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How to Build a Deck in a Weekend with CAMO

Building a deck doesn’t have to be a weeks-long project! With the right tools and a bit of preparation, you can transform your outdoor space in just a weekend. CAMO products are designed to make deck building faster and easier while delivering professional results. Whether you’re an experienced DIYer or tackling your first big project, this guide will help you confidently build your new deck in record time.

How CAMO Fast-Tracks Your Weekend Deck Build

CAMO tools and fasteners are designed to simplify deck construction while delivering quality results. Here’s how they can make your weekend project a success:

  • Ease of Use: CAMO’s innovative tools are intuitively designed and easy-to-use, reducing the learning curve for first-time builders and weekend warriors.
  • Speed and Precision: CAMO tools ensure consistent board spacing, alignment, and precise fastener placement, saving time on adjustments and delivering a professional finish.
  • Everything You Need: CAMO offers an impressive variety of game-changing, deck building and board fastening solutions that make deck building easier, from heavy-duty foundation blocks that are lighter than cement blocks to rugged structural fasteners and hidden deck clips.
  • Time-Saving Design: CAMO tools streamline every step of the deck-building process, from aligning boards to securing fasteners, helping you complete your project faster—and better.

Tools and Materials

CAMO Deck Essentials

  • CAMO BLOCK: Ultra-durable, floating foundation bases to hold joists or posts for freestanding, low-profile decks, eliminating the need for digging or concrete
  • CAMO Joist + Ledger Deck Tape: Self-adhesive butyl tape creates a waterproof membrane to protect wood deck framing
  • CAMO Structural Screws: Code-crushing and highly corrosion resistant for secure, structural connections
  • CAMO LEVER: Expertly designed to bend and lock deck boards in place for faster installation and uniform alignment.
  • CAMO Hidden Deck Clips: Pre-assembled, one-pass fasteners for securing grooved deck boards, with consistent spacing for a fastener-free surface

OR

Other Deck Materials You’ll Need

  • Pressure-treated wood, composite, or PVC decking boards
  • Lumber for joists, beams, and blocking
  • Drill
  • Circular saw
  • Measuring tape
  • Level
  • Safety gear (gloves, goggles, etc.)

Building a Freestanding Deck

Here, we’ll focus on a freestanding deck without railing or steps—ideal for creating an outdoor retreat in a weekend. Whatever plan you ultimately settle on, you can count on CAMO products to bring ease and precision to every step of your build.

Before the Big Weekend

Plan and Prep

  • Design: Keep your deck design simple and rectangular for a quicker build. Decide between a ground-level deck or slightly elevated platform deck. By keeping the height low (up to 30 inches), you can stabilize your deck using convenient CAMO BLOCK support bases.
  • Site Preparation: Clear the site and ensure the ground is compact and stable. You can use CAMO BLOCKS on any stable surface, including uneven ground with a little leveling.
  • Pressure treated lumber: When working with PT lumber, make sure it is fully dried out before building your deck. Learn more with our guide to pressure treated decking. 
  • Tools and Permits: Assemble your tools and materials. Your freestanding deck may not require a permit, but check with your local building authority before construction and allow enough time—usually one to two weeks—in case permits are needed.

Day 1: Foundation and Framing

Let’s get this project started!

Lay the Foundation

For a Ground-Level Deck:

  • Level and place CAMO BLOCKS at evenly spaced intervals, a maximum of 60 inches apart, with joists placed 16 inches on center. The precision-molded BLOCKS hold the joists, streamlining your project and eliminating the need for beams.
  • If your joist spans are short (under 8 feet), blocking may not be necessary but can still be used for added stability or to attach fascia boards. See Build the Frame.

For an Elevated Platform Deck:

  • Use CAMO BLOCKS to stabilize your posts (4×4 or 6×6, up to 30 inches) that will support your deck beams.
  • Level and space the blocks no more than 60 inches apart for stability and proper load distribution, then place the posts into the BLOCKS. 
  • Secure the beams perpendicular to the posts using CAMO Multi-Purpose Hex Head Structural Screws. Place the screws one inch from the top and bottom edges of the beam where it intersects the post and drive them straight through the beam on each side.
  • Double-check that all supports are level and square before moving to the next step.

Build the Frame

For an Elevated Platform Deck:

  • Space your joists evenly at 16 inches on center, attaching the joists to the beams using joist hangers and CAMO Structural Screws. 
  • Add blocking (short pieces of lumber installed perpendicular to the joists) between the joists for additional support and to secure fascia boards later.
  • Use structural screws to fasten blocking and secure any additional connections.
  • Confirm that your project is level and square before proceeding.
  • Apply CAMO Joist + Ledger Deck Tape and ensure that all surfaces are clean and dry. 

Day 2: Decking Installation

This is where it all comes together!

Install Deck Boards

With CAMO, you have the flexibility to choose between edge-fastening with CAMO Edge Deck Screws or using CAMO Hidden Deck Clips, depending on your decking board profile. Use either method to create an uninterrupted, fastener-free deck surface—quickly.

To Edge-Fasten Square Boards:

  • Begin at one edge of the frame, aligning the first deck board.
  • Attach the CAMO MARKSMAN Edge Guide to your drill. The MARKSMAN ensures precise screw placement and no spacing between deck boards. The MARKSMAN tool is the preferred method when building with PT lumber because no spacing allows for shrinkage as the wood dries over time. 
  • Load CAMO Edge Deck Screws into the MARKSMAN’s guide.
  • Drive the screws into the sides of the deck board and down into the joist. Continue along the length of the board, securing it to the frame.
  • Repeat the process for each subsequent board.

To Install Grooved Boards with Hidden Clips:

  • Position the pre-assembled CAMO Hidden Deck Clips in the groove of the first board, aligning the clips over the joists.
  • Insert the next deck board into the clips, making sure it’s properly seated and aligned.
  • Drive the fasteners into the joists with one of these methods:
    • For handheld installation, use the CAMO NEVER-MISS Guide for straightforward screw placement.
    • For faster, standing installation, use the CAMO ClipDRIVE tool. Attach the ClipDRIVE to your drill (not an impact driver) and start with the lowest torque setting, increasing only as needed. The ergonomic, height-adjustable handle and weighted nose make it easy to target and drive the screw heads, speeding up the install–without bending or kneeling.
  • Repeat the process for each subsequent board, using the CAMO LEVER to align and lock multiple boards and clips in place and further streamline your build. 

Finishing Touches

  • Trim overhanging boards with a circular saw for a clean edge.
  • Optionally, secure the fascia boards to the rim joist or blocking using CAMO Premium Trim Screws to create a finished deck perimeter.

Tips for a Smooth Weekend Deck Project

  • Pre-Cut Lumber: Have your materials cut to size beforehand to save time during construction.
  • Read the Instructions: Review manufacturer recommendations and guidelines ahead of time to avoid surprises and achieve the best results.
  • Enlist Help: A buddy can assist with aligning joists or securing boards, but if you’re short on volunteers, don’t worry: CAMO tools simplify deck installation, making the build process manageable even if you’re going solo.
  • Rely on CAMO: Leverage the precision and efficiency of CAMO products and tools to minimize mistakes and speed up the process.

Ready to Build Your New Deck?

By following these steps and using CAMO tools, you can confidently build your new deck in just a couple of days. To transform your outdoor space with minimal time and effort, choose CAMO for the deck tools and products you need, then mark your calendar—your new deck is only a weekend away!