Building a deck is tricky but can be done
With the frame level and square, you can now extend a level down to the ground from the two outer corners of the deck. With these two points precisely marked on the ground, you can start to locate where your posts need to be. No matter where you locate your beam, you can see how you’ll be able to use strings on the ground now to perfectly locate the center of the concrete piers so your posts are centered on the piers.
Attaching the ledger board to your home is the hardest part of the job. Many a person has been seriously injured in deck collapses caused by a lack of attention to detail of this extremely important structural connection.
Simpson Strong-Tie is an American company that makes a variety of metal connectors you’ll probably use to build your deck.
They have a fantastic library of technical notes and drawings that show you how to use special connectors and threaded rods to ensure your new deck doesn’t pull away or drop down to the ground in the future.
Years ago, I also created a helpful drawing that’s at my AsktheBuilder.com website. It shows you how to flash the deck ledger board against the house. It’s the only drawing I’ve ever seen that incorporates small fire cuts on the top of the joists. These cuts allow the deck flashing to drop down over the ledger board and have the all-important kickout lip on the flashing. The picture can be found at https://shop.askthe builder.com/deck-ledgerflashing-detail-and-notes.