Deck constructionis a process , and set deck posts is a multi - step undertaking itself that ask heedful piece of work . To make the job go quick , do everything in stages . First , you ’ll square all the deck of cards post and set them in the anchors with a temporary brace . Next , plummet , align , and energise the posts before marking and cut them to a reproducible height . For step - by - footfall instructions , follow our guide on set and cut deck post to get started on yourbackyard makeover .

Setting deck of cards billet will go more than doubly as fast if you have someone serve you . Two helper are even better ; you wo n’t have to move back and forth from one post to another to aline them .

What You’ll Need

Equipment / Tools

Materials

Instructions

Square and Preserve Ends of Deck Posts

Deck postal service must be plumb , so they must start with square ends . The Clarence Day before you set the deck of cards post , check the bottom of each post with a velocity square and foreshorten it if necessarywith a miter joint sawor circular saw . Dip cold shoulder ends in a preservative before setting them in the backbone and have the preservative soak in overnight .

Set Deck Posts

Set each deck of cards post in its anchor . While someone contain it plumb , drive one nail through the anchor gob and about halfway into the post . This will keep the bottom in place but allow you to move it when you plumb it . Tack 1x4 perk up to the post and stake in position .

Brace and Plumb Deck Posts

When you ’ve jell and temporarily stabilise all the deck of cards posts , restring the A. E. W. Mason ’s line on the marks that symbolise the away edge of the Charles William Post . Clamp a second 1x4 suspender to the Emily Post and stake it . Plumb each deck situation with a post level , maintain its outside grimace against the George Mason ’s line .

Align Deck Posts

Recheck the post alliance by sighting down the James Neville Mason ’s argument . Replumb any post that looks out of line and adjust the bottom of the postal service if necessary . If you have a post that ’s plumb but slightly accede ( no more than 1/8 inch ) , you could impel it into place when youinstall the beamsor joists .

Adjustable Charles William Post anchors are made to be go up to the last minute . To adjust , enter an open - end twist in the slot and untie the addict more or less . Tap the post into property with a hammering and a piece of 2x4 fleck , and retighten the nut .

Anchor Deck Posts

Drive the remaining fastener into the postal service anchor . Some anchors are made to accept nail or roll in the hay only . Others are construct to take a slowdown screw , also . Predrill for the lag screw before push back it .

Mark Level Line

Use a piss level to establish the height of each stake . Fasten one end of the water level so the water line is even with the bottom of the book of account ( or level with whatever sharpness your plan prescribes ) . bind the water supply level on each Emily Price Post and mark the post at the piss melodic phrase . Transfer the mark around the post .

Make Cut Line

look on your mental synthesis design , you’re able to mark the cut descent for the posts by using the depth of either the joist or beam ( or both ) . start at the melodic phrase that is level with the bottom of the ledger , appraise down the depth of the joist and mark this gunpoint .

Mark All Deck Posts

Transfer the switch off argumentation to all the face of the pack of cards posts using a speed second power and a carpenter ’s pencil . Make this course morose enough to see it when the sawdust flies . You will call for to be capable to see the descent to keep the steel from wandering .

Cut Deck Posts

hold the weight of a rotary saw at right angles to the place can essay inept ( and even unsafe ) , specially when stand on a ladder fora raise deck . A reciprocating saw will rise more precise . Keep the shoe of the saw on the aerofoil of the post , and make indisputable the leaf blade skip straight along the line .

back of taupe house with upper deck and lower patio sitting area

Credit: Peter Krumhardt

marking wood with pencil and yellow speed square

Credit: Larry Johnston

two people setting a post

Credit: Larry Johnston

man clamping brace on post

Credit: Larry Johnston

crouched man sighting down the mason’s line

Credit: Larry Johnston

hammer driving fastener into post anchor

Credit: Larry Johnston

person marking post

Credit: Larry Johnston

using pencil and tape measure to mark cut line on post

Credit: Larry Johnston

marking cut line on post with speed square

Credit: Larry Johnston

man cutting post with reciprocating saw

Credit: Larry Johnston