I can’t promise you a beachfront view, but I know you’ll enjoy relaxing on this simple deck wherever you choose to build it. Since it’s at ground level, you don’t have to fuss with challenging railings or footings. All you need are basic carpentry tools and a relatively flat area in your yard or garden. The foundation is nothing more than 4x6 treated timbers buried in the soil, with decorative joists and construction-grade cedar decking and a bench. Follow the instructions for detailed measurements and building techniques.

Materials List:

(2) 4x6x12’ Treated Timbers

(9) 2x6x10’ Cedar Joists

(2) 2x6x10’ Cedar for Blocking

(1) 2x12x10’ Cedar Bench Supports

(2) 2X6X10’ Cedar Bench Tops

(22) 2x6x12’ Cedar Decking

(32) Metal Corner Brackets

3 lbs. Galv. Joist Hanger Nails

2 lbs. No. 8 Galv. Box Nails

10 lbs. 16d Galv. Casing Nails

1 lb. 3-in. Galv. Deck Screws

Tool List:

Shovel,

Square,

Tape Measure,

Level,

Compass,

Chalk Line,

Jigsaw,

Hammer,

Circular Saw,

Hearing and Eye Protection,

Gloves

1.) Dig the 4x6 timbers into the soil, leaving about 1-1/2 in. of the top exposed. The timbers must be parallel and the diagonal measurements must be equal.

2.) Cut each treated 2x6 joist to 10 ft. Cut a decorative curve on each end before installing them onto the 4x6 treated timbers.

3.) Lay out the joist spacing so the joists are on 16-in. centers. Cut the blocks to fit between the joists. The first set of blocks (one on each side) will be 13-1/4 in., while the remainder will be 14-1/2 in. long. Toenail each joist to the timber. Be sure the ends of all the joists align with each other as you toenail them in place.

4.) Nail your steel corner brackets to the joists and each block between with 1-1/4 in. galvanized joist hanger nails. The blocks add stability and give the deck a finished look.

5.) Start nailing the 2x6 decking from one side, leaving a 1-1/2 in. overhang. Keep the decking straight and use a 16d galvanized nail as a spacer. Depending on the spacing, you may need to rip the last piece of decking to maintain the 1-1/2 in. overhang. Once the decking is nailed, crosscut the lengths, leaving a 1-1/2 in. overhang. Be sure to use a chalk line to establish a straight guideline before cutting.

6.) Cut the bench supports from 2x12 lumber. Notch the decking to accept the bench supports. Be sure to toenail the backside of the seat support to the decking for added stability. Be sure the supports are square to the deck surface, then screw the 2x6 bench tops to the supports with 3-in. galvanized screws.

Now it’s time to relax and enjoy your new deck.