Ten Steps to Design a Patterned Deck
- Begin with the end in mind. Imagine yourself with friends enjoying special events in your own backyard.
- Choose your pattern to personalize your deck.
- Choose your size of deck.
- Draft your deck to scale (1 inch = 1 foot).
- Determine the best orientation and fit of the pattern to the deck. Pay attention to design aspects. Does your pattern blend with the directions of view and uses of the deck?
- Determine the orientation of the deck boards within the pattern for simplest end cuts on boards. Start with the sharpest transition point of the pattern.
- Determine the layout of the pattern supporting boards (also called blocking) so the end of each deck board has a minimum 1.5" footprint on a supporting board.
- Determine the spacing of joists as required to stay under the maximum span allowed by the deck material manufacturer's specifications.
- Add cross-bracing to the design to stabilize all joists and blocking. At this point the special patterned platform of the deck is designed.
- Finally, design the ledger, support posts and beams like all other decks except to fit your special patterned platform.
