Many homeowners build their decks attached to the house. But in reality, they don’t have to be. The perfect spot for setting up a barbecue stand or a lounge chair for sunbathing may be in the farthest ...

Set the blocking 1/2-in. to the side of the center mark, alternating from side to side, so that the blocking doesn’t end up in the gap between the deck boards. Frame the steps for the floating deck ...