Print this page Residential Deck Construction
Mark P. Rossow, PhD, PE Retired
Course Outline
This three-hour online course begins by defining the scope of the discussion: single level residential wood decks. Then detailed requirements are presented, in turn, for decking, joist sizes, beam sizes and assembly, deck framing plans, joist-to-beam connections, joist hangers, posts, rim joists, footings, ledger attachments, ledger board fasteners, free-standing decks, deck stability, guard, guard post attachments, stairs, handrails, stair footings, stair lighting, and framing at chimney or bay windows.
This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.
Learning Objective
At the conclusion of this course, the student will:
- Be familiar with decking, joist sizing, and beam sizes and assembly requirements;
- Be familiar with deck framing plans requirements;
- Be able to select proper and joist-to-beam connections and joist hangers;
- Be able to select proper posts and rim joists;
- Be able to design appropriately sized footings;
- Be aware of requirements for ledger attachments and ledger board fasteners;
- Be familiar with free-standing deck and deck stability issues;
- Be knowledgeable about guard and stair requirements; and
- Be knowledgeable about framing requirements at chimney or bay windows.
Intended Audience
This course is intended for civil, construction, and structural engineers, and would also be of particular interest to engineers serving as building officials in the military or in government agencies concerned with residential construction practices.
Benefit to Attendees
An attendee of this course will be able to plan, design, and construct a residential wood deck according to recognized code or good industry practice.
Course Introduction
This course prescribes design and construction methods for single level residential wood decks. The methods are based on, when appropriate, the International Residential Code (IRC), and all methods meet or exceed minimum requirements of the IRC. In instances in which the IRC does not supply guidance, the course recommends provisions that are to be followed as good industry practice. Even though an effort has been made to reflect the language and intent of the IRC, no assurance can be given that deck designs and construction made as presented in this course meet the requirements of any particular jurisdiction.
Course Content
This course is based on the technical publication: “DCA 6 – Prescriptive Residential Wood Deck Construction Guide – Based on the 2015 International Residential Code,” American Wood Council.
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Course Summary
Wood decks may be designed and constructed for possible code acceptance by following prescriptive construction methods described in the American Wood Council’s “Prescriptive Residential Wood Deck Constructive Guide.” Where applicable, provisions and details contained in the Guide are based on the International Residential Code (IRC). Prescriptive construction methods recommended meet or exceed minimum requirements of the IRC. Provisions that are not found in the IRC are recommended as good industry practice.
Related Links
For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites or web pages:
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
