How to Build an RV Deck

If you spend a lot of time with your RV in a single location, it can greatly increase your comfort to add a deck to your RV site. This will add a level area to your campsite where you can grill and eat in comfort, just like at home. The project requires some tools and know-how, but you can easily accomplish it in one day and build a solid, spacious deck for your RV.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Build the Deck's Feet

Things You’ll Need:

Two 8-foot 4-by-4s
2-inch wood nails
3-inch wood nails
4-inch wood nails
5-inch, 1/2-inch diameter carriage bolts with nuts and washers
Six pier blocks
Forty 6-foot 1-by-4 decking boards
Tape measure
Saw
Hammer
Power drill with 1/2-inch bit
Milk crate
10 steel stud braces
2 steel reinforcement plates
Wood stain
1/8-inch deck spacers

Step 1

Measure the distance from the door of your RV to the ground. This will be the height of your deck.

Step 2

Cut your 4-by-4s. Subtract 9 inches from the RV door measurement to account for the pier blocks and the thickness of the deck. This will be the length of your 4-by-4s.

Step 3

Cut six lengths of 4-by-4 to this adjusted measurement.

Step 4

Place one 4-by-4 in each pier block and drill a hole to match the steel "boot" on the pier block.

Step 5

Secure each 4-by-4 to the pier block with the carriage bolt.

Build the Deck

Step 1

Cut your lumber. The finished deck will measure 70 inches by 12 feet. You will need two 72-inch 2-by-4s, five 69-inch 2-by-4s, and four 70.5-inch 2-by-4s.

Step 2

Nail two 70.5-inch 2-by-4s to the end of each of the 72-inch 2-by-4s, using the 3-inch nails to form three-quarters of a square.

Step 3

Bring the two assemblies together to form one large square. Secure the ends of the 70.5-inch 2-by-4s together with the steel reinforcement plates on the outside of the square.

Step 4

Attach stud supports at the 70.5-inch marks on the inside. Then, attach four more pairs at 2 feet and 4 feet from each end.

Step 5

Place the 69-inch 2-by-4s in the stud support brackets and secure them in place.

Step 6

Place the decking upon the frame. Start at one end and place both 6-foot decking strips to cover the entire length of the deck, securing them with the 2-inch nails. Use the deck spacers to ensure there is adequate drainage space between the boards. The last board may overlap the edge of the platform by 1/4 inch. This is acceptable.

Finish the Deck

Step 1

Place the deck assembly on the vertical supports. One support should fit in the each of the four corners of the deck, and two more should be placed against the central 2-by-4.

Step 2

Using 4-inch nails, secure the deck 2-by-4s to the 4-by-4 supports

Step 3

Stain the deck, including the supports and the underside. Allow it to dry for 24 hours before use. This will allow your deck to endure weather.

Step 4

Place the milk crate at one end of your deck for easy access.

Tips & Warnings

Reapply the stain every few years to help your deck last.

Always use protective gear when using power tools.

Article Written By Beau Prichard

Beau Prichard has been a freelance writer and editor since 1999. He specializes in fiction, travel and writing coaching. He has traveled in the United Kingdom, Europe, Mexico and Australia. Prichard grew up in New Zealand and holds a Bachelor of Arts in writing from George Fox University.

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