How to Build a Deck: DIY Videos & Resources

Welcome to Trex Academy

Trex Academy is your one stop for everything you need to learn how to build your new deck, whether it’s tutorial videos, pro-tips or inspiration. Because we know time spent outdoors is time well-spent.

Design & Curate

Get inspired and create your ideal outdoor space with our digital tools.

DESIGN YOUR DECK

Plan

Starting is as easy as knowing what to do. We’ll help you develop your plan.

EXPLORE NEXT STEPS

Learn & Build

Take your deck from start to finish with step-by-step videos.

WATCH NOW

Deck Extras

From advice to inspiration to flourish, explore what comes next.

BROWSE ARTICLES

Not sure where to start?

Maybe you’re still deciding between DIY and hiring a contractor. We’ll help you figure out the right path forward.

Roll up your sleeves

Knowing where and how to start can be the hardest part of building a deck. Trex is here to help. Before you break ground, explore our how-to videos and instructions for step-by-step guidance.

Planning & Foundation

VIEW GUIDES

Decking Installation

VIEW GUIDES

Stair Installation

VIEW GUIDES

Railing Installation

VIEW GUIDES

Finishing Touches

VIEW GUIDES

Upcycling Extra Materials

VIEW GUIDES

Explore All Guides

DIY Dreams to Decking Reality

What’s not to love about a new Trex deck? Hear from real Trex owners who are enjoying their new outdoor spaces.

“

I like the consistency in the product. You don’t have to pick through the boards to find the best wood. I can use every board. And the clip system is so cool. It went down fast.

- Eric Gunnarson, Trex customer

Read the Gunnarson’s Story

We use [our Trex deck] every chance we could we the sun came out for relaxing, morning coffee, eating meals, entertaining, family events, gardening and work meetings.

- Melissa, author of The Inspired Room & Trex repeat customer

Read Melissas’s Story

I found the Trex website to be a great resource with lots of information on all aspects of building a deck - from planning and products to design and installation.

- Amy Davies Pereira, Little House in London & Trex customer

Read Amy’s Interview

More Resources to Explore

Deck Designer

DESIGN YOUR DECK

Cost Calculator

ESTIMATE COSTS

FAQ

FIND ANSWERS

[{"question":"When something at your house needs to be fixed (e.g., replacing a door frame, removing a rotted tree stump from the yard, installing a new ceiling fan)...","questionType":"skillsRelated","answers":[{"answer":"I fix it myself – It’s no problem!","points":"4"},{"answer":"I look up how-to instructions online – I’m up for a challenge.","points":"3"},{"answer":"I hire an expert – I’ll need some help.","points":"1"}]},{"question":"Have you ever completed a complex home DIY project before? (e.g., renovating a bathroom, building a treehouse, reshingling a roof, demolishing an interior wall, installing vinyl siding)","questionType":"skillsRelated","answers":[{"answer":"Yes","points":"4"},{"answer":"No","points":"2"}]},{"question":"How much upcoming available time do you have to dedicate to building a deck?","questionType":"timeRelated","answers":[{"answer":"Over 10 days","points":"4"},{"answer":"One full week","points":"3"},{"answer":"One four-day weekend","points":"3"},{"answer":"One full day","points":"1"}]},{"question":"Are you comfortable using power tools?","questionType":"skillsRelated","answers":[{"answer":"Absolutely.","points":"4"},{"answer":"I think so, if I have instructions to guide me.","points":"3"},{"answer":"Not really.","points":"1"}]},{"question":"Can you lift 40 – 60 lbs, several times, over the course of your deck build? If not, do you have access to someone to lend a hand?","questionType":"skillsRelated","answers":[{"answer":"Yes","points":"4"},{"answer":"No","points":"1"}]},{"question":"Do you have access to this list of tools (either you own them or you’re willing to rent them?): circular saw, speed square, jigsaw, sledgehammer, miter saw, level, drill, post hole digger","questionType":"toolsRelated","answers":[{"answer":"I have access to all of these tools.","points":"4"},{"answer":"I have access to most of these tools (6+).","points":"3"},{"answer":"I have access to a few of these tools (3+).","points":"2"},{"answer":"I don’t have access to any of these tools.","points":"1"}]}] [{"points":"1","resultText":"

We love your enthusiasm but it sounds like you’re not quite ready to DIY a deck by yourself. We recommend hiring a professional. In the meantime, here are a few places to up your DIY game:

\r\n","links":[{"url":"/build-your-deck/hiring-contractors/","image":"https://images.trex.com/is/image/trexcompany/install-trn-25-SR-johnmalecki-talent-hidden-fastener-detail:Related-Article","title":"Hire a Builder"},{"url":"/deck-ideas/diy-or-hire-a-pro-can-i-build-a-deck-myself/","image":"https://images.trex.com/is/image/trexcompany/trex-true-cost-of-building-deck-video-card:Related-Article","title":"DIY or Hire a Pro: Can I Build a Deck Myself?"},{"url":"/academy/literature-and-faqs/","image":"https://images.trex.com/is/image/trexcompany/decking-and-railing-catalog-cover-preview:Related-Article","title":"Literature & FAQs"},{"url":"/deck-ideas/qa-with-diy-pete/","image":"https://images.trex.com/is/image/trexcompany/trex-ideas-section-image-69-2:Related-Article","title":"Q&A With DIY Pete"}]},{"points":"2","resultText":"

Maybe – it sounds like you have time and some tools handy, but we recommend starting with a simple project to test your DIY skills. Here are a few links to help you learn more about building a deck and DIYing with Trex:

\r\n","links":[{"url":"/deck-ideas/q-a-with-diy-creators/","image":"https://images.trex.com/is/image/trexcompany/diy-creators-thumbnail:Related-Article","title":"Q&A with DIY Creators"},{"url":"/build-your-deck/planyourdeck/","image":"https://images.trex.com/is/image/trexcompany/trex-square-deck-design-12ft-16ft:Related-Article","title":"Design Tools"},{"url":"/why-trex/faq/","image":"https://images.trex.com/is/image/trexcompany/install-azdeck-03-enh-rh-sel-railing-wt-packaging-talent:Related-Article","title":"Frequently Asked Questions"},{"url":"/academy/how-to-guides/all-guides/","image":"","title":"All Guides"}]},{"points":"3","resultText":"

Maybe – it seems like you might have some skills, but because you have limited free time, we recommend starting with a simple DIY build. Here are a few resources to get you started down the right path:

\r\n","links":[{"url":"/deck-ideas/qa-with-diy-pete/","image":"https://images.trex.com/is/image/trexcompany/trex-ideas-section-image-69-2:Related-Article","title":"Q&A With DIY Pete"},{"url":"/build-your-deck/planyourdeck/","image":"https://images.trex.com/is/image/trexcompany/trex-square-deck-design-12ft-16ft:Related-Article","title":"Design Tools"},{"url":"/academy/how-to-guides/","image":"https://images.trex.com/is/image/trexcompany/install-atlantaresurfacing-32-trn-im-boards-hidden-fasteners-talent1:Related-Article","title":"How-To Guides"},{"url":"/academy/how-to-guides/all-guides/how-to-resurface-a-wood-deck-with-trex-transcend-composite-decking/","image":"https://images.trex.com/is/image/trexcompany/trex-academy-resurface-deck-thumbnail:Related-Article","title":"Resurface Your Deck with Trex Transcend® Decking"}]},{"points":"4","resultText":"

Based on your responses, it sounds like you’ve got the skills, time and resources to DIY your own deck! Here are some projects that could be right for you:

\r\n","links":[{"url":"/academy/how-to-guides/all-guides/how-to-resurface-a-wood-deck-with-trex-transcend-composite-decking/","image":"https://images.trex.com/is/image/trexcompany/trex-academy-resurface-deck-thumbnail:Related-Article","title":"Resurface Your Deck with Trex Transcend® Decking"},{"url":"/academy/how-to-guides/all-guides/how-to-build-deck-stairs/","image":"https://images.trex.com/is/image/trexcompany/trex-academy-deck-stairs-thumbnail:Related-Article","title":"How to Build Deck Stairs"},{"url":"/academy/how-to-guides/","image":"https://images.trex.com/is/image/trexcompany/install-atlantaresurfacing-32-trn-im-boards-hidden-fasteners-talent1:Related-Article","title":"How-To Guides"},{"url":"/academy/how-to-guides/","image":"https://images.trex.com/is/image/trexcompany/install-atlantaresurfacing-32-trn-im-boards-hidden-fasteners-talent1:Related-Article","title":"How-To Guides"}]}]

POPULAR SEARCHES

SUGGESTED PAGES

SUGGESTED PRODUCTS

Building your dream deck starts here

Welcome to Trex Academy

Design & Curate

Plan

Learn & Build

Deck Extras

Not sure where to start?

Roll up your sleeves

Planning & Foundation

VIEW GUIDES

Decking Installation

VIEW GUIDES

Stair Installation

VIEW GUIDES

Railing Installation

VIEW GUIDES

Finishing Touches

VIEW GUIDES

Upcycling Extra Materials

VIEW GUIDES

More Resources to Explore

Deck Designer

DESIGN YOUR DECK

Cost Calculator

ESTIMATE COSTS

FAQ

FIND ANSWERS

Order a sample

SHOP DECKING SAMPLES

FIND A RETAILER

FIND A BUILDER

POPULAR SEARCHES

SUGGESTED PAGES

SUGGESTED PRODUCTS

Building your dream deck starts here

Welcome to Trex Academy

Design & Curate

Plan

Learn & Build

Deck Extras

Not sure where to start?

Roll up your sleeves

Planning & Foundation

VIEW GUIDES

Decking Installation

VIEW GUIDES

Stair Installation

VIEW GUIDES

Railing Installation

VIEW GUIDES

Finishing Touches

VIEW GUIDES

Upcycling Extra Materials

VIEW GUIDES

More Resources to Explore

Deck Designer

DESIGN YOUR DECK

Cost Calculator

ESTIMATE COSTS

FAQ

FIND ANSWERS

Order a sample

SHOP DECKING SAMPLES

FIND A RETAILER

FIND A BUILDER

Unable to Add to Cart