ud83dudcda Wood Deck Build Log u2014 5 of 19
u2190 Design #15: 3D CAD Drawings u00b7 Series Index u00b7 Build #32: Foundation Pt.2 u2192
2026 Update from DIY Dad: Construction Begins u2014 Foundation to Skeleton Assembly
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After a long planning phase, construction finally begins! From setting the footing stones to assembling the steel pipe skeleton u2014 this is the heart of the wood deck build.
Footing Stone Installation Steps
- String a layout line over the installation area for positioning (layout marking)
- Dig the hole, fill with gravel and compact it
- Set the footing stone while checking level with a spirit level
- Align the height of each footing stone with the neighboring ones (using the layout line as reference)
The most critical step is getting all footing stones at the same height. If this is off, it affects the entire skeleton assembly that follows.
Rust-Proof Painting of the Steel Pipes
Since the steel scaffold pipes are made of steel, rust-proof painting is essential. Apply rust-inhibiting primer, let it dry, then apply a topcoat. Make sure to paint the cut ends as well. Apply paint to the areas where clamps will grip before starting assembly.
This extra step makes a huge difference in durability 10 years down the line. I treated it as an upfront investment to reduce future maintenance.
Skeleton Assembly Sequence
- Fix the bundle posts (vertical) to the footing stones
- Fix the beams / oki (horizontal) to the bundle posts
- Fix the floor joists / neta (cross members supporting the decking) to the beams
- Final-tighten each connection while confirming level and plumb
Always follow the sequence: temporary tighten u2192 check overall level and plumb u2192 final tighten. If you final-tighten one spot before moving on, you won’t be able to adjust later.
Construction Log
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Hi, I’m DIY Dad.
Continuing with the exterior renovation series. The structural drawings for all members were verified, and I spent a lot of time just on planning. But finally u2014 finally u2014 it’s time to get to work!
The first step is preparing the foundation at the installation site. At the start, this is what the garden looked like u2014 weeds absolutely everywhere.
u2191 Garden u2014 before clearing
u2191 Garden u2014 before clearing
u2191 Garden u2014 before clearing
Time to clear the weeds. By “clearing” I don’t mean simply pulling them out u2014 they were growing so vigorously that pulling wasn’t really an option. I had to till the entire area.
u2191 Garden u2014 clearing in progress
At this point I didn’t have all my tools yet, so I just kept tilling with a garden hoe. I felt like a construction laborer. My back was threatening to give out.
u2191 Garden u2014 clearing in progress
u2191 Garden u2014 clearing in progress
u2191 Garden u2014 clearing in progress
u2191 Garden u2014 clearing in progress
u2191 Garden u2014 clearing in progress
u2191 Garden u2014 clearing in progress
u2191 Garden u2014 clearing in progress
u2191 Garden u2014 clearing in progress
u2191 Garden u2014 weeding complete
Weeding done u2014 soaked in sweat! That’s all for today!
ud83dudcda Wood Deck Build Log u2014 5 of 19
u2190 Design #15: 3D CAD Drawings u00b7 Series Index u00b7 Build #32: Foundation Pt.2 u2192
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15 years of landlord experience u00b7 3 apartment buildings u00b7 DIY renovations that saved millions of yen. Browse all articles at diytosan.com
