Please help. I want to build a single level raised deck off of my kitchen. I want to replace the oddly placed 4ft window with a single patio door and want to step out onto a small 6x6 foot deck. I believe it will be 4 feet of the ground.

Any ideas on how to make this deck and I am so afraid of cutting my siding but will do it. The alternative to my front door is a side door into my neighbors driveway. This will suit better but I need a plan. Any ideas??? Thanks in advance.
Jasmin

ETA: Do I need a concrete pad for the base or can I use the concrete posts?

 

Jasmine - What you want to do is a pretty simple job, but too involved to get specific instructions here. I suggest a visit to your library. Check out a book on deck building. Once you have a grasp of the basics, come back and ask specific questions.

 

I was online with Lowes and they have a deck building link. I did a virtual deck and it looks great... exactly what I want. But it does not talk about putting the door into the wall. What is the easiest way of converting a windown into a door? That will be my first question

 

Part of the process depends on whether it's a bearing wall (supports the roof/upper floor) or not. It also depends on the size of the door. Assuming it is a bearing wall, you'll need to built a temporary support for the ceiling out of 2X4s. Build it like a standard 16" OC stud wall and put it up parallel to the window opening. Don't forget to leave yourself a little room to work.
Remove the window casing on the inside and the trim on the outside. If your window is a newer style with nailing flanges, just pull the flange nails and cut any nails/screws through the jambs. Depending on the type and size of window, it may require 2 people.
After removing the window, the remainder of the wall under the window can be removed. A reciprocating saw works great for this. Careful here because electrical wires are often run inside the stud walls under window openings. I suggest that you remove the sheetrock or plaster on the inside of the wall to verify if there is any wiring in the area. If there is, you'll need to make it safe before proceeding. Do this before any demolition of the wall.
Once the window is out, you need to create a rough opening for your new door. If you buy a door with a RO wider than your existing window, you won't have a siding problem. Framing the rough opening requires installing studs alongside and a header for support above the door. The size of the header is important on bearing walls and is dependent on how far it must span. Google "framing a door" for some on line info. If you build the RO correctly installing the door is pretty simple but there is a process to doing it to make sure the door operates correctly. Visit a door manufacturer's web site to find instructions.
A circular saw is great for cutting most siding and sheathing. A reciprocating saw will also work. The circular saw will also make your deck construction easier, as will a good drill/driver. You'll also need a good level. If you don't have any of these, you've now got a good excuse to go shopping.