Welcome to part 4 of my DIY backyard makeover project. If you have missed the
previous progress, check them out in the description. This time I am going to show
you how I intentionally build a deck to avoid getting a permit. Then I will show
you the proper way to install joist hanger. Of course there are some very
useful DIY tips I want to share with you. Before framing your deck, you need to
understand there are 2 ways for deck structural support. The most commonly
used method is called cantilever. For my deck, I used the other method which does
not have a support beam for joists. It is called flush beam method. Okay, let's take
a look at the first method, you have the beam sitting on the post. This is how it
should look like, very simple. It is strong it is fast and easy to
install and it is cheap. All professional deck builders prefer this method.
The downside is that, it may not work for lower deck which is close to the ground
because there is no space to put the beam. That's exactly my case. Also you may
need a permit. For this method, you only need joist hangers on the
ledger board attached to the house. Now let's take a look at the second method
Deck without support beams for joist. As you can see, the flush beam is supported
by the post but none of the joists are sitting on it. So you do need joist
hangers for both sides. So, what's good about this method? If you are building a
low level deck close to the ground, you can avoid getting the permit but of
course you have to check with your local code. The bad part is that, it is not as
strong as the first method. It is very time-consuming and very expensive. Also
if you're using the Helical Piles like me, you will run into Fascia board
issue, I will show you how I solved the problem in the future videos. Enough
technical details, let's do some work! This is the 2x8x16 ledger board
attached to the house. If you missed how I installed it, check out the last video.
Now I have this double flush beams sitting on the helical pile saddle. I am
using this Fastenmaster screws, they are ok, not as good as the GRK RSS in my
opinion
I love GRK RSS screws. This is the other side of the deck.
Let's talk about joist hangers.
This is how I positioned the joist. I used a temporary deck screw on
top to hold the board. Make sure it is level with the ledger board. Then,
I installed the joist hanger. I am using strong tie structural screw #9, 1-1/2"
for the face. I need six of them, one two three four five six
Next I need number #9, 2-1/2". You drive this through the joist
into the Ledger Board at 45 degrees angle. You need four of this.
One Two Three and Four
There are many so-called professional deck builders don't even
know how to install joist hangers properly. If you use the wrong type of
screws or even the wrong size. Your deck can collapse! No wonder why so many
people die every year on deck failure. This is the most common mistake people
make, they use shorter screws. Let's re-cap again for 2x8 joist on LUS28, we need
#9, 2-1/2" structural screws, we need 4 of them.
For the face, we need #9, 1-1/2" structural screws, we need
six of them
If you have done a good job, everything should be level.
Even I have done so many research before my project, I did make one big mistake I did
16" on center for the joist. You will be fine if you're using composites or
wooden deck. But for Azek PVC deck, I trusted their installation guide and it
was a mistake. They basically says, for home use 16
inches on center is good enough. You only need 12 inches on center for commercial.
I am telling you, this is very wrong. After I installed the deck, I regretted it
was a bit bouncy. But there's nothing I could do. So I learned the lesson and
came up with the workaround for the other two decks. I will show you in the
future videos how I solved the problem. Don't forget to install blocking for
your deck it is pretty straight forward. But this does not replace the 12 inch on center
Remember there were some challenges I talked about working with Helical piles?
This is one of them, the saddle was not perfectly straight, I had to shim it and
use washers to compensate the space Because this part of the deck is so long
I need to join two beams together using the metal plate. Honestly I don't know
if this is the proper way to do it but it works.
The last part is to prepare for the picture frame deck board installation.
This is the first method, that's pretty easy. You put some blocking at the bottom between
the joist and then put a 2x4 on top.
The regular deck screws especially near the
edge you need to pre-drill
This is another method using blockings and 2x4. This one may not be as strong
but it worked pretty good
For DIY people, I recommend studying your local bylaw before you start your
project. For me they said as long as my deck is under 24 inches which is 2 feet
I don't need a permit. For the Pergola, as long as I don't have a solid roof, I am fine.
So, I planned my design based on the
bylaw to avoid getting a permit.
However, it doesn't mean that you will not be
screwed. During the construction, one of my backyard neighbors complained to the
city and the building inspector came. But since I studied the bylaw and I showed
him everything was legal. The complaint was closed. Next time I will show you how
to use high-performance bedding to build a paving stone landing for the stairs.
The goal on my channel is to inspire more people to DIY, I hope you enjoyed
this video, give it a thumbs up if you think this is helpful for you and
remember to subscribe. Thanks for watching and see you next time!