RESIDENTIAL WOOD DECK CONSTRUCTION GUIDE - Based on the 2015 Michigan Residential Code - Revised May 17, 2016

Oct 25, 2026

Uploaded by Cipher

Residential Wood Deck Construction Guide provides construction requirements and acceptable practices for single-level residential decks under the 2015 Michigan Residential Code (revised May 17, 2016). The guide defines constraints on residential deck builds, including documentation kept on-site for inspection, approved pressure-treated or naturally durable lumber specifications, and compliance rules for wood-plastic composites. It also outlines approved fastening hardware, connector protection requirements, and references community-specific details, including additional pool or spa code compliance where applicable.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryTechnology

FormatPDF

Pages39

Reading Time1 h 38 min

AccessFree to download

General Information

Decking

Joists

Beams

Joist to Beam Connection

Joist Hangers

Post Requirements

Post to Beam Connection

Footings

Ledger Board Attachment

Prohibited Ledger Attachments

Ledger Board Fasteners

Deck Stability

Guards

Guard Post Attachment

Stair Requirements

Stair Footing

Stair Lighting

Framing a Chimney/Bay Window

Deck Framing Plan

Inspections Required

Community Specific Details

| RESIDENTIAL WOOD DECK CONSTRUCTION GUIDE
Based on the 2015 Michigan Residential Code Revised May 17, 2016
The Following Organizations Support the use of this Guide:
| | | --- | --- | | | | | The details in this document apply to residential decks only. Construction can not deviate from the details herein unless prior approval is obtained from the authority having jurisdiction. A copy of this document is required to be on the job site and available for each inspection. | | E2 .2.9090 Effective 051716 Wood Deck Construction in accordance with this guide is acceptable in the following Michigan Communities: | | Cities: | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | City of Rochester Hills City of Sterling Heights City of Auburn Hills City of Bloomfield Hills City of Clawson
City of Fenton
City of Ferndale City of Garden City City of Grand Haven City of Inkster City of Lathrup Village City of Lincoln Park | | | City of Livonia City of Madison Heights City of Muskegon City of New Baltimore City of Northville City of Norton Shores
City of Novi
City of Oak Park City of Orchard Lake City of Plymouth
City of Troy
City of Warren | City of Wyoming
City of Zeeland City of Marine City City of Battle Creek | | | Townships: | | | | Villages: | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Charter Township of Shelby Charter Township of Bloomfield Charter Township of Canton
Charter Township of Clinton Charter Township of Grand Haven Charter Township of Groveland Charter Township of Macomb Charter Township of Milford Charter Township of Oakland Charter Township of Orion Charter Township of Port Huron Charter Township of Royal Oak | | | Charter Township of White Lake Charter Township of Washington Charter Township of Plainfield | Village of Holly Village of Leonard Village of Webberville | | | he following Contractors & Suppliers support this Wood Deck Construction Guide | | Contractors: | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Autumn Wood Construction Horizon Builders Inc. Lars/David Inc. | | | | | | | Suppliers: | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Dillman & Upton | | | | | RESIDENTIAL WOOD DECK CONSTRUCTION GUIDE CONTENTS Courtesy of American Wood Council -Leesburg, VA Page General Information.....................................................2 Decking.................................................................................3 Joists...................................................................................4-5 Beams.................................................................................6-8 Joist to Beam Connection.........................................9 Joist Hangers...............................................................9-10 Post Requirements.......................................................10 Post to Beam Connection.......................................11 Footings.......................................................................12-14 Ledger Board Attachment...............................15-16 Prohibited Ledger Attachments.........................16 Page Ledger Board Fasteners........................................17-18 Deck Stability..............................................................18-22 Guards.....................................................................................23 Guard Post Attachment.........................................23-24 Stair Requirements...................................................25-27 Stair Footing.......................................................................28 Stair Lighting.....................................................................28 Framing a Chimney/Bay Window.................28-29 Deck Framing Plan.........................................................29 Inspections Required.....................................................30 Community Specific Details..............................31-3

FAQs

What scope does this guide cover for deck construction?

The guide applies to single-level residential decks only. Construction cannot deviate from the details unless prior approval is obtained from the authority having jurisdiction.

What wood types are allowed for deck components in contact with the ground?

All wood in contact with the ground must be approved pressure-treated wood suitable for ground contact. Other wood not in contact with the ground must be approved pressure-treated or naturally durable materials such as redwood or cedar.

What fastening and hardware requirements are specified for pressure-treated wood?

Screws, nails, bolts, washers, and nuts used with preservative-treated wood must be hot-dipped zinc-coated galvanized steel, stainless steel, silicon bronze, or copper. Hardware and connectors must be protected according to manufacturer recommendations with a minimum ASTM-A 653 Type G185 zinc-coated galvanized steel.

Oct 25, 2026

Uploaded by Cipher