Carpentry SOP Example

Pressure-Treated Deck Framing

Ground-level deck framing with footings, beam, joists, and blocking per IRC.

1. Layout & footing locationsEstablish the deck perimeter using batter boards and string line. Pull diagonal measurements to confirm the layout is square (3-4-5 method or compare diagonals — they must be equal). Mark footing locations with marking paint. Call 811 (Dig Safe) minimum 3 business days before digging. Dig footing holes to the depth required by local frost line — minimum 12" diameter per the IRC for typical residential loads. Footings must bear on undisturbed or compacted native soil.
2. Pour concrete footingsSet tube forms in holes, verify they are plumb and at the correct elevation (top of tube at grade for a buried footing, or above grade for a surface-mounted post base). Mix and pour concrete — use 3,000 PSI or better. Set post base hardware into wet concrete, verifying anchor bolt spacing matches the post base you will install. Use a level to confirm the post base is aligned to the layout string. Allow 24–48 hours cure time before loading footings.
3. Post & beam installationCut 4x4 or 6x6 PT posts to the correct height — account for the beam depth and decking thickness to hit the target finished deck elevation. Set posts in post bases, plumb in both directions, and brace temporarily. Install the 4x6 PT beam in the post caps — confirm the beam is level across its span. Install beam-to-post connections per manufacturer's hardware specification. Do not notch posts more than 50% of post depth.
4. Ledger installation & flashingRemove siding at the ledger attachment area — ledger must attach to the rim joist or band joist of the house framing, not to siding or sheathing. Install a continuous piece of self-adhering flashing membrane on the house sheathing before the ledger. Set the ledger and fasten with 1/2" diameter through-bolts or structural screws in a staggered pattern per the IRC span table for the ledger size and joist span. Install Z-flashing over the top of the ledger, lapping the existing siding. Verify ledger is level and at the correct elevation for the target deck height.
5. Joist installation & blockingInstall the double rim joist on the outer beam. Cut and hang PT 2x8 joists at 16" OC using joist hangers rated for PT lumber (LUS28 or equivalent hot-dipped galvanized). Verify all joists are crown-up and flush at the top. Install solid blocking at the midspan of all joists using the same dimensional lumber — blocking prevents joist rotation under load. Confirm all joist hangers are fully nailed with the specified fastener count per the hanger manufacturer label.
6. Final inspection & framing documentationCheck the completed framing for square, level, and plumb. Verify all hardware is fully nailed and all PT lumber connections use hot-dipped galvanized or stainless fasteners (standard bright nails corrode rapidly in contact with PT lumber preservatives). Photograph all footings, post bases, beam-to-post connections, ledger attachment, and joist hanger installation before decking obscures them. Schedule framing inspection with the building department if required before decking installation begins.