Step 1: Getting started/Examining the plans

From the plans found on our website, locate the framing plan. This is the most useful page for building the Side Pool Deck. In these instructions, we will be using a 12'x12' deck as an example. Slight modifications will need to be made for larger or smaller decks.

When examining the Side Pool Deck plans, disregard the outside 2"x6" support boards with the angled sections for now. These will be the last 2"x6" support boards placed. To begin, start with building a simple rectangular deck. To accomplish this, use the two outside 2"x6" support boards, the 2"x6" end board, 4"x4" posts, and the four corner Dek-Block® piers. Use the Side Pool Deck plan dimensions that fit your sized pool.

Step 2: Place the corner Dek-Block® piers.

Place the two Dek-Block® piers closest to the pool. The Dek-Block® piers should be placed on level ground with the center of the block about 12-16 inches away from the pool's wall. Next, position the two remaining corner Dek-Block® piers farthest from the pool matching the layout on the plan.

Step 3: Cutting the 4"x4" posts.

Place a full length 4"x4" post in the post pocket of one of the Dek-Block® piers closest to the pool and hold plumb (vertically level).

Using a level and the pool's metal coping as a guide, mark a line level with the top of the pool's coping. From this line, subtract the following 4 items.

1. The thickness of the pool's metal coping.

2. 1/2" for water drainage and air flow between the decking and the pool's coping.

3. The thickness of the surface boards. 1 1/2" for 2"x6" decking and 1" for 5/4"x6" or composite decking.

4. 5 1/2" for the thickness of the 2"x6" support frame.

Next, cut the 4"x4" post to length and repeat this step for the second corner block near the pool.

By using the pool's coping as a guide, it will ensure that the deck is aligned with the pool. (If deck was to be built perfectly level and the pool was not level, the deck would appear unlevel)

Once the two 4"x4" posts nearest the pool are cut, place a 2"x6" support board on top of one of the 4"x4" posts. Extend the 2"x6" support board over the Dek-Block® pier that is furthest from the pool. Using a level as a guide, measure from the bottom of the 2"x6" support board to the bottom of the post pocket of the Dek-Block® pier. Cut the 4"x4" post to length and repeat on the opposite side.

Step 4: Square the Frame.

Place two - 2"x6" support boards on the 4"x4" post using the dimensions found on the plan. Attach the 2"x6" end board to each of the 2"x6" support boards using two - 2 1/2" deck screws at each connection. Using the same dimensions of the 2"x6" end board found on the plan, verify that the distance between the two - 2"x6" support boards are equal at both ends of the frame. Once the two - 2"x6" support boards are an equal distance apart from each other, "tack" a temporary board to the two 2"x6" support boards about 2 feet from the edge of the pool.

Tacking a Temporary Board: Use a 2"x6" surface board as a temporary board. Place the worst side up. Use two deck screws at each connection and only place the screws 80% of the way in (stop before the head of the screw penetrates the surface of the wood). Allow an equal amount of board to extend beyond the frame.

Next, measure the diagonal distance from opposite corners of the support frame. Adjust the 2"x6" support boards and Dek-Block® piers until the diagonal distance between opposite corners is EQUAL. Once the frame is square, toe-screw the 2"x6" support boards into the 4"x4" posts using two - 2 1/2" deck screws on each side of the 2"x6" support board.

Toe-Screwing Supports

Step 5: Cut remaining 4"x4" posts near pool.

Using a similar method as in Step 3, position the remaining Dek-Block® piers along the pool's edge using the dimensions found on the Side Pool Deck plan. Place a full length 4"x4" post in the pocket of one of the Dek-Block® piers closest to the pool. Using the pool's coping as a guide, mark a line on the 4"x4" post level with the top of the coping. From this line, subtract the same measurements used in Step 3 for the previouse posts along the pool's edge, and cut to length.

Step 6: Positioning the support boards.

Using the dimensions found on the Side Pool Deck plans, mark a line at each point where the 2"x6" end board meets the 2"x6" support board. Next, place the 2"x6" support board on top of the 4"x4" post and "tack" the opposite end to the 2"x6" end board.

Step 7: Place remaining 4"x4 "posts and Dek-Block® piers.

Position the Dek-Block® piers beneath the 2"x6" support boards using the dimensions found on the Side Pool Deck plans. Measure the distance from the bottom of the 2"x6" support board to the bottom of the post pocket of the Dek-Block® pier. Cut all remaining 4"x4" posts to length and position accordingly.

Loosening the bottom screw from the 2"x6" end board into the 2"x6" support board can help fit the 4"x4" post between the Dek-Block® pier and the 2"x6" support board. After all 4"x4" posts are positioned, secure all screws from the 2"x6" end board into the 2"x6" support boards.

After all 4"x4" post are cut and positioned, toe-screw two - 2 1/2" deck screws from each side of the 2"x6" support board into each of the 4"x4" posts.

Toe-Screwing Supports

Step 8: Outside support boards.

On each side of the completed rectangular frame, position the Dek-Block® piers that are closest to the pool wall about 12 inches from the wall. Place a 4"x4" post in the pocket of the Dek-Block® pier. Next. measure and cut to length using the pool's coping as a guide.

Position the Dek-Block® pier furthest from the pool wall using the dimensions found on the plan. Place a 2"x6" support board on top of the 4"x4" post. Extend the support board over the Dek-Block® pier that is furthest from the pool. Using a level as a guide, measure from the bottom of the 2"x6" support board to the bottom of the post pocket of the Dek-Block® pier. Cut the 4"x4" post to length and repeat on the opposite side. Place the 2"x6" support board on top of the 4"x4" post. Verify that the 2"x6" support board is parallel to the existing rectangular frame using the dimensions found on the Side Pool Deck plan. Once the 2"x6" support is positioned accurately, secure it to the 4"x4" posts. The temporary top board can be used to stabilize the outside 2"x6" support boards.

Step 9: Attach angled corner boards.

Using the dimensions found on the plan, cut the angled 2"x6" corner boards. Each end should be cut at a 45 degree angle. Position and secure to the 2"x6" support boards.

Step 10: Attach blocking boards.

Blocking should be located 1-2 inches out from the edge of the pool's coping. Start by cutting a 2"x6" blocking board slightly longer than the distance between support boards. Set the 2"x6" blocking board on top of the 2"x6" support boards alligned with the pool's coping. With a pencil, mark the angle on each end. Finish by cutting and securing all the 2x6" support boards with 2-1/2" deck screws.

Step 11: 2"x4" Diagonal bracing.

Diagonal 2"x4" bracing boards should be placed between the 4"x4" posts along the outside perimeter of the deck, and the 4"x4" posts nearest to the pool wall. Starting with the three sides that are not directly next to the pool. Place a 2"x4" board diagonally behind the 4"x4" posts. With a pencil, mark/scribe the angle at each end and cut to fit. Attach the 2"x4" diagonal bracing board by toe-screwing two - 2 1/2" deck screws from each side. Repeat this process while alternating angles from section to section.

The 2"x4" diagonal bracing boards along the pool's edge will need to have a "compound miter angle." To achieve this use a 2"x4" bracing board that is slightly longer than the distance between the 4"x4" posts. Hold the board diagonally behind the 4"x4" posts. With a pencil, mark/scribe the vertical angle at each end. While holding it in the same position, eye-ball the second horizontal angle and mark a line parallel to the 4"x4" post onto the 2"x4" bracing board.

Cutting a compound angle: Set the 2"x4" bracing board flat on a compound miter saw. Adjust the saw's table angle to the scribed vertical angle. Adjust the saw's blade angle to the eye-balled horizontal angle. Both angles will be cut at once. Make the first cut longer than needed to ensure the angles are set properly.

Secure the 2"x4" diagonal bracing boards by toe-screwing two - 2 1/2" deck screws from each side. Repeat this process alternating angles from section to section.

Step 12: Secure surface boards.

Starting at the end farthest from the pool,begin attaching the 2"x6" or 5/4"x6" surface boards. Use two - 2 1/2" deck screws at the connection of each 2"x6" support board.

If the surface boards are pressure treated and wet, position them directly next to each other (touching). Within a few days to a week, a small gap will form as the boards dry and shrink. If the surface boards are cedar, redwood, or composite decking, leave a 1/8" minimum gap between boards.

The surface boards nearest the pool's edge will need to be cut-to-fit. Allow the surface boards to extend under the pool's coping. Leave 1-2 inches between the end of the surface board and the pool's wall. After all surface boards have been attached, use a chalk-line as a guide and trim the overhanging edges with a circular saw.