ud83dudcda Wood Deck Build Log u2014 8 of 19
u2190 Build #33: Foundation Pt.3 u00b7 Series Index u00b7 Build #35: Frame Assembly u2192
2026 Update from DIY Dad: Construction Begins u2014 Foundation to Skeleton Assembly
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Pressure-Treated Deck Lumber
Pressure-treated lumber is the baseline u2014 skip it and you’ll be rebuilding in 5 years.
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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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 exterior renovation series. Following the weed-barrier sheet and gravel installation, it was time to paint the main structural material: the steel scaffold pipes.
First, delivery. These things are incredibly heavy. And long. Handle with care u2014 bumping into the house wall would be heartbreaking.
u2191 Pipe delivery
u2191 Pipe delivery
Now to apply the paint. I don’t have any photos of actually painting them u2014 sorry about that!
u2191 Pipe painting
u2191 Pipe painting
I matched the paint color to the house exterior for a unified look. Leaving the pipes bare silver really gives off a construction-site vibe.
But being the sloppy DIYer that I am, I painted outside without any masking. Paint dripped down the existing fence and splattered on the ground. My wife pointed it out once u2014 “You’ve made a mess!” u2014 but I just shrugged it off with “I’ll touch it up later, no big deal” without really listening.
u2191 Paint
In the end, no major problems even after 6 years of use. The fence painting saga may come up later u2014 but that’s a story for another time.
That’s all for today!
ud83dudcda Wood Deck Build Log u2014 8 of 19
u2190 Build #33: Foundation Pt.3 u00b7 Series Index u00b7 Build #35: Frame Assembly 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.
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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
