Table of Contents
Can I build a deck directly on the ground?
Yes, you can build a deck directly on the ground, but with some conditions. A deck on the ground must be built with ground-contact wood, and the substructure needs to be adapted for minimal height. Even though technically a ground level deck is elevated up to 24”, here we will discuss decks built less than 8” high.
What is the cheapest way to build a deck?
Choose wood, but carefully: Untreated wood decks are generally the cheapest to install, but don’t forget long-term costs. Wood decks require yearly maintenance and deteriorate quickly if they don’t get it.
What is the easiest deck to build?
Build a Basic Deck The easiest deck to build is an on-grade deck. It doesn’t require railings, stairs, or posts, but the essential elements of the deck—including the ledger, beams, piers, and joists—remain the same for all types of decks.
What is a floating deck?
A floating deck, also called a free standing deck, is simply a deck that’s not attached to any structure, including (of course) your house. Instead, you can put your deck’s structural members — posts, girders, and joists — on precast pier blocks set directly in the ground.
Do I need to remove grass before building a deck?
Leaving the grass in place facilitates drainage. The grass may eventually die off due to lack of sunlight filtering through the deck, but the remaining topsoil still drains water faster than if you dug out the entire area.
Do concrete deck blocks sink?
The deck blocks can sink if the soil under them erodes for some reason or the weight is unevenly distributed. That’s why it’s a good idea to use more than less.
Does a ground level deck need to be attached to the house?
Most decks are attached to houses, but there’s no reason they have to be. All you need are simple ground level deck footings. Keep reading and you’ll learn why an island deck is one of our favorite low deck ideas. We designed this deck with simple construction in mind.
How much does a 20×20 deck cost?
New Deck Installation Cost The average homeowner spends $2,200 to build a 10×10 foot deck, $6,160 to build a 14×20 deck, and $8,800 to build a 20×20 deck. The cost to build a deck with pressure-treated wood, hardwood, or composite is about $25 per square foot, for both materials and installation.
How can I save money building a deck?
The Top 8 Ways to Save Money Building Your Deck Choose the Right Type of Deck. Make an Efficient Deck Design. Low-Cost Materials vs Maintenance-Free Materials. Shop for the Deck Sales. Off-Season Building to Save Bucks. Buy Fasteners and Hardware in Bulk. DIY Build for Definite Savings. Seal Your Deck.
How much wood is needed for a 12×12 deck?
A 12 -by-12-foot deck will need 144 lineal feet of decking. The amount of individual boards will depend upon the size and type of decking your choose and the amount of space you plan to leave between decking boards.
How do you build a floating deck?
Instructions Prepare the Deck Area. Clear the ground where the deck will be installed, removing grass and all other organic material, as needed. Set the Concrete Blocks. Build the Outer Frame. Position and Square the Deck Frame. Check the Blocks. Install the Remaining Joists. Install the Deck Boards.
How difficult is it to build a deck?
Deck construction is not as hard as you might think, and if you follow some basic guidelines it can be a great DIY project. Decks are built to add living space to a home and every one of them should be built nice and level.
Can you lay decking on uneven ground?
You can install decks almost anywhere, as long as there is a suitable foundation. While they are easiest to install on level grounds, you can also build them on sloped or uneven terrain.
How do you build a deck on uneven surface?
Method 1: Cemented support posts decking base To build a decking base on sloped uneven ground: Clear the area of all grass, weeds and debris using a good quality spade. Dig 1ft deep post holes. Set the posts using post mix so that the top is at or slightly above the desired height.
Can you put decking on grass?
There are two ways you can lay decking on grass. Use a flat surface (a decking board or tamper is perfect for this) and place a spirit level on top to check the ground is even. If the spirit level indicates the ground is uneven, level it out with extra soil or compact the soil to flatten it out.
Do you need footings for a floating deck?
When it comes to floating decks, which are decks that are built very close to the ground, they don’t need any sort of footing. You can either use small concrete blocks and planks, or you can use a post that sets into a pre-formed hole.
Are Floating decks a good idea?
Yes, a floating deck is a good idea if the deck is low, not attached to the house or built close to trees. A floating deck will save you both time and money during construction. But a floating deck is a bad idea if the deck is tall or is attached to the house.
Do floating decks need beams?
2×5=10 A floating deck less than fourteen feet deep needs two beams. One on each end, more if you use smaller joists but let’s assume you use larger joists like 2×8. A deeper deck will need larger joists or closer spacing. For this deck, you will need to purchase a minimum of 10 deck blocks.
