Mike Conneely walks through best practices for framing a first-floor deck, focusing on precision and long-term performance. He explains the importance of establishing a level foundation before setting sill plates and floor joists, noting how carpenters correct uneven concrete with shimming and planing. Conneely discusses dimensional lumber selection, crowning joists, layout coordination around toilets and bearing walls, and reinforcing high-load areas with LVLs and flush beams. Mechanical planning also factors into structural decisions, especially where steel beams intersect with HVAC runs. The process concludes with thick subfloor sheathing, adhesive, and careful fastening to create a flat, stable platform for the rest of the house.

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