Method for constructing decks

Abstract

A method for constructing decks which includes the steps of constructing a rim joist box frame which includes side boards, a front board and a back board; placing the side boards of the rim joist box on a pair of spaced-apart jacks or leveling devices; leveling the rim joist box horizontally using the jacks or leveling devices and a level; attaching the rim joist box to opposite corner posts and then to middle posts, typically resting on foundation blocks; adding front-to-rear center supports attached to center support posts, also typically supported on foundation blocks; positioning joists in space-apart, side-to-side relationship on the rim joist box and center supports; attaching decking boards to the joists; constructing steps from the ground to the decking boards on a selected side or sides of the deck; attaching front and side rails and rail caps to the corner posts and middle posts; and spacing balusters between the front and side rails and the rim joist box using a spacing tool.

1 . A method for constructing a deck against a structure comprising the steps of assembling a pair of side boards, a front board and a back board to define a rim joist box; placing the side boards on a pair of spaced-apart jacks; leveling the rim joist box by operation of the jacks; positioning the back board against the structure; adding supporting posts to the rim joist box; and adding at least floor joists and decking boards to the joist box. 
   
   
       2 . The method according to  claim 1  comprising the step of adding at least one center support to the front board and the back board for receiving the joists. 
   
   
       3 . The method according to  claim 2  wherein said at least one center support comprises a pair of center supports. 
   
   
       4 . The method according to  claim 1  comprising the step of adding a front rail and a pair of side rails to the supporting posts, wherein the front rail and the side rails are spaced-apart from the rim joist box. 
   
   
       5 . The method according to  claim 4  comprising the step of adding a pair of center supports to the front board and the back board and at least one center support post supporting the center supports for receiving and supporting the joists. 
   
   
       6 . The method according to  claim 4  comprising the step of positioning a baluster spacer between the front rail and the side rails in sequence and adding spaced-apart balusters engaging the baluster spacer in said sequence, to the front rail and the back rail. 
   
   
       7 . The method according to  claim 6  comprising the step of adding a pair of center supports to the front board and the back board and at least one center support post supporting the center supports for receiving and supporting the joists. 
   
   
       8 . The method according to  claim 1  comprising the step of adding at least one set of steps to the rim joist box for accessing the deck. 
   
   
       9 . The method according to  claim 8  comprising the step of adding at least one center support to the front board and the back board for receiving the joists. 
   
   
       10 . The method according to  claim 8  comprising the step of adding a front rail and a pair of side rails to the supporting posts, wherein the front rail and the side rails are spaced-apart from the rim joist box. 
   
   
       11 . The method according to  claim 8  comprising the step of positioning a baluster spacer between the front rail and the side rails in sequence and adding spaced-apart balusters engaging the baluster spacer in said sequence, to the front rail and the back rail. 
   
   
       12 . The method according to  claim 8  comprising the steps of:
 (a) adding a front rail and a pair of side rails to the supporting posts, wherein the front rail and the side rails are spaced-apart from the rim joist box; and   (b) positioning a baluster spacer between the front rail and the side rails in sequence and adding spaced-apart balusters engaging the baluster spacer in said sequence, to the front rail and the back rail.   
   
   
       13 . The method according to  claim 12  comprising the step of adding a pair of center supports to the front board and at least one pair of center support posts supporting the center supports for receiving and supporting the joists. 
   
   
       14 . The method according to  claim 13  comprising the step of adding rail caps to the front rails, side rails and steps. 
   
   
       15 . A method for constructing a deck comprising the steps of assembling a pair of side boards, a front board and a back board to define a rim joist box; positioning a pair of jacks in spaced-apart relationship with respect to each other on opposite sides of the rim joist box;
 placing said opposite sides of the rim joist box on the jacks, respectively; operating the jacks to level the rim joist box; adding supporting posts to the rim joist box; adding at least one center support to the rim joist box; adding spaced-apart floor joists to the rim joist box and the center support; and providing at least one set of steps extending from the rim joist box for accessing the deck.   
   
   
       16 . The method according to  claim 14  comprising the step of adding at least a front rail and a pair of side rails to the supporting posts, wherein the front rail and the side rails are spaced-apart from the rim joist box. 
   
   
       17 . The method according to  claim 15  comprising the step of positioning a baluster spacer between the front rail and the side rails in sequence and adding spaced-apart balusters engaging the baluster spacer in said sequence, to the front rail and the back rail. 
   
   
       18 . The method according to  claim 15  comprising the steps of:
 (a) adding at least a front rail and a pair of side rails to the supporting posts, wherein the front rail and the side rails are spaced-apart from the rim joist box; and   (b) positioning a baluster spacer between the front rail and the side rails in sequence and adding spaced-apart balusters engaging the baluster spacer in said sequence, to the front rail and the back rail.   
   
   
       19 . The method according to  claim 18  wherein said at least one center support comprises a pair of center supports. 
   
   
       20 . A method for constructing a deck against a structure at a structure door comprising the steps of assembling a pair of side boards, a front board and a back board to define a rim joist box; positioning a pair of jacks in spaced-apart relationship with respect to each other on opposite sides of the rim joist box; placing said opposite sides of the rim joist box on the jacks, respectively; operating the jacks to level the rim joist box; adding supporting posts to the rim joist box; adding at least one center support to the rim joist box; adding spaced-apart floor joists to the rim joist box and the center support; adding a front rail and a pair of side rails to the supporting posts, wherein the front rail and the side rails are spaced-apart from the rim joist box and providing at least one set of steps extending from the rim joist box for accessing the deck.