Table of Contents
Building An Elevated Deck: Step-By-Step Step 1: Design Your Raised Deck. Step 2: Determine Your Budget. Step 3: Apply for a Building Permit. Step 4: Buy Your Materials. Step 5: Attach the Ledger Board. Step 6: Dig the Deck Footings. Step 7: Set Your Posts. Step 8: Mix and Pour the Concrete.
How do you build a raised deck for dummies?
Basic steps for building a raised deck (the TL;DR version) Foundation. Pour concrete. Ledger. Place steel connectors – the strongest way to attach posts to concrete. Cut posts using your ledger as a height reference. Set the beam on top of your posts and check beam alignment.
How high off the ground can you build a floating deck?
It’s not more than 30 inches above the ground. It’s not attached to your house. It’s not in front of an egress door.
How do you build a freestanding raised deck?
How to Build a Freestanding or Detached Deck Step 1: Layout & Prepare the Deck Site. Step 2: Dig Concrete Footing Holes. Step 3: Pour the Concrete Footings. Step 4: Install the Posts. Step 5: Build the Beam. Step 6: Set the Beam. Step 7: Install the Floor Joists. Step 8: Lay the Deck Boards.
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.
What is the correct way to lay decking boards?
What is the correct way to lay decking? Any decking board manufacturer or professional will tell you: “The proper way to install a decking board is ridge side down.” The ridges are designed to allow for airflow, to stop moisture sitting in the ridge, and allow for a stronger structure.
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.
What is an elevated deck?
In many areas, an elevated deck is defined as one that is higher than inches above the ground and is attached to the house. Raised decks require a railing around the perimeter, and they require a building permit. Elevated deck plans also include the use of a ledger board in their design.
What size wood is best for decking frame?
Commonly used joist sizes are 2-by-6, 2-by-8 and 2-by-10. For example, when you space joists 16″ apart — which is standard for residential decks — a deck spanning 9 1/2′ would require 2-by-6 joists, a 13′ deck would need 2-by-8 joists and a 16′ deck calls for 2-by-10 joists.
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.
Can I build a deck without digging holes?
Yes. It’s possible to build a deck without digging holes. This type of deck is called a floating deck, and it sits right on top of the ground without any posts or support areas that you’d dig down into the ground [to secure].
How much does it cost to build a 12×12 floating deck?
A 12 x12 deck can range in cost from $2 200 to $13 000, but the average will be $6 000. Costing $40 a square foot but can be as little as $15 or as high as $85, depending on the deck’s features.
Do freestanding decks need footings?
According to the main code provision for footings, the only requirement for building a deck that is freestanding is that it must have a minimum footing depth of 12 inches below the undisturbed ground surface. There is no need to extend a footing below the frost line, as is required for standard decks.
How tall can a freestanding deck be?
A Good Rule Of Thumb For Height Restrictions I can speak from years of experience that free standing decks can be built extremely strong easily up to six or seven feet high. This requires 2×6 diagonal bracing from post to beam and cross bracing underneath the deck framing.
How do you support a deck without posts?
Instead of using footings, adding a level of gravel will give you the drainage aspect you are looking for. You can then add a frame of wood that anchors in concrete blocks that sit in the gravel, creating your new deck. Concrete blocks won’t rot, making them an ideal option for those who don’t want to use wood.
Should I use 2×4 or 2×6 for deck?
If you use 2x4s for deck joists, it may cost more money and work in the long run. The material costs more than if you purchase 2x6s because the 2x4s can’t span as far, and you must create more beams and footings for support. You also can’t include guardrails and stairs with 2x4s as your support.
How far apart should joists be for decking?
For residential decking, the joist space should not exceed 16 inches as measured on the centre. But if you want a more rigid feel for your decking, you can space the joist by 12 inches on the centre. Additionally, for commercial deckings, the standard joist spacing is 12 inches on the centre.
How far apart should Supports be for decking?
The short answer: deck joists are typically spaced either 12 inches or 16 inches apart, on center. (On-center means the length from the center of one joist to the center of the next joist, rather than a gap from edge to edge).
