Decks and Patios-Design, Plan, Build

This is a truly beautiful deck with a wonderful hot tub built in. What a way to relax at home!
After a hard day's work, you will find me here.


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This is a small and cozy backyard deck built into an inside corner of the home. The 3 different levels serve as steps from entries at two different levels.

In essence, you have three steps, with the bottom step serving as deck space.

If you are going to build your own deck, a plan like this comes in super handy. When you can see on paper everything that you need, it is so much easier to make an accurate material list.

Building a deck, (or anything else) on paper saves you time and can prevent mistakes. You can erase a mistake with your pencil before it happens!

For instance: From the plan you see that the common length of your floor joists are 117", (8)of them. You can see that each end (rim joist) must be 118.5". The reason for this is to have the frame out exactly 120" (10')

You can also alter this or any other plan to suit your needs. Build it first on paper and save headaches.

When I met with this homeowner, he knew he wanted a deck in the backyard. He was open to my ideas.

I began the design process by asking questions pertaining to 'why'he wanted a deck and how much time he, his wife, and infant son would spend on it.

He replied " We enjoy spending evenings outdoors and our neighbors stop by a lot. We don't want our son crawling around and getting all dirty on the lawn."

I noticed that the area between the house and the driveway was limited to begin with, so I suggested building a patio-deck that utilize all available space. The bonuses in that idea were 1) no more lawn care duties, and 2) space to entertain and a clean area for the little boy to play.

He smiled and said "I like it, especially the 'no more lawn care duties' part. Go for it!"

I mentioned an upcoming deck lumber sale I knew about and asked if he would like me to create a pattern for the deck instead of the same old boring square with decking running all one way. I drew a quick illustration.

"That's perfect! Start building. If you have any more ideas, go for it."
He was thrilled to have a plan and a design that took care of several problems at once.

I recommend the Hitachi c10fsh 10 inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw with Laser or a similar miter saw to cut the 45 degree angles in a pattern like this.

I am a maniac with a skilsaw, so I did it my way. That was the last time I was stubborn about it. Now you couldn't get me on the job without a miter saw.

Making all these cuts with a circular saw is time consuming.


The photo below shows a railing and a privacy wall. Both were afterthoughts.
The family enjoyed many evenings on their new patio deck and I was called back for several other projects.

This finished backyard patio deck is quite roomy and has a privacy wall in the back area. Outdoor parties and neighbors visiting started before my tools were back on the truck.

When I returned for a different project, I was happy to see the family and friends spending time outdoors and enjoying this cedar deck. The homeowners told me they rarely spend time indoors since their deck was completed, and barring rain, serve all meals on the patio.

I totally agree with them. After a long Minnesota winter, mostly spent indoors, getting back out on the deck is like heaven on earth.

A buddy of mine wanted a cedar deck. He didn't want an average run of the mill deck, and he wanted it high, second story for the view, this is what I came up with.

On a second story deck, safety is a big concern. Not only proper attachment, but strong secure railings are absolutely required. The fall isn't bad but landing is really going to hurt. We don't want anyone plummeting to the ground!


The deck floor is a diamond pattern starting from the center and there are two built-in benches. The deck can only be accessed from the second story of the home. The deck is facing south for maximum sun exposure.

10% was saved on material by waiting for Cedar to go on sale. Many lag bolts and heavy duty joist hangers were used to securely fasten and attach this deck to the house.

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This was a small deck package from a large home center. Many large and local lumber yards and home centers design various decks and then furnish the required materials in a package deal. This is usually done with computer software and simplifies the design and planning process. Often, you will save money on package deals.

As a contractor, the only way I will except a deck package is if I can hand select all pieces that will be visible. Otherwise, chances are some sub-standard lumber will be included and I don't have time to run back and forth trading in boards.
Most of the time, this is not a problem.

When it comes to where you want to put your deck or patio, remember that many obstacles can be dealt with creatively. Going around a tree or a boulder adds a unique aspect to a deck or patio. A beautiful and imaginative deck or patio is a valuable addition to any home.