Construction Guides
Step-by-step guides for framing roofs, building stairs, framing walls, and building decks. Every guide pairs with a free RedX calculator that does the math, draws the plan, and generates the cut list for you.
Deck Building Guides
- Deck Framing: Diagram, Member Sizing, and Build Sequence
Deck framing explained: frame anatomy diagram, 16 in on-center joist spacing, IRC 2021 span examples, ledger bolting, hardware, and build order.
- Ground Level Deck: How to Build a Floating Deck That Lasts
Ground level deck guide: stay under 30 in to skip guardrails, pick deck blocks vs footings, use ground-contact lumber, and frame a floating deck step by step.
- Deck Footings: Types, Depth, Size, and Spacing Explained
Deck footing size, depth, and spacing with real math: a 2,400 lb post on 1,500 psf soil needs a 17 in round footing, and frost depth runs 0 to 60+ inches.
- Deck Ledger Board: Attachment, Code, and Flashing Done Right
How to attach a deck ledger board to code: 1/2 in lags at 23 in OC for 8 ft joists per IRC R507.9, flashing rules, and the two 750 lb lateral connectors.
- How to Build Deck Stairs: From Total Rise to a Solid Landing
Learn how to build deck stairs step by step: measure total rise, run the riser math (34 in rise = 5 risers at 6.8 in), cut stringers, and pour the landing.
- Deck Stairs Code: The Complete IRC 2021 Requirements Reference
Deck stairs code in one table: IRC 2021 caps risers at 7-3/4 in, requires 10 in treads, 36 in width, guards over 30 in, and handrails at 4+ risers. All cited.
Roof Framing Guides
- How to Calculate Rafter Length (Formula, Chart, and Layout)
Learn how to calculate rafter length with the pitch multiplier formula, a 3/12 to 12/12 chart, ridge deductions, and a free calculator that does it all.
- Roof Pitch to Degrees: Conversion Chart and Formula
Convert roof pitch to degrees with the atan formula and a full 1/12 to 18/12 chart, plus walkability tips and a free calculator for instant angles.
- How to Cut a Hip Rafter: Layout, Angles, and Cheek Cuts
Learn how to cut a hip rafter: the 17-inch unit run, plumb and cheek cut angles, backing vs dropping, and a free calculator that builds the cut list.
- Gambrel Roof Angles: The Half-Circle Method and Cut Chart
Gambrel roof angles explained: the half-circle layout, 60/30 and 22.5-degree cut charts, gusset tips, and a free calculator for barn and shed trusses.
- How to Frame a Shed Roof (Single-Slope Framing Guide)
Learn how to frame a shed roof: pick the right slope, size rafters, cut bird's mouths on both walls, and get a free calculator with a printable plan.
Stair Building Guides
- How to Calculate Stair Stringers: Rise, Run, and Layout Explained
Learn how to calculate stair stringers step by step: total rise, riser height, tread run, and stringer length, with a free calculator that does the math.
- Stair Rise and Run Code: What the IRC Actually Requires
Stair rise and run code made simple: IRC max riser 7-3/4 in, min tread 10 in, handrail and headroom rules, plus a free calculator that checks your stairs.
- How to Build Stairs with a Landing: L-Shaped and U-Shaped Layouts
How to build stairs with a landing: L-shaped and U-shaped layouts, landing framing, splitting the rise between flights, plus a free stair calculator.
- Spiral Staircase Dimensions: Code Minimums, Diameters, and Rotation Math
Spiral staircase dimensions explained: IRC minimums, why 5 ft is the code-compliant diameter, sizes from 3 ft 6 in to 6 ft, rotation math, and a free calculator.