Deck and fence build guides
22 guides. Span tables straight from the code, the details that decide whether a deck lasts, and the cost pages that show you how to build your own number.
Planning a deck? Read them in build order:permit requirements, then thejoist span chart andjoist spacing, thenfooting depth andhow to build the footings, then theledger and its flashing and therailing height code.
Planning a fence? Start with thefence permit rules, thenpost depth,gate hardware andhow long each material lasts.
Deck framing & structure
9 guidesDeck joist span chart
Every common species and size at 12, 16 and 24 inch centres, with the code reference.
What size joist for a deck
How to pick 2×6 through 2×12 from span, spacing and what sits on top.
Deck joist spacing
12, 16 and 24 inch centres — what each costs you and when the decking decides.
Deck footing depth
Frost depth, bearing and the inspections that turn on this one number.
Deck footing spacing and layout
Setting out piers with string lines and batter boards, square the first time.
Deck post spacing: how far apart deck posts go
Read the spacing off the beam table, count bays and posts, and pull the end posts in.
Deck ledger board and flashing
Fastener schedule, flashing order and the detail that rots a house wall.
How to stagger deck boards
Butt-joint layout that hides the seams and keeps every joint on a joist.
How to build deck footings
811, layout, digging to depth, tubes or pads, anchors, inspection, pour, post bases and cure.
Fence building
3 guidesHow deep should fence posts be
The one-third rule, the frost rule, and which one actually governs.
Fence gate hardware
Hinges, latches and the bracing that stops a gate sagging in year two.
How long does a fence last
Life by material, why posts fail at grade, and when to repair or replace.
Materials & finishes
4 guidesDeck stain guide
Transparent to solid, when to stain new wood, and the prep that decides the result.
Decking board width
5/4×6, 2×6 and 5/4×4 — coverage, cost and the look each one gives.
How long does a deck last
What actually ends a deck, what each material changes, and what extends it.
Joist spacing for composite decking
What Trex, TimberTech, Fiberon and MoistureShield require: square, diagonal, commercial and stairs.
Costs, codes & permits
6 guidesDeck railing height code
Guard height, baluster spacing and graspable handrail, with the IRC sections.
Deck permit requirements
When a deck needs a permit, what the plan set has to show, and the inspections.
Do you need a permit for a fence
Height limits, setbacks, corner sight triangles and HOA rules.
How much does a deck cost
What moves a deck's price, and how to build your own number from local quotes.
How much does a fence cost
What moves a fence's price, the lines quotes leave off, and how to build your own number.
Fence cost per foot
How a per-foot price is built from one bay, and why two quotes differ.