When building a deck from scratch, it’s always best to go with a professional who has the experience and right tools to build a beautiful deck in no time. If, however, you choose to take on this task yourself, you must first determine the square footage of the area you want to build. Before any tools go into the ground, you must check your local building permit and call 811 to be sure you will not be cutting into any utility lines. Once the area is cleared to start building, you must mark where you want to dig. After installing the posts, you can start building the deck frame to place on top of the posts. After the frame is set in place, you are ready to install the top decking material. Make sure you buy the correct materials and the right amount of materials to ensure you get the finished deck you want.