Framing Corners and Curves

Many alterations in the design of a basic deck can't be accomplished without modifying the framing. For example, you can visualize a wraparound deck as two decks with common framing, but each side will require its own ledger. Curves will add style to a deck, but will need joists cut in a contour.

Prestart Checklist

Time
Three to four hours, depending on the special circumstance

Tools
Framing hammer, measuring tape, framing square, speed square, cordless drill, circular saw, carpenter's level, chalk line

Skills
Measuring, cutting, fastening

Prep
Varies with circumstances

Materials
Varies with circumstances

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Alternate Framing Patterns for Wraparound Decks

Framing for a wraparound deck will almost always be determined by the decking pattern you choose. Pick the pattern when you plan your deck, and install the framing accordingly.

Wraparound

A wraparound deck needs support along two sides of the house, and that means two ledgers. Lay out both sides of the deck as single units and install the ledgers. Put the ledgers on different planes for a step-down design.

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Inside corner

Most decks on the inside corners of a house will need two ledgers. But before you lay out the site, check the corner for square. If the house is badly out of square, install one ledger, but treat the other as a rim joist -- which will require posts and footings set close to the house.

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Curve: Step 1

Lay out the site and set posts, beams, and joists, keeping them at the proper spacing with a 1x4 tacked to their top edges. Make a framing scribe, fasten it in place, and mark the outline of the curve on each joist. Duplicate the angle of the scribe where it intersects each joist.

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Making a Framing Scribe: Lay out large curves

Before you make a framing scribe, be sure to make a scaled drawing of your deck plan so you will know exactly where the center point of the curve falls on the framing.

Using your dimensioned plan, fasten a rectangular piece of plywood over the location of the center point. Mark the center point on the plywood and fasten a 1x4 scribe with one nail, centering the nail on the scribe and the center-point mark on the plywood.

Measure from the nail out to the end of the 1x4 and cut it at the length of the radius of the curve. Move the end of the scribe from one joist to the next, marking each with the angle at which the 1x4 crosses it.

Curve: Step 2

Using a speed square, transfer both ends of the angled marks to the sides of each joist. Cut the angled end with a reciprocating saw, making sure the blade does not wander away from either line.

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Curve: Step 3

Measure the circumference of the arc and either cut benderboard or 1x stock to fit. Saw kerfs in 1x stock every 3/8 to 1/2 inch so the board will bend around the curve. Fasten the benderboard or kerfed stock to the ends of the joists, adding perpendicular blocking where necessary.

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