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. The wrong joist and beam material in contact with the ground will quickly rot, making your deck, garbage.
Do I need footings for a ground level deck?
If you want to expand your outdoor living space, a ground level deck might be your best option. Since it’s not connected to a house, it can go anywhere in your yard and doesn’t require deep footings. Because it rises just inches above ground, it doesn’t need stairs or railings.
How do you build a ground level decking?
How to lay decking on soil or grass Outline the size and shape of your decking. Clear away plants, rocks and weeds, and dig down to a depth of roughly 50 mm. Check the ground is even. Now here are your two options for laying your decking. The other method is to create concrete pads for the deck to sit on top of.
How low can a deck be to the ground?
There is no standard height for a “grade-level” deck—the maximum measurement from grade to the deck surface could be 6 inches, 12 inches, 24 inches, or more. But generally speaking, I apply the term to decks that are up to 30 inches above grade, since guardrails are required for any decks that are higher than that.
How do I keep my ground level deck from rotting?
Remove what fungi need, prevent rot. Remove that, and your deck joist will last for years.15 ways to prevent deck joist rot Ventilation Dries Deck Joist Extending their Life. Seal the Joist with a Water Repellant Sealer. Allow Water to Escape Helps Preserve Deck Joist.
What is considered a ground level deck?
A ground-level deck is simply a box frame topped by floorboards supported by joists. This type of deck can basically be placed on any level surface anywhere in the yard. If the deck is placed next to the house but not attached, it’s considered a platform.
How many footings do I need for a ground level deck?
Well, for each hole, you’ll need to dig a hole 4′ deep and 8” wide. For an 8×10′ freestanding deck, you’ll need six footings. Unless you have access to a power auger, that’s a lot of digging. After digging each hole, you will need to install tube forms into each.
How many footings do I need for a 12×12 floating deck?
For an attached 12 x 12′ deck, you’ll need at least 3 footings, plus at least 2 more if you’re planning on building stairs with it. If your deck will be a different size, it’s easy to figure out how many you’ll need.
What do you put under ground level deck?
If the bottom of your deck frame is less than 6″ above the ground or partially buried, you should use pressure-treated wood that is rated for ground contact. This type of wood has a higher level of preservative that guards the wood against rot and decay.
Can I use 4×2 for decking frame?
4 x 2 Timber Rail / Joist These decking joists are the most common sized framing timber for decking. They provide a solid structure for fixing your decking boards too. When making your decking frame you should use a 400mm spacing between your timber joists.
How much does a ground level deck cost?
Ground level decks range from $10-$20 per square foot or about half the price of a standard style. This is because they have no stairs and often no railings. Second story decks cost from $40-$50 for additional posts and stairs. Accessibility issues can push that price even further up.
Are ground level decks good?
The number-one reason ground-level decking projects fail is a lack of ventilation. We always recommend at least 18 inches of ground clearance to allow for good air flow, but ground-level decks, by definition, flout this rule. Therefore, we don’t usually recommend building a deck at ground level.
Do you need airflow under a deck?
Wood can expel and absorb moisture. It means that natural hardwood is going to contract and expand as the sun dries it up, and rain soaks it wet. This is why proper deck ventilation becomes essential. There should be a good flow of air across all the four sides so that the wood can move evenly.
Does a ground level deck need to be attached to the house?
In many areas, a ground-level deck is defined as one that has a maximum height of 30 inches above the ground and is not attached to the house. Ground-level decks typically do not require a railing around the perimeter, and they may not require a permit.
Can you lay decking on uneven ground?
You can install decking 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. With that said, you may need to take a few extra steps in ensuring the stability and quality of your composite decking.
How do you build a level platform on uneven ground?
1 Answer Lay out a simple rectangle with joists at 16″ centers (across the short dimension). Using a 6′ level (or a shorter level with a straightedge extension), find the difference from the highest point to the other three corners, and cut legs or simple spacer blocks to level up the platform.
How long will a ground level deck last?
On average, a ground-level deck will last 15 years or more. A ground level deck’s life is vastly dependent, not on the decking but the environment under the decking. With the deck so close to the ground, the deck’s substructure is at risk of failure, shortening how long the deck will last.
What kind of gravel do you put under a deck?
The best gravel for use under a deck is crushed stone. It prevents erosion, weeds, keeps moisture away from the underside of the deck, and looks much better than mud or weeds.
Do I need joist tape?
In order to protect your deck’s substructure from weathering and moisture, protective tape for your joists is a must.
