Whatever you do, don’t skimp on materials (i.e. using 4-by-4 posts) when building a freestanding deck. In fact, for this kind of construction it’s best to over-build the deck.

Drive no fewer than two 16d galvanized nails through the brace at each floor joist. To prevent corrosion, be sure that the nails have the proper coating to match the treated lumber you’re using.

This bracing method is time-tested and has been used to make house walls stiff to resist side-to-side motion. Be sure to apply a modern tape on top of your deck joists before installing the decking.

A great way to keep a deck square as you build it is to use diagonal bracing made from 5/16-inch x 1-1/2-inch–wide wood lath (a bundle of 50 costs about $32).

Sadly no, not a cyberdeck nor a steam deck, a wooden one for the backyard. I'll be DIY building one and posting about it here. I know some people have built decks in the past, but as far as I know ...

Q. I’m facing some building projects. One’s a tall deck, another is framing a garden shed, and then I need to help a friend with a room addition. I’m wondering about diagonal bracing.

Catastrophic deck collapses have occurred, typically happening when there is a party with a lot of people on the deck. “Although Arthur noticed the joist hanger itself rusting, it is possible ...