ud83dudcda Wood Deck Build Log u2014 10 of 19
u2190 Build #35: Frame Assembly u00b7 Series Index u00b7 Build #37: Beams & Girders u2192
2026 Update from DIY Dad: Skeleton, Roof, and Decking Assembly
ud83duded2 RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
Pressure-Treated Deck Lumber
Pressure-treated lumber is the baseline u2014 skip it and you’ll be rebuilding in 5 years.
Once the foundation and skeleton are complete, it’s time to assemble the roof and then lay the decking boards. You can really see the shape coming together u2014 that sense of “we’re almost there!” starts to kick in.
Installing the Polycarbonate Corrugated Roofing
Key points for installing polycarbonate corrugated roofing panels:
- Ensure an overlap of at least 150u2013200 mm between panels
- Fasten with dedicated screws (umbrella nails or polycarbonate-specific screws)
- Seal the ridge end and eave end to prevent rainwater ingress
- Maintain a rafter slope of at least 1/50 (approximately 1.1u00b0)
If you don’t carefully finish the panel edges, they can lift in strong winds. Check all around the perimeter after installation.
Installing the Hardwood Decking Boards
Essential tips for working with hardwood decking:
- Always drill pilot holes first (about 3 mm diameter)
- Use stainless steel screws specifically for hardwood (iron screws cause rust and black staining)
- Maintain a 3u20135 mm gap between boards (use a spacer for uniform spacing)
- Cut the end boards in a straight line with a circular saw only after all boards are laid
Hardwood is extremely heavy u2014 two-person work is the standard.
Introduction
ud83duded2 RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
Deck Stains & Waterproof Sealers
Stain every 2u20133 years. It’s the single cheapest way to double deck lifespan.
Hi, I’m DIY Dad.
Continuing with the wood deck renovation series. Next up: installing the floor joists (neta) on top of the beams (oki).
First, I position the clamps and temporarily fix them in place.
u2191 Floor joist
Once positioned, I keep adding floor joists one by one.
u2191 Floor joist
After assembling, I thought the spacing looked a bit tight u2014 but hey, I did run the structural calculations, right? (laughs)
That’s all for today!
ud83dudcda Wood Deck Build Log u2014 10 of 19
u2190 Build #35: Frame Assembly u00b7 Series Index u00b7 Build #37: Beams & Girders u2192
DIY Renovation Quote Review Manual
How to read, compare, and negotiate contractor quotes. This manual saved me u00a5800,000 on a single renovation project.
ud83cudfe0 More from DIY Father
15 years of landlord experience u00b7 3 apartment buildings u00b7 DIY renovations that saved millions of yen. Browse all articles at diytosan.com
