How To Extend A Deck

Not enough room for outdoor activities? There’s no need to pull up a deck because it’s too small, so put the demolition equipment aside. To make additional space, think about expanding your current deck instead. Let’s face it, adding a grill, an outdoor dining table, plus a chair or two can make things a little cramped. Fortunately, expanding your deck is a reasonably easy procedure.

This weekend, you can expand your deck with the correct equipment, some assistance, and our comprehensive guide on deck extensions.

Prior to Starting

Before beginning your DIY deck extension, there are a few things to think about.

Before installing any outside additions, check your local building codes or homeowner association policies. Investing time and money on a project that will ultimately need to be abandoned is the last thing you should do.
Examine the materials of your current deck for structural integrity. Before proceeding, it would be wiser to acquire a second assessment from a contractor if there is any uncertainty as to whether the materials are strong enough to hold the new components. They will have the ability to examine and swap out any harmed materials.

Remove Railing

Take off any external trim, balusters, and railing that could obstruct the deck extension. Take out any nails or screws from your deck boards if they are damaged or if you intend to repair them.

Measure and Mark the Building

Since most decks are attached to a house or other structure, measure the area you want to make wider and make sure there are no obstructions like drain pipes, windows, or water spigots along the way. You should also make sure there is solid material to attach a ledger board to. Use a pencil to write the measurement on the wall.

Cut and Join the Ledger

After cutting the ledger board to the desired length, ask a helper to help you hold it in place. Assuming the wall is made of concrete or cinderblock, use a hammer drill bit and masonry bit to drill through the board and into the wall. After making sure the ledger is exactly level, place a 4-foot level on top of it. Concrete lag bolts are used to secure the ledger to the wall.

Measure and Cut End Joists

To increase the length of your deck, cut your end joists to the appropriate length. The entire length of the deck will be the end joist fastened to the end of your new ledger, and the full length of the deck less the length of the current structure will be the end joist on the other side.

Attach end joists

Toenail the board to the longer-end joist at the end of the new ledger using wood screws. At the free end of the joist, set a scrap support board so that its end is resting on the ground. After leveling the joist by placing a level on top of it, screw it momentarily into the scrap board. Using the shorter board, repeat this method on the opposite side.

Cut and Attach Band Joist

Making use of the new ledger board and the existing deck as a point of reference, measure and cut the band joist to the full width of the deck. As you screw the band joist into the end joists, hold it up against each end joist.

Check for Square

Put a big framing square in each corner of the frame to check for squareness. Using a hammer, move the temporary supports to reposition the frame as necessary.

Measure and Cut Corner Posts

The corner posts should be cut to length. To determine this length, add the railing height, the distance from the top of the deck to the ground, and the amount of posts that must be underground under your local building code. Always remember, if you leave a little excess, you can always trim more off afterward.

Bury and Attach the Posts

For restrictions regarding deck-post holes, consult your local building codes. They will outline the required hole depth and advise you on whether to use cement, gravel, or both. By these specifications, dig a hole and install each post inside the corner. When the posts are in the ground, screw through the external joists into each post.

Cut and Attach Beam

Slice a 2×12 bar to the length of the band joist and screw it to within the posts, squeezed against the base edges of the end joists. Contingent upon your deck expansion size and your neighborhood codes, you might require extra presents and bars on help the heaviness of the deck.

Cut and Attach Joists

Cut and append your inward joists utilizing your neighborhood construction standards to decide your joist communities. Normally, joists will be situated each 16 inches. Screw through the band joists into the closures of the joists, then join the opposite end utilizing joist holders on the record.

Replace Deck Boards, Balusters, and Rails

Supplant the deck sheets, balusters, and rails once the edge is finished.

Seal the Wood

Seal new wood utilizing your favored deck sealer. For best outcomes, sand and restore the current deck sheets.

How To Extend A Deck

Prior to Starting