Building a deck is one of the most popular outdoor projects for home DIYers. The job takes time and effort, but if you have some basic carpentry skills and the right tools, and you work slowly, carefully, and safely, you can produce a great-looking deck that you can be proud of. Author Dave Toht takes you through every step of the way, from design and planning, choosing tools and materials, installing footings and ledgers, framing, installing decking, building stairs and railings, and adding benches, planters, and other built-ins. The heart of the book is a step-by-step guide to building four different types of deck--a patio deck, a first-story deck, a raised deck, and a multi-feature deck--which include a range of decking and railing types and special features. Decks concludes with a chapter on deck maintenance and repair.