frame a basic deck. Well as you can tell this deck is only a few feet off the ground. In any case it makes no difference. Excluding the length of the post. As you will see I use nail guns, using nail guns make it much easier and faster.When your holding a large and very heavy 2x10 with one hand you can air nail with the other. These air nailers can be rented at any rental center (United Rentals) But if your doing a small project using regular galvanized nail with a hammer works just fine not to mention cheaper. This deck shows what is called a drop beam, this is the main beam that holds the deck up. This is where the post  stands on the footing, runs up to and under the main beam. Then the floor joist lays on top of the main beam. This way you rely on the strength of the wood to hold the deck up and not nails and bolts. There is certainly alot more that goes into building a deck then I describe here, so please just ask me if you need information on building a deck. All wood of course is the pressure treated pine, looks OK at first but you really should seal it after a few weeks to allow the dry out first. I did not show the footings or the ledger plate going on so if you have any questions please just ask.

Hey did you know that I offer free deck blue prints via email to any registered user. Just give me the size and I'll make them for you.