This article will explain how to build an elevated deck with common tools, even if you are on a tight budget. My husband and I built this ourselves—mostly it was him, but I helped. Technically, we are ...

Joists tend not to be uniform; some may be slightly wider than others (even 1/8 inch makes a difference), and some may have a noticeable crown. If you lay decking on uneven joists, the result will be ...