Squaring Up A Deck Frame

Using a square and a 4 level will also help verify that your deck form is level.

Squaring up a deck frame.

A common mistake with diy ers is to forget to square the frame up or box. This is a crucial step that must be taken when building a house or when framing a simple deck. Speed squares and framing squares are helpful tools for using in construction builders often use them to check the layout. As with all structures a long lasting durable and solid deck depends on a proper foundation.

The foundation of a deck that rests on posts should be properly laid out which involves making sure the posts are square. The single most important framing member is the ledger board. If they don t push the two corners that are further away the long measurement back together a little and remeasure. Some guys gals prefer to use the 3 4 5 method or the cross over method i use both.

Measure again before and after your first deck board is installed and every few boards as well to ensure it stays square while building. First he tacks a double joist hanger to one end of the ledger and slips a side rim joist into place. Obviously the more square the frame the better. It s a good idea to mark joist locations on the ledger and on the front facing rim joist before installation when you can lay the framing members side by side on a pair of sawhorses.

Slight tolerances can be adjusted before the joists are installed to prevent exaggeration. If the measurements match your frame is square. A sagging collapsing or crooked deck is not only unsightly but also potentially dangerous. Compare the opposite lengths of the perimeter of squares and rectangle forms these lengths should be the same.

3 4 5 rule to ensure square layouts. One way this old house general contractor tom silva ensures that mason s strings and deck framing are square when he is building a deck is by employing the 3 4 5 rule based on the pythagorean theorem. Anyone wants to learn the way to square a deck should know the 3 4 5 method as many builders often use it to make sure they are building a square deck.