There's more to nailing than just ready-aim-swing. Face nailing is what we all learn how to do first. Drive the nail straight through one piece into the other. This is the quickest and easiest way but not really the strongest. For added strength try toe-nailing. Drive a pair of nails at opposing forty-five degree angles. This is the method carpenters use to frame a house.

Take extra care when nailing your deck. Instead of driving the nails completely in with a hammer. Use a nail set to finish off the job and avoid damaging the wood. Also, use 16 penny common nails as spacers and pull the boards tight to correct any natural curve they might have.

Here are some basic things to remember when building your own deck. Attach the joist hangers 16 inches apart on center to the side rails. Assemble all floor joists and side rails before nailing. Then, nail all at once, using galvanizd nails. Overhang the first floor board by half an inch using galvanized finish nails. If you have an enclosed deck or a screened porch you can use tongue and groove flooring.