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Planning a DIY deck? Your materials list should start with an approved design—not a fixed shopping list. Most projects need an appropriate footing system, structural framing, decking, fasteners, and, where required, stairs and railings. Exact sizes, quantities, connections, and permit requirements depend on the deck’s dimensions, height, loads, site conditions, and local code. Use this checklist to understand the categories, then confirm the specifics with your plans or UglyDeck’s DIY team.
Building Your Own Deck Doesn’t Mean Figuring Out Everything Yourself
The hardest part of a DIY deck may be figuring out everything you need—not building it. A complete materials list means getting the right boards, lengths, connectors, fasteners, and finishing pieces. With UglyDeck’s DIY program, we can help plan your project, assemble a complete deck material package, and deliver it to your home. You can still save on labor by doing the building yourself, with optional professional help for footings, ledger installation, or framing and support from your UglyDeck DIY Coach. You can also try our free deck materials estimator to begin planning.
1. Footings, Posts, and Deck Framing Materials
Use the approved drawings to determine the number, sizes, spacing, and attachment details. Depending on your deck design, the framing materials may include:
• Footing materials specified by the approved plan (such as concrete, forms, or an approved helical footing system)
• Approved post bases, anchors, and connectors compatible with the footing system
• Structural posts sized and spaced according to the design
• Ledger board and approved ledger flashing and fasteners, if the deck attaches to the house
• Beams and joists sized for the required spans and loads
• Joist hangers, structural screws or nails, and other specified hardware
• Blocking and bracing where required by the plan or manufacturer
• Corrosion-resistant connectors and fasteners rated for the lumber and exposure conditions
• Joist lumber that meets the building code requirements in your locality
• A mason’s string
• Joist hangers
• Several wooden stakes
• At your discretion, you can acquire landscaping fabric
• Depending on your preferences, you can also acquire gravel
2. Decking Boards, Fascia, and Fasteners
After the structure is complete, decking and trim materials depend on the board manufacturer, layout, and fastening method. Follow the manufacturer’s installation requirements for spacing, ventilation, and approved fasteners.
• Boards for the composite deck
• A hidden fastening system or screws to secure the deck
• Non-staining marking tools approved for the decking surface; avoid colored chalk that could leave permanent marks.
• Any additional accessories you want to add the start and end of the deck
• Fascia boards
• End caps (To be used for a hollow composite deck)
• A water-based or silicone-based sealant
Tools Needed to Build a DIY Deck
Apart from the materials listed above, you will also need to arm yourself with a variety of tools for the decking project as shown below.
Tools for Footings and Framing
At this stage of the deck installation process, the tools you will need include:
• Tape measure, level or laser level, framing square, and string lines
• Circular saw with a suitable blade, drill/driver, and impact driver
• Clamps, hammer, and appropriate wrenches or sockets
• Post-hole digging equipment if using excavated footings
• Concrete mixing and finishing tools if using poured concrete
• Personal protective equipment and safe access equipment suited to the project
Tools for Decking and Fascia Installation
Depending on the decking product and fastening system, useful tools may include:
• A framing square
• A speed square
• A miter saw
• A rubber mallet
• A hammer
• Clamps
• A small brush
• A plunge router
Ready to put your materials list together? Explore UglyDeck’s DIY deck program or ask about a complete material package planned for your project and delivered to your home.
