Want to Build a Deck? What You Need to Get Started

If you're an avid DIY enthusiast, you probably have a little experience with power tools and other hardware. But when you want to build a deck, you'll need even more tools to do the job right.

Discover a couple important tools you'll need for deck building.

A Jigsaw

A jigsaw will come in handy when you need to make curved cuts. For example, you might need to cut around the posts on your deck or make a decorative edge. You may also need to make plunge cuts, which are deeper cuts that start in the middle of a piece of wood.

To use a jigsaw, you'll first need to put the blade into the saw and then clamp or hold down the wood you want to cut. Make sure you have a firm grip before you turn on the power. A jigsaw can be tricky to control, and you don't want the blade to slip and cause an accident.

You can now guide the blade along your cut line. Practice on some scrap wood before you tackle your deck project if you feel a little hazy on the technique to use. When you're done, unplug the saw and remove the blade.

Jigsaw blades come in different sizes, so you'll need to choose one compatible with your saw. You also need to consider the teeth per inch (TPI) of the blade. A higher TPI will give you a finer cut, while a lower TPI will cut much faster but leave behind a rougher edge. Your choice will depend on the results you want for your deck project.

A Nail Gun

A nail gun is an essential tool for any deck-building project. Not only will this equipment make the job go faster, but it also helps you avoid splitting the wood. These tools are much better than hammers if you need to attach lumber because they deliver consistent force with each shot. That said, you might still need a hammer to drive in any nails too close to the edge of the board.

Two main types of nail guns are available: pneumatic and cordless. Pneumatic tools require an air compressor, which can be a bit of an investment. However, they're more powerful than cordless tools and can drive nails into even the hardest woods.

If you don't want to invest in an air compressor, go for a cordless nail gun. Some cordless guns are more expensive upfront but offer greater portability. These battery-powered tools are now more popular and are just as effective as pneumatic tools, albeit not quite as powerful.

As you choose a nail gun, look for one that's comfortable to hold and has a safety trigger. Safety triggers ensure that the gun doesn't fire unless you press the gun against the wood. Also, look for a durable unit that has several operational settings. This way, you can use the gun for different projects around the house, not just deck-building.

In addition, most nail guns use either 16-gauge or 18-gauge nails. For most deck-building projects, you'll want to use 16-gauge nails, as they're more likely to penetrate better. However, they're likely to split the wood, which is always a risk when you drive nails into thin sheets of lumber. In such a case, you're better off with 18-gauge nails.

But whatever nail gun you go for, be sure to read the instructions that come with your nail gun before you use the tool. These tools can be dangerous if you don't handle them properly. You might inadvertently shoot a nail into your finger or hand and cause serious injury. So, take the time to learn how to use your nail gun properly and always wear safety glasses when you work with this tool.

If you want to learn more about these essential deck-building tools, give us a call at Koontz Hardware today.