If you’ve always dreamed of having a deck but have been reluctant to tackle the huge task, your misgivings are well founded. Building a deck is not for beginners, and most people choose to hire contractors for this project. However, if you are interested in installing a simple ground-level porch in the back of your house, the job becomes a bit easier, and you can do it yourself if you’re willing to invest the time and funds.


A ground-level deck is obviously much simpler than an above-ground deck because it doesn’t have steps, support beams, or railings. In most cases, the job can be done over a couple of weekends, and you’ll probably spend less than $1000 for the parts. Here’s how it works.

Step 1: First, you’re going to remove the building’s trim and attach the ledger, which needs to be hooked by 6d nails through spacers set at two feet apart along its length. Then, you’ll affix the ledger to the house’s rim joist with ½ lag screws tightened with washers.

Step 2: When you have your ledger up, protect it with a 6-inch strip of waterproof membrane folded lengthwise at a 90-degree angle. Attach it with roofing nails.

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