Trying to code my own template

first you should know html/css if you don’t visit w3schools.com
then you should know also how to code from psd to html/css if u don’t visit http://vandelaydesign.com/blog/design-process/psd-to-html-resources/

and finally u can convert ur html/css to dynamic template by following any of this tutorials http://css-tricks.com/video-screencasts/73-wordpress-theme/

Try to take a look at existing themes and see how they are built.

How I learned was that I first modified existing themes, and then started building mines.
This is your bible http://codex.ww.wp.xz.cn/Template_Tags