I want to build a small wood deck; about a 5x5 that will go next to an above ground pool.?
Question:Does anyone have any suggestions on how to do this or instructions that I need to know? We'd like it simple, nothing fancy. We live in Oklahoma so our dirt is more like sand mixed with dirt. Thanks!
Answers:
Sizing matters aside, the first thing you must do is dig a footing. The size of these holes does not matter but since you will use 4X4's, the smaller, the better. A post hole digger should work well. Since I live in upstate NY, holes for decks must be dug at least 36" deep. I am going to assume that the frost line in OK is much less...You should probably figure on at least 2 feet deep. Since this is for a pool, I am assuming that it will be a free-standing structure (Not attached to anything else). Therefore, you're approach should be to 'build a box'. Set 4x4 Columns on the concrete (which should be allowed to set and cure before any loads are placed on it). Headers are commonly used to support and transfer weight across all of the floor members. Since this deck is so small, I am not sure that you need them. Racking is the main concern when building free-standing structures. You don't want someone to jump on it, have the force of their weight shift it and collapse. I would put 2x8's on the top and the bottom if the 4x4 columns. Thereby forming a box frame. When you have this box built, place 2x8's between the upper 2x8's to serve as floor beams. Generally, the decking itself is done with 5/4 x 6 wood. Depending on your style and pocketbook, the two most preferred types of wood are pressure treated lumber and cedar. Keep in mind that pressure treated lumber is injected with chemicals. If you are using this near a pool we can assume that people will be barefoot. Splinters can be painful and cause infection. I would suggest cedar but if cost is an issue, PT lumber is going to have to work. I would also suggest a few cross braces underneath to prevent racking also. They should go on a 45 degree angle from the bottom to the top of the unit. Railing is typically a personal preference of your style and decor. You can get simple ideas from just driving around and looking at other peoples rails. (There are SO many types and styles.) Some people prefer nails, I prefer screws. If you are using pressure treated lumber you should definitely use screws. Because PT lumber is injected with water and chemicals, it tends to shrink with time. Nails will end up projected out of the board face. They can be struck back down but screws that are set into the wood sufficiently should never have to be touched again. Also, keep in mind, that because PT lumber does indeed shrink, when you screw down the deck boards, you should LEAVE NO SPACE BETWEEN THEM. If you leave a 1/4" space between them, the boards will shrink with time and those spaces will become too wide and hazardous...Ouch, just thinking of a toe getting caught between them. The stairs are another issue altogether. You may want to start another question just based on how to lay them out...You'll need a framing square and at least some very helpful knowledge on how to use it...Good luck...Enjoy...
go to a home improvement store. they will be your guide
you need treated wood..and a good foundation ..put support beams in a concrete mixture...that should keep it in place..even in OK...do the railing as you like...the foundation is the important thing...enjoy you pool...c
much easier for you to go to home depot or something like that...then gettin instruction here..
salemen are very helpful in that area with plans and suggestions
since you have to go there anyways for supplies ..
I'd build it like a workbench, with 4x4 legs. Half-way around the pool would probably be sufficient. If it's going to be permanent or semi-permanent, then you'd probably want to dig post-holes for each leg. Dig down till the ground seems firm enough. Usually that'd only have to be a foot or so, and they won't shift. Building codes wouldn't apply here, so no need to go below the frost line. It likely won't be used in winter anyway. With the legs located around the pool and outer legs wherever you want the outside edge of the deck to be (about 4-5 feet apart), cut them all off with a chain saw, to a height approximately even with the top of the pool. You can then screw 4x4's or 2x6's connecting them, with deck screws. You may want to put some cross beams in as well. Then lay whatever you want for the deck surface on top, and screw down. This could be 3/4" exterior plywood, 2" lumber, or decking hardwood -depending on how fancy you want to get. The top surface will then be a bit higher than the top of the pool, and could overlap the pool's edge by an inch or two if you like. Decks around above-ground pools rarely have a railing, and steps too would be optional. You could also just lean a short stepladder against the side of the deck.
here are some generalized tips to ensure the deck you build comes out looking like a pro did this work:
Make sure nails are driven at slight angles toward each other for maximum holding.
Nail thinner boards to thicker boards.
If toe-nailing, stagger nails so they pass each other.
Buy galvanized metals to ensure they can withstand extreme weather conditions. This will be very important if you want your deck to stand up to more than a season or two.
Use ring or spiral shank nails to help avoid warping of lumber.
Drill pilot holes to reduce splitting of wood.
Don’t place nails no closer to the edge of a board than about half the board’s thickness. If you must nail close to the edges, absolutely pre-drill holes.
Resquare and trim ends of boards as necessary. Milled ends are not always square. This will be important to ensure the deck lines up correctly and looks good.
If following a pre-written plan from a designer or do-it-yourself manual, follow it carefully. Stick to the plan.
Inspect boards carefully for any damage before putting them in place.
Follow proper safety measures and take your time in building. The goal is to create a great deck, not win a race. Good building takes patience and precision.
No matter the size of the deck you’re building, the end product will be one you and your family or friends will enjoy. Good craftsmanship can result in a deck that will last for many years to come and stand up well to the test of time.
Poor choices in materials or a rushed job, however, can result in a deck that won’t make it through a single season – depending on use and the weather. If good choices are made from the start, a simple project will remain that way and even a new do-it-yourselfer can create a finished deck that looks just like a pro created it.
first,, if you are going to build a deck,,, build it bigger than that,, or you will wish you did afterwards,,, big enough so you can at least put a lounge chair or two up there... consult the people at HOme DEpot they will be able to help you,, or get some of your friends and neighbors over for a bbq and get it done in an afternoon... good luck and have fun
All answers are good BUT I don't think a 5x5 deck is big enough, I thought all I needed was a 12x10 and let me tell ya I was wrong, wish I had gone to a larger size, good luck and keep it in mind, Les the painter
We have an above ground pool in Wisconsin and are planning on building a deck that sits on cement pods. Do a search for deck plans and you will come acorss there web site. Really great.
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