Measure and Sketch Your Deck Layout
Accurate measurements are the foundation of a successful deck project. An hour spent measuring now prevents thousands of dollars in mistakes later. Here's how to document your space properly.
Quick Summary
1-2 hours
100-ft tape, level
Helper for accuracy
1/4" = 1 foot
Why Accurate Measurements Matter
Measure Twice, Build Once
A 2-inch measurement error compounds across an entire deck. Footings in the wrong place mean re-digging. Beams cut too short mean buying new lumber. Taking time now with careful measurements saves massive headaches and expenses later.
Your sketches serve multiple purposes: they're required for permit applications, they help you calculate material quantities, and they guide actual construction. Professional-looking plans also help if you're hiring contractors to bid on parts of the project.
Tools You'll Need
Essential Tools
- Long tape measure - 100-foot preferred, 25-foot minimum
- Graph paper - 1/4-inch grid, large sheets
- Pencil and eraser - You'll make corrections
- 4-foot level - For checking slope
Helpful Additions
- Helper - Holding tape ends is much easier with two people
- Stakes and string - For marking proposed deck outline
- Spray paint - For temporary ground markings
- Camera/phone - Photo-document existing conditions
Step-by-Step Measuring Process
1Measure the House Wall
Start by documenting the house wall where the deck will attach.
- Measure the total length of the wall section
- Mark exact locations of all doors (measure to center of door)
- Mark windows with their width and distance from doors
- Note water spigots, dryer vents, electrical outlets
- Measure height from ground to door threshold at multiple points
2Locate Property Lines
You need to know exactly where you can and cannot build.
- Find your property survey (from closing documents)
- Locate property pins or stakes at corners
- Measure from house to property line on all relevant sides
- Note easements (utility, drainage) that restrict building
- Research setback requirements (typically 5-15 feet from property lines)
Tip: If you can't find property pins, a metal detector helps. For valuable properties or disputed boundaries, a professional survey ($300-500) provides legal certainty.
3Map Obstacles and Features
Document everything in the deck footprint area.
- Trees: Measure distance from house and trunk diameter
- Utility boxes: Electrical panels, cable boxes, meters need clearance
- HVAC units: Measure size and required clearance (usually 2-3 feet)
- Basement windows/wells: Cannot be covered by deck
- Septic tanks/drain fields: May restrict footing locations
- Underground utilities: Call 811 before finalizing footing placement
4Check Ground Slope
Slope affects post heights and construction complexity.
How to Measure Slope:
- 1. Drive a stake at the house wall and another at the deck's far edge
- 2. Tie string between stakes, using a line level to make it perfectly level
- 3. Measure from the level string down to the ground at several points
- 4. The difference between measurements shows your total drop
Example: If the ground is 6 inches below the string at the house and 24 inches below at the far edge, you have 18 inches of slope over the deck length.
Creating Your Scale Drawing
Graph Paper Scale Options
| Scale | Best For | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4" = 1 foot | Most residential decks | 16-ft deck = 4 inches on paper |
| 1/8" = 1 foot | Large decks, full site plans | 16-ft deck = 2 inches on paper |
| 1/2" = 1 foot | Detail drawings, small features | 16-ft deck = 8 inches on paper |
Plan View (Top-Down)
Your main drawing should show the deck from above, as if looking straight down.
- Draw the house wall at the top of the page
- Mark all doors and windows on the house
- Draw the deck outline with dimensions on each side
- Show property lines and setback lines (dashed)
- Mark obstacles with labels
- Include a north arrow for orientation
Elevation View (Side View)
At least one side view shows heights and how the deck meets the house.
- Show ground line (sloped if applicable)
- Mark deck surface height relative to door threshold
- Show post heights at different locations
- Include railing height (typically 36-42 inches)
- Show stairs with number of steps and rise/run
What Permit Offices Want to See
Most building departments require: overall dimensions, distance from property lines, deck height, railing details, footing locations and depths, beam/joist sizes and spacing, and how the deck attaches to the house. Ask your local office for their specific requirements before finalizing drawings.
Common Measurement Mistakes
Not Accounting for Siding
The ledger board attaches to the house structure, not the siding. You'll need to remove siding where the ledger attaches. Measure to the sheathing/structure, not just to the siding surface.
Ignoring the Rim Joist Location
The ledger must attach to the house's rim joist or other structural member. Locate where your floor joists run inside the house - the rim joist sits at the end of the floor system, typically behind the siding at floor level.
Measuring to Edge of House
Measure from reference points that won't change - like the center of a door or corner of the foundation. Siding edges, trim pieces, and decorative elements can shift over time or during renovation.
Forgetting About Drainage
Note where downspouts discharge, which way water flows, and any low spots where water collects. Deck footings shouldn't sit in chronically wet areas without proper drainage solutions.
Digital Alternatives to Graph Paper
While graph paper works great, several digital tools can create more polished drawings:
Free Options
- Deck Designer (big box stores) - Lowe's and Home Depot offer free online tools
- SketchUp Free - 3D modeling with learning curve
- SmartDraw - Free trial for basic plans
Paid Options
- Chief Architect - Professional-grade, $200+
- Deck design apps - Various mobile apps, $5-50
- Professional designer - $200-500 for complete plans
Pro Tip: Big Box Store Services
If you're buying materials from Home Depot or Lowe's, they often provide free design services. Bring your measurements, and their software generates plans and material lists. This isn't a substitute for your own measurements, but it's a helpful double-check.
Frequently Asked Questions
What scale should I use for deck drawings?
For most residential decks, use 1/4 inch = 1 foot on standard graph paper. This means a 16-foot deck would be drawn as 4 inches on paper. For larger decks or detailed plans, use 1/8 inch = 1 foot. Keep the scale consistent throughout your drawing.
How do I find my property lines?
Check your property survey or plat (usually received at closing). Look for metal stakes or pins at property corners - a metal detector helps locate buried markers. You can also check your county's GIS mapping website or hire a surveyor for about $300-500 if boundaries are unclear.
What if my yard slopes?
Sloped yards require taller posts on the low side to create a level deck surface. Measure the slope by placing a level string from the house to where the deck will end. Measure straight down from the string to the ground at several points. Each foot of drop adds complexity and cost but doesn't prevent deck building.
Do I need professional drawings for a permit?
Many jurisdictions accept homeowner-drawn plans if they include required details: dimensions, materials, beam/joist sizes, footing locations and depths, and attachment method to house. Some require stamped drawings from an engineer for complex decks, especially those over 30 inches high or with unusual configurations.