How to build a small RV deck?
By
Elaine Knight
Page last updated:
09/08/2023 |
Next review date:
09/08/2025
In this blog post, we will answer the question: “How to build a small RV deck?” We will discuss the steps to build a small RV deck. We will discuss the required materials and talk about the process from scratch. We will also look into the options for building a railing along with this project.
How to build a small RV deck?
To build a small RV deck, you will need to follow the steps described below.
- Determine the measurements
- Decide on the type of deck
- Level the ground
- Cut the wood
- Build the deck frame
- Build the floor
- Build the railing
- Add gravel
Determine the measurements
- To build a small RV deck you will first need to determine the measurements. Getting the measurements is going to be easy since you plan on keeping it small. However, it is always good to make a note of the measurements.
- Try to keep it as simple as possible to make the entire process easy. Decide on the length and width of the RV deck. Once you have the length and width, you can go ahead and start the building process. Consider the “less is more” approach when it comes to building a small RV deck.
- An ideal small RV deck can be anywhere between six to eight feet. If you want an extremely small RV deck, you can build one that is eight feet in length and four feet in width.
Decide on the type of deck
- Next, it is important to decide the type of deck that you plan on building. While this is a personal preference, it is always important to decide on the type of deck. Consider building a basic square RV deck with wood. This is one of the best solutions and it is also easy to work with wood.
- Another option is to build a rectangular RV deck. The shape is not going to make a huge difference but a square RV deck is going to be more compact and easy. Consider if want to build a ground-level small RV deck or a multi-level RV deck.
- A ground-level RV deck is way easier than an RV deck that needs to be level with the RV floor. Remember that you might be required to replace the steps of the RV with wooden steps if you plan on building a ground-level RV deck.
- It is also good to decide if you plan on having a railing for the RV deck. This is not mandatory, but it’s always good to have a railing on your small RV deck, especially if you have children.
Level the ground
- You will need to level the ground before working on this project. The ground should not have huge rocks or other items around. Make sure that the ground is level and plain for the RV deck to rest properly.
Cut the wood
- Once you have an idea of what you want, you can go ahead and start cutting the wood. You can use 2 by 6s for the frame and use deck boards for the floor of the RV deck. Make sure to cut the wood based on the measurements that you took.
- Cut the wood to the length and width and cut enough wood for the joists. You will be required to add joists in the middle to provide more sturdiness. A ground deck is one of the best options to consider.
Build the deck frame
- The simplest way to go about this process is by building the RV deck frame first. You will be required to cut two pieces of 2 by 6s based on the wood based on the length of the deck. Do the same for the width and join the four pieces together.
- Joining the four pieces is easy and this can be done with the help of screws. Ensure that you use screws that are long enough to keep the wood intact. Join the pieces that you cut based on the length along with the pieces that you cut for the width.
- You should have a frame in the shape of a square or a rectangle according to the type of RV deck that you plan on building.
- Add joists in the middle of the frame and make sure that they are fixed properly on the inside. You will need to have several joists installed inside the frame as it adds to the sturdiness. Use screws to add these joists on the inside.
Build the floor
- In the next step, you will need to build the floor of the small RV deck. Considering that the RV deck is small, one of the easiest options is to use deck boards. Installing deck boards is easy since they are not too hard to work with.
- Some RV enthusiasts consider using plywood while some consider using deck boards. If you plan on using plywood, make sure to get a thick board. In terms of appearance, deck boards are better options to look into.
- Build the RV floor by installing the deck boards vertically across the joists. Start by fixing one side of the frame. Make sure to cut the deck boards to the right side of the frame. Use screws at the ends and you can also add the screws in the middle of the joists if necessary.
- Some people use adhesive at the joists but this is not mandatory. The RV deck boards can be held strong enough without adhesive.
Build the railing
- The next step is to build the railing for the small RV deck. Building a railing will not only be a safety hazard, but it will also add to the appearance of the RV deck.
- You can use wood to build the railing. The usual 2 by 4s should be good enough to start building the railing. Build the railing like a frame and add horizontal and vertical beams. You can construct the railing separately and attach them to the floor of the RV deck.
- Use L brackets to attach the railing to the floor. Fix one side of the L bracket to the bottom and another side of the L bracket to the railings. This keeps the railing sturdy and fixed to the RV deck.
Add gravel
- To make things more interesting, you can add gravel around the RV deck. This will make the surroundings look more beautiful and it also acts as a base around the RV deck. However, this is not required if you have a lawn around.
Building a small RV deck is an easy process with the above-mentioned steps. All you need to have is the wood and a few tools to finish this project. Be more creative by adding some plants around the RV deck. You can also add small flower pots on top of the deck. Feel free to give the railing a color of your choice or stain the railing according to the wood.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we have answered the question: “How to build a small RV deck?” We have discussed the steps to build a small RV deck. We discussed the required materials and talked about the process from scratch. We have also looked into the options for building a railing along with this project.
Citations
http://dorothyainsworth.com/deck/RV.shtml
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