This is Part 2 of the How to Build a Deck video series. The focus: Joists, hardware, and guard posts.
Joist hangers
You know how a lot of people install joist hangers? Wrong. And there are a lot of wrong ways to install them, so watch the video to see how do install joist hanger properly.
A 2 1/2-inch fastener is required in the angled holes of metal hardware for decks. So I use #10 Spax HCRx screws. I like ’em. Also, inspectors like ’em. Way better than pounding nails and knuckles in a joist bay too. Related video: Joist hangers.
But (1) I work alone most of the time so (2) there’s no one else to set up and lug the nail gun stuff (compressor, hoses, & etc.) and so if I make a mistake (3), I can fix it waaaaay easier. So (4) I don’t build decks every day so….wait for it…
So I make mistakes sometimes. And therefore screws are easy to remove and replace.
Recap on How to Build a Deck video series, part 1
If you watched Part 1 of this build a deck video series — please, please, please tell me you have so I know I am not alone in the universe, among other ego-feeding things I say—you’ll know that the left and right band joists are cut to finished length before installation. The “field” joists are run wild. Once installed, I pop a line between the two. Now we know are dead-money even with each other, then…
From my chalk line, I square a line down each joist, then I go all wormy-squirmy and do what I call “drop-cut”each joist. I keep with the the “top-down” theme here where most of the layout happens early so later on—like now—I don’t need to know nuthin’. I just build.
Cutting the joists via chalk line rather than measuring each one, means they’re all even. So, that gateways an easy install of the front band. See below about Captain Muscles.
Ledger cleat
This cleat—recycled from the deck ledger board—in 20/20 hindsight, should have been a 2×6. Set 1 1/2-inches proud of the joists ends, I could have used it to catch the front band. The remainder—as you’ll see dear reader and watcher of build a deck videos—will be used for the guard posts, which we’ll get to forthwith. As for Herc, leverage is the key for moving heavy things. Archimedes would build decks like this.
Bridge board
OK, decks. This is what I call a bridge board. Fastened a few joists back, I use it to make sure my outside bands are laser straight—and stay that way—before I install blocking for guard posts or decking. Notice the chalk line.
It ‘aint glamorous, but I like to interlock the posts with the framing. Design-wise, I think it’s a cleaner look. More on this Part 3. Also, I use whammer jammer screws instead of fumbling with hardware.
Thanks for checking out Part 2 of my Build a Deck Series series on YouTube.
