Depending on the layout, you need a plan. What will the dimensions be? How many square footage of deck are we anticipating? What is the overall outlook of what we will see upon completion of the plan? Whichever design you elect to follow I wholeheartedly suggest that you purchase a book to help guide you on how to build a deck, at: your local Lowes or, Home Depot, Home Improvement Store... There is not very much to it, if you have all the right tools, and a little bit of know how. In fact I am absolutely positive you will find all the information you'll need to know to get you started, at: (www.diy.com). First you'll need a material list of things you will need to begin your project. This is established by making measurements to determine the length and width of the deck you want to build. to get the square footage of the deck, you simply multiply the width by the length. For example a 12' x 12' deck would equal 144 sq. ft. . Starting with the ledger board you'll need to leave a 5/4" space under the entrance way to the house so that after you lag the ledger board to the house you have the proper space for installing your decking boards after all the framework is complete. If you decide to stay within the existing demensions of concrete patio, you may be able to get away with setting your 4" x 4" pressure treated, or cedar posts right on top of the patio itself. Other than that, you will have to find where the end of your deck will stop, and dig a few holes 42" deep by approximately eight inches in diameter with a post hole digger where you will place a piece of sonotube, (a round thick cardboard tube) to fill with concrete for the foundation for which you deck will sit. This is basically the hardest part of the project. After the framing is complete, it's on to decking and handrails. Don't forget to flash along the ledger board, to prevent water from getting into the house. Good luck with your project! Wish I could be there to help. Take care and, have a wonderful day.
