• Designing and building your own deck can mean a savings of as much as 50 percent of the cost. Knowing where to start is half the battle, and having a basic list of components and tasks is the easiest way to start.
  
  

Deck Design and Layout

• Start by laying out the "footprint," or outline, of your deck, where it will be built. Using mason's line and wood stakes is a great way to make that outline. Mason's line pulls and stays taut without stretching and comes in high-visibility colors such as yellow, orange, pink and green.
  
  Use a 50 foot contractor's tape to measure when laying out your footprint. The fabric style tapes are easier to use for longer distances and can be "wrapped" around objects for circumferences measurements.
  
  A notebook to sketch and write down measurements and other crucial details is essential. Transfer your data to a graph paper pad or computer drafting or design program, such as Google's free Sketchup, to complete the design. There are also free online options available from sites, such as Calderaspas.com, that will help with layout and even print material lists.
  
  

Deck Framing and Hardware

• Treated lumber is the typical framing material of choice. It cuts and drills easily, is readily available and relatively inexpensive.
  
  4-by-4 treated posts in concrete footings make an excellent foundation for decks. Space posts no more than eight feet apart to stabilize your frame.
  
  Joists and rim framing are made from 2-by-6 or 2-by-8 treated decking. Using a joist hanger at each end of your joists will strengthen the joint and make construction easier. Hang them every 16 inches for an easy deck installation and added strength.
  
  Both nails and screws work well for deck fastening. Screws are more expensive and generally take longer to install, but give added strength. Nails are the quickest to install and cheapest fasteners available. Whichever you choose, pick galvanized fasteners to avoid rust and staining.
  
  

Decking Materials

• The majority of residential decks are covered in treated lumber decking. It is the least expensive, easiest to work with and is almost always available without special order.
  
  More exotic woods are generally considered more beautiful and, in some applications, will last as long or longer than treated woods. Redwood, teak, and cedar are all common decking lumber. They can be twice as expensive or more than treated lumber.
  
  Composite materials, such as Trex, claim longer lifespans and lower maintenance. The color and finish of composite materials stays consistent throughout the life of the product. Made from wood fiber and recycled material, such as plastic grocery bags and water bottles, composite compares in price to redwood and cedar decking.
  
  Steel vinyl aluminum and PVC decking are all lesser-used options. Both more expensive and longer lasting, these types of decking are generally found in industrial applications and modern architectural styles. Most require specialized framing and installation. While they are arguably the longest lasting, they are by far the most expensive decking materials.