CT-DK · Exterior structures pathway
Residential Deck Systems
A system-level deck course covering design inputs, ledger decisions, support grids, joists, surface layout, stairs, guards and inspection evidence.
Entry requirements
- —Framing Fundamentals or equivalent experience
- —Local permit and design pathway identified
- —Qualified supervision for excavation and elevated work
Competencies
- ◆Prepare a review-ready deck basis of design.
- ◆Transfer and verify an approved structural grid.
- ◆Install framing and connectors as complete systems.
- ◆Control decking layout and surface quality.
- ◆Document stair, guard and final inspection checks.
Work it in order.
14 hours of guided lesson and field work are mapped below. Capstone completion may require additional project time.
- 01CT-DK-301 · IntermediateDefine the deck and make the ledger decisionSet use, loads, geometry, access and water-management requirements, then choose an approved attached or freestanding structural concept.55 min lesson50 min fieldOpen →
- 02CT-DK-302 · IntermediateLay out footings, posts and beamsTransfer an approved support grid to the site and verify excavation, bearing, elevation, post restraint and beam assembly before joists begin.58 min lesson140 min fieldOpen →
- 03CT-DK-303 · IntermediateInstall joists, blocking and hardwareBuild a consistent floor plane while preserving bearing, connector fastening, lateral restraint and future decking attachment.50 min lesson130 min fieldOpen →
- 04CT-DK-304 · IntermediateLay out and fasten the deck surfaceControl board pattern, drainage gaps, edge conditions and fastener lines so the finished field looks intentional and performs as a system.45 min lesson120 min fieldOpen →
- 05CT-DK-305 · CapstoneBuild stairs, guards and the final inspection recordTreat the deck’s life-safety edges as designed systems, verify uniform geometry and close the course with an inspection-ready record.64 min lesson150 min fieldOpen →
Course capstone
Inspection-ready deck package
Produce and defend a complete deck work package, then execute a supervised full-scale bay or approved build segment.
Required deliverables
- 1.Basis-of-design and permit questions
- 2.Support-grid and elevation record
- 3.Connector installation inspection
- 4.Decking layout plan
- 5.Stair/guard worksheet and final checklist
Design coordination
Use, loads, geometry, local requirements and water control are addressed.
20%
Load-path execution
Supports, framing and connectors match approved documents.
30%
Life-safety features
Stair, guard and rail work is verified against local requirements.
25%
Finish and drainage
Decking is controlled, fastened and drained as specified.
15%
Inspection record
Hold points and corrections are documented.
10%
Assessment rule: 80% overall is the mastery target, but any unresolved safety, structural, code, or function-critical defect prevents capstone completion until corrected and rechecked.