]

I changed them all to cup down

[@DevinHeaps]

I love your attention to detail.

[@bobbyweldon736]

OUTSTANDING

[@DannyH77]

This is becoming one of my favorite channels!!

[@HousBinPhartiin]

Great job! Thanks for the tips on improving the project.

[@hinglemccringleberry8805]

Kyle, those 2x12s that are lag bolted to the 4x4s, dont thet need a 2x4 on the bottom of the 2x12 to aid in vertical load support? Alot of decks collapse or fail because too much load is placed on those lag bolts. A 2x4 or a notched post supporting the underside of that 2x12 will nvr fail due to the strength of vertical load on the wood fibers. If that makes sense.

[@are6mr2]

It's not the bolts that fail it's that the wood splits and fails around the bolts because of the holes.

[@hinglemccringleberry8805]

But the bolts still don't do their job. Added support under the 2x12 would help. And the bolts do shear off at a certain pressure.

[@priscillabohn4621]

we did the same to our front porch that I DID 12 years ago ( a woman) in the southwest of New Mexico. Great idea especially where you reside

[@floppeddoma571]

RR your metal work is exceptional.[now running corner trim like you vary nice sir ty)framing is im sure code ware u are little more load here in oregon....but here Biggest misstake i see.."no notch post to except rim???" That way u get full bearing..looks good though love the vids from a barn builder in oregon. We deal with alot of rain..wish i could show u how we trim our metal buildings out especially the windows/doors.

[@aron6998]

You can, KZbin is easy to post a video on, please post a video of your technique we’d love to see it and learn!!

[@floppeddoma571]

Id love too but...these amongst other things seperate us from other companys.."i gave u guys the notch post into rim " thats standard deck building 101 chapter 2 page 7

[@suicidaljell]

This deck will never be used it's for form not function so who cares

[@aron6998]

Suicidaljello why are you even commenting? Also do you live there and how do you know if it will or won’t be used...these keyboard warriors are getting old

[@mattpkp]

The deck a foot off the ground im sure if this was this was a second story deck and it mattered he would do it

[@christophercrowle9753]

Hi bud recently stumbled across the channel, enjoying the content keep up the good work from a fellow carpenter in Cornwall, UK.

[@WEALRO]

Nice to see someone using proper fasteners , indonalot of remodels and it never amazes me to see either poor fasteners or skipped framing steps. Just did a deck Reno , there was no blocking on 17ft span no lags no through bolts and no hangers. Shame someone cut all those important steps , good job on this deck 👍

[@lilbigdaddy3042]

Late to the comment lol but I did some work on a deck and the original builder whom was literally a crackhead used drywall screws for the treads and for attaching the brackets for the railings 😂😂

[@grimreaper4556]

Greg trying to sabotage the deck.😂😂

[@birkenc7924]

The middle of the wood is the strongest (+ a few things more) = always put middle up.

[@Fishpalms]

@@birkenc7924 he framed it wrong

[@CLDiesel02]

As a fine young gentleman once said, I believe it was in the 30’s “I love it when it when a redhead, beats on another redhead”

[@kevinwise982]

Saw you on the LP add on Facebook. You must be doing something right when they ask a post framer to do an ad for wood siding. Well done

[@jonathankretman5887]

Greg with the “bands a make a dance” quote!

[@Natedoc808]

Funny how different people do things very differently. I never like toe nailing structural load bearing members, like these joists, where they experience shear force, so I would have framed the whole thing on the ground, back nailing all the joists through the rim. Then set a couple temporary pickets at the elevation desired, and a scrap 2x4 cripple on the outside corner, found my post locations, drill/set post bases, attached rim and joist to post, removed pickets.

[@sandravanlankvelt7975]

Landscape fabric and rock under deck and on former sidewalk area??? prohibits future anxiety on weeds for sure growing up through deck and making your beautiful deck look awful lol. I learned from experience and a landscaper when we built our home. So glad we did this one step.

[@Joshua79C]

Most decks from my own experience usually do not grow weeds and such underside, unless there is sufficient water and sun, but it never hurts to do a fabric and stone cover.

[@jmonsted]

Next year's Nobel peace price should go to the inventor of the small impact driver.

[@warrenmichael918]

nope, stripper pole inventor first, then maybe impact gun guy !

[@benjaminwilley3578]

Cordless power tool guys got to love them. Just love splitting timber and over tightening.

[@mike1536]

Agreed

[@travis8106]

@@warrenmichael918 how did you think they fastened the pole?

[@warrenmichael918]

TOUCHE ! LOL

[@LhajBELAAIDWorkshop]

Perfect work bro

[@dalmiroliveiraborges3436]

just when it was getting good to watch the video is over! ..... Only 19 minutes kkkk ta Very good.

[@MarkKnue]

Deck is brilliantly done. Nice job!

[@cameronswanson407]

+1 for the deck protector. You can also use it on the side where the joist hangers go to protect those nail holes.

[@silenthill5794]

Sounds like this will be a New Products Show House in the future, sponsored of course :-)

[@TEDOTENNIS]

Outstanding work! Did you make enough noise to wake Greg up? It looks like a great Saturday.

[@ATaylor369]

Ima give a like and comment on that solo porch action!

[@liquidmidnight0748]

ataylor greg showed up because he heard all this racket going on outside his window and woke him up lol or it woulda been totally solo

[@johnnybarbar7435]

Does your local code let you joist hanger one end and screw the other end of all your joists instead of using hangers on both ends? Even if so, hangers would have let you have an almost pristine rim joist/beam facing the street. I would have also notched the posts for the rims/beams to carry load to the post directly instead of through screws only. Guessing this is a laid back town when it comes to building code. It could be a lot worse I guess...recently rebuilt a 10' x 40' second floor deck that was originally built just like your deck but using nails only. They had a party the week before and noticed a lot of creaking and movement. I found main load beams pulling away from the posts, no diagonal bracing and no wood to wood load bearing joints. 10 feet in the air and all held up by a few pounds of galvanized nails!

[@RRBuildings]

I hangered both sides... just not for video and the hangers are colored to match treated... hard to see

[@acclaimedsheepdog6375]

“It’s just temporary” my famous last words

[@dionisioc1078]

Great job bro

[@ronmurch3830]

Have you ever used Maine deck brackets or something similar? Gets the deck away from the house to prevent any rotting in the future.

[@rrr46060]

very nice as usual guys, its looks LSP! level.. square .. and plumb btw kyle, feel free to use that if you want., its mine but you can use it lol

[@RRBuildings]

Haha

[@scorpio6587]

I'm no engineer, but should the beams sit on top of the posts? Also, will you please show and tell us what you are doing to those bottom brackets? It looks like maybe you are trimming them somehow, but I don't understand.

[@sithcdw]

Not required of fasteners meet required sheer strength, if your local code allows it. Think of ledger boards, all held by fasteners

[@mrsbradpittiful]

If it wasn’t for Greg’s conduit legs he would be the ultimate man.

[@TheRooster1122]

Oh Oh Greg’s Sabotaging the new deck!!!

[@handsandfeethomesteading]

Honest question here, just looking to learn and not start a debate- I put my first deck on back in August, kind of the same deal where I had to jackhammer off the old concrete steps to fix some issues around the door and siding. Installed a small 8’ x 10’ deck thats about 30” off the ground. Every video I could find stressed that you had to install a beam opposite the ledger, that lag bolting the posts to the outside joists was a “no-no”, as the load would be supported only by the bolts or screws. So I installed a laminated 2 x 12 on top of my posts and then set my joists on top of the beam. I guess my question is has something changed? Is it dependent on the height of the deck off the ground? Have GRK’s changed the game? Again, honestly just trying to learn everything I can, and next summer I plan on redoing the front side of the house and this is kind of a game changer lol. Thanks in advance for responding.

[@RRBuildings]

This size of deck I was not concerned with it but I’d say it’s good practice... sometimes common sense is just taken into consideration... the GRK screws o used are more than sufficient.

[@handsandfeethomesteading]

RR Buildings thanks for the response, appreciate it! I was thinking the same thing along the lines of common sense, I used GRK’s to attach the ledger and if that was sufficient, what changes on the opposite end? Should have gone with my gut apparently. Thanks again!

[@sgsax]

If nothing else, I bet that tape will help reduce squeaking from movement later on. Thanks for sharing!

[@peterstevens4223]

Good afternoon from Auckland, New Zealand.

[@jimandy9472]

Good afternoon from Christchurch, New Zealand.

[@PRACTICALBUSHCRAFTSURVIVAL]

great stuff as always. thank you

[@juliangutierrez3222]

Good job guys Puro TEXAS

[@chrisherringshaw3588]

Kyle - LOVE the first ~20 second of this video. This is me on just about every project...! Hahaha

[@RRBuildings]

that's why I left it...I thought it portrayed every project everywhere

[@DCWou812]

Every screw/lag bolt he used to attach the deck to this house is a place where moisture can and will get in. Repairing this on two buildings I own right now.

[@zaneh6224]

Nice level deck, but wont pass code over here with posts only screwed on, code requires posts to be notched and the supporting beams rest in the notch, also any post to beam connections must be bolted.

[@philliplopez2231]

It won't pass code in WV either. Must use nails, no screws because of shear strength. Same requirements for flashing, bolts or lags, and beam over post construction.

[@sweetlou6539]

You should do some fpv shots of the work your doing. That would be a cool angle and point of reference.

[@fatfatthewaterrat5010]

Two bolts supporting the whole front end👍

[@suicidaljell]

It's a deck that will never get used

[@Svensken8R]

prntscr.com/plo296 - Yeah, in the right corner there should be a second leg? or where do you mean, blake?

[@dakotarasband4844]

@@Svensken8R there should be a load bearing beam no more than 3' back from the from the front of the deck to support the joists. Those posts he put in are only holding the weight of the rims and face board. This is a common mistake but the joists are not being properly supported and they hold the weight of the deck. The back is sufficiently supported as long as the ledger board was secured to the house properly. Most likely these joists are going to sag. He should have at least put joist hangers on the front end of the joists. images.app.goo.gl/VtiVRDVHzk3yNyTR6 There are several other issues with this install

[@Svensken8R]

@@dakotarasband4844 ..A eagles eyes there m8 for details! Yeah ofc I see it more clearly now when you say so. Are you in the construction business, Dakota?

[@ramaporiver803]

Blake Howel

[@terrynichols7199]

Why didn't you use a metal flashing they make that goes up against the building which has a drip cap that fastens to the top of the deck frame and under the deck boards. The house siding would cover the metal drip cap and any water under the deck boards would drain away from the house. just wondering . I know they use a lot of tape nowadays for flashing and under shingles and metal roofing.

[@RRBuildings]

Wait for next episode

[@owenttddedd5728]

Jajajajaja men I love your video ,good job .....still waiting for the final result.

[@ivtec845]

they make a plastic deck ledger flashing and we run a row of grace behind it up the wall

[@wigidy12]

How did you get your logo on that house wrap?! Great vid

[@zfilmmaker]

Oh part 6 nice! If I don’t want to wait for part 7, 8, 9 and 10 can I download leaked versions from torrent?

[@tbix1963]

Always interesting

[@gregharris7182]

There isn't any water, moisture barrier. It will damage the sill plate and framing on the interior walls

[@coltstevens5438]

Can you give some tips and tricks when do the railing I’ve learned a lot about framing and how to do stairs stringers but no on how to do the railing for both! Love the quality of builds and slowing down and taking the extra 5 mins to make it alittle bit better.

[@jpk2742]

I hope you put timber to timber hangers on them joists.

[@RRBuildings]

Did

[@TheMexican0128]

Mikita and Milwaukee nice 👍🏾

[@gregcoste5332]

can't say for sure what code is where your at .. but best practices say you don't leave your soil (underneath the deck) that way .. should be graded from the foundation wall out, geo fabric (to eliminate weeds) and a bed of rocks for stability/sanitation

[@cathiwim]

Greg Coste some places have no code. Our deck was 25 years old when we removed it- the posts were set directly on the bare dirt! We didnt build it, but you should know its replacement that WE are building will be to current code in VA, which is stricter than where we live.

[@chrisbabbitt4202]

I was wondering why you decided to attach this new deck directly to the house on the top. Wouldn't it be better for rain? I have limited knowledge on all this, so I should probably wait until I see the finished product. So far this remodel looks great.

[@Joshua79C]

ledger is separated from the house by the wrap he already applied and then later shown applying the tap for flashing to direct rain off and away from the top and space between the ledger and house wall.

[@chrisbabbitt4202]

@@Joshua79C Oh I see. Thanks for the info.

[@mohamedameen4526]

good work

[@DanielRamirez-bm3lu]

Amazing bro👍👍

[@jesusvillasenor6902]

Muy bonito sus trabajo muy profesional mis respetos saludis desde california y yo tambien trabajo en construcción

[@ttfweb1]

Nice build.

[@christopherbrown3107]

The deck is only supported by sheer screws at the post. Needs post notched to hold weight of frame!

[@asinger261]

Greg with the late arrival lol. Thought you might be alone on this one.. always wondered if you had a board bender ( aka bow wrench) for the deck boards makes install super easy.

[@ckelly3862]

Yes it will..just installed 10 ft. Mahogany boards, can't believe how much they warped since I bought them. I just used various clamps to close that warp down..worked like a charm!

[@Theoddless]

Is that custom house wrap?👀

[@gorillawrenchin]

Question why are there not any joist hangers? Wouldnt the deck be weak and weaken over time as those simple screws and nails age? Especially the joists that are just nailed in the the fascia board on the house? Around here that goes against code.

[@RRBuildings]

I did use hangers...you don't see me install them?

[@gorillawrenchin]

@@RRBuildings hey that's my bad, on my phone screen I could not see them, showed up as same color as your joists. Good job, my bad for questioning your skills.

[@peterdement]

Since cut the posts flush with the deck what is the code for maximum deck height above grade before a safety rail is required?

[@ddforrester]

Thirty inches

[@jasonbreding7905]

Could you have used brackets to hold your joists also ? Why or why not ?

[@Garth2011]

Great idea to add that deck/porch but I would have run it out further to the corner of the wall. You can't have enough porch most of the time. This is the reason to have all dimensions plumb and square as you pull away from the structure, the areas that are "off" multiply the farther you go. It's very important to know that rough framing doesn't mean "close enough" defines and goes with "rough" framing. All rough framing requires just as fine a measurement, plumb and square as any finish work does if you want to build from the rough without a ton of compromises. Too many "framers" in the industry don't follow precision traits to benefit the next phase of the build. I have seen many homes built with as much as 1" or so as the "good enough" tolerances and the structures are way off. Likely it's a good time to let the neighbors know their dogs are barking too much so when Greg moves in, maybe they will have obedience in their blood by then. Thanks for sharing.

[@sdfsqftg5732]

I see one reviewer had painted their shed with plastic paint. I'm curious how that has held up. I would like to also paint mine.

[@davidsolis22]

The only thing I didn't like was the joist not on the 4x4 , but overall great work as always

[@douglasthompson2740]

Hello Kyle, I am curious as to why you didn't pour the deck porch footings above grade so the bottom of the post (I know you are using Simpson stand off brackets but silt will quickly fill them in in a depression like that) is out of the ground plane? Seems another six inches would have been easy to do at the time. Just wondering. Good series. I have enjoyed it and would rate it in the top two or three you have done. Take care. Doug

[@breikowski]

Was there any insulation in the attic? Interested to see what happens to the utility bills after your work.

[@RRBuildings]

Yes

[@breikowski]

Going to bug you in February to see if utility bill went down. See if the house is more comfortable.

[@brenhancock7219]

Did you

[@breikowski]

Nope, forgot!

[@breikowski]

RR Buildings were utility bills lower this winter?

[@jordanallison7105]

Good job, you never told us you work with the first avenger haha

[@liquidmidnight0748]

Jordan Allison instead of americas ass, greg has americas guns. Suns out, guns out.

[@mikeburns4101]

Fiberon is a great composite decking.

[@mattiefattie3895]

#mancrush on Greg rockin that sleeveless T

[@bryanhall9996]

I wish I could build decks like this. Fast and simple! Unfortunately code here in Oregon requires a lot more for us.

[@AVBros37]

Bryan Hall what would you have to add to get it up to code in OR?

[@bryanhall9996]

@@AVBros37 We would need a beam supporting the deck, 2 layers of flashing, different lags. I come across plenty of decks built the way this video shows them, but we can't get a permit to build this way anymore. The video shows the fast, clean, natural way to build a deck IMO. We just have to have a lot more support and structure to the decks we build.

[@MikeLtm32]

It's not so difficult to say (0:45) even if English is not my first language, Kyle. :P Keep it up and cheers from Poland. ;)

[@FoxFox0077]

Soo, basically no structural support at the two front posts?. The whole shabang hanging on the bolts?.

[@PedroGonzalez-yn8mc]

Correxto

[@b_rad5678]

Not to code if no structural support. Fact in Ky. and Tenn. unsure if that's code in Illinois. I'd 4x6 and notch.

[@FishFind3000]

That’s what I saw to and was wondering why didn’t he notch the 4x4 and rest the outside one on it.

[@ivtec845]

we cant frame like that in n.y

[@iilijah]

Yes you would all be correct. Here in California that would also not fly. But with that being said, those were structural lags with a crazy shear strength. So I’m sure it will hold for many years, 15 minimum. Plus he isn’t finished yet so maybe he is goin to scab some 2x4 in front to share the load.

[@gispartan416]

Hi, my company has been getting more into metal siding after coming across your channel. We were curious as to how you go about cutting the angles of a gable end on your metal. Specifically what tool you would use and the best way for marking out the angle.

[@ZachBroughton]

If you go back and watch some of the Tool Tuesday vids about snips and other cutting tools, Greg goes into a lot of detail about the differences and which ones to use in which circumstances.

[@travisbarrow3408]

What were the fasteners you used into the house? Was there no flashing required? I apologize if these questions have already been answered.

[@travisbarrow3408]

I spoke too soon. But what about the fasteners?

[@RRBuildings]

Grk structural lags

[@spyderx92]

I’m an electrician by trade but love the vids and learn a lot from the channel ... hopefully one day I can you the stuff I learn on my house project

[@marscott9403]

What state is this built in? I thought you couldn’t attach decks directly to the house if four seasons weather was environment?