Building a Timber Frame Deck: Step-by-Step Guide
(This is the ninth in a 10 part series. Credit: Akribis Leather. Luke Riemer, owner, was the framing contractor we hired for our build. The project consisted of a carriage house, garage extension with suite above, and renovation/expansion of the existing residence. All 3 phases of the project had some timber framing elements. Text below is a cleaned up transcript of the video above)
Today, I’m tackling the construction of a timber frame deck on a new house. This deck combines post-and-beam construction with 2x10 joists and plywood, finished with vinyl on top for durability and easy maintenance. Here’s a detailed look at the process.
Setting Up the Foundation
The first step was preparing the concrete columns, which were built during the foundation phase. These columns are designed to receive Simpson knife plates that will be bolted in place. The timber posts have a carved curve at the bottom to slide over the knife plate, then secured with black timber screws. This creates a strong, stable base for the entire deck.
Assembling the Timber Frame
Once the posts were in place, it was time to assemble the frame. The deck uses 2x10 pressure-treated joists, which will later be covered with vinyl. The ledger is securely attached to the wall, and all joists are positioned and ready for assembly.
When working with dimensional lumber, especially pressure-treated material, widths can vary slightly. Some boards might measure 9 1/8”, others 9 3/8”. To ensure a flush top surface for the finished deck, I carefully leveled each joist before installing hangers. This guarantees a smooth, even plane for the decking.
Hurricane Protection and Blocking
In areas prone to strong winds, securing the deck properly is essential. I installed small hurricane clips, screwed into the beams, instead of exposed traditional hangers. This keeps everything secure without compromising the deck’s appearance.
Additionally, blocks under cantilevered sections were cut slightly lower than the top of the joists. This prevents humps in the sheathing and ensures a flat top surface for the deck. All blocks were carefully measured, run along the entire length of the deck, and the rim joist will be installed after trimming the joists to length.
Adjusting for Decking Material
The deck was designed to be 8 feet wide, but I intentionally made it about 3/4” shorter. The tongue-and-groove sheets of decking are slightly under 4 feet after milling, so this adjustment ensures a perfect fit over two courses. I also accounted for the thickness of the rim joist and ledger, creating a step for the smart board to slide underneath the vinyl finish later.
Choosing the Right Tools
For cutting the lumber, both rear-handle and side-winder saws have their advantages. The side-winder is lighter, well-balanced, and ideal for flat cuts, while the rear-handle has more power, making it perfect for cutting down along a piece of timber. Choosing the right saw for the task makes the work faster and more precise.
Installing Spacers
Before sheeting the deck, I installed spacers along the edges. These create a small cavity for finished materials to fit under the vinyl. Installing spacers before laying the sheets prevents unsightly joints along the edge of the deck, ensuring a cleaner, more professional finish.
Laying the First Course
With everything prepared, I snapped lines to mark the joists and straightened the first course of decking sheets. Since the sheets don’t have built-in marks and I’m only screwing into 1 1/2” material, snapping the lines was essential for proper alignment. Once the lines were set, I screwed the sheets down to prevent shifting while continuing the sheeting process.
Conclusion
Building a timber frame deck requires careful planning, precise measurements, and attention to detail. From setting up the posts and joists to leveling, blocking, and sheeting, every step matters to create a stable, long-lasting deck. By taking the time to account for material variations and finishing details, you end up with a clean, professional-looking result that’s ready for vinyl installation.
