How to build a deck: Installing joist hangers

When pros and DIYers ask me how to build a deck, there are lots of things to share, like this video or this one, or even this one but few know that there’s one thing almost everybody does incorrectly. Installing joist hangers.

Note: We’re part of Home Depot’s ProSpective program and we partnered with Big Orange on this blog. The how-to is 100% MyFixitUpLife. Now, let’s go build something cool.

This build-a-deck video goes into more detail, but the gist is that 1 1/2-inch, galvanized or coated fasteners—screws or nails—are required in the hanger holes that go directly into the ledger board (the board against the house).

The mistake most people make when they build a deck—pro and DIY alike; I am guilty as charged—is that they use the same nail for the angled hole that sends a nail into the joist. This connection requires a #10 (that’s how thick the screw is; you can’t just use any old screw) x 2 1/2-inch coated and rated screw. I use Spax’s HCR-x for this. They are the best screws ever.

If you want to nail this connection, the nail you need is likely available where you buy the metal connector hardware. It’s a galvanized, 16d nail, aka spike. Driving these can be a challenge especially if the deck is really tall or really low. Or if you have a million of them to drive. In that case, Ridgid’s palm nailer is one tool I’d use on a deck build in a heartbeat. See it in action in the video.

Links to the tools and fasteners used in the video are below. More videos on our YouTube channel. Please subscribe and we’ll make more videos.

Tools and materials used in this deck building how-to video. Research, price compare, or buy by hitting the link:

Ridgid 18-volt brushless, 3-speed impact driver

Ridgid pneumatic palm nailer

Spax HCR-x screws