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.
How do you prepare the ground for a ground level deck?
Preparing Deck Site Checklist Layout the shape of the deck with a hose or string and remove any sod. Ensure there are no underground services in the area where you will be digging. Locate the positions of the piers and footings. Dig the holes for the footings and piers. Prepare the soil with landscaping fabric.
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 deep should footings be for a ground level deck?
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.
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.
Can you lay 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.
What put under decking?
Many professional and self-made builders agree that gravel is the perfect material to place under your deck. How can you put gravel as your deck’s base? First, you will need to prepare the installation area and dig a few inches out. Then, you’ll need to cover the area with landscaping fabric.
How do you build a deck without digging holes?
If you’re ready to start planning, there are two great options to build a deck without digging any holes: surface deck blocks and deck foot anchors. The cheapest foundations are deck blocks, which can be purchased for less than $12.00 a piece. Deck blocks sit on the ground, so proper planning is essential.
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.
Can you use 2×4 for deck joists?
The short answer is yes. 2x4s can work for deck joists. However, they aren’t ideal for spanning long distances without bending or breaking, so you have some limitations. Choosing 2x4s for a low-sitting deck is perfect for keeping your feet out of the mud.
How deep do you dig a post hole for a deck?
Dig the holes six inches deeper than the required frost line depth for your area, and slightly wider than the concrete footer tubes you’ll be using. A power auger can make this step easier and faster.
What size wood should I use 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.
What size joists should you use for decking?
In general terms, joists spaced 16 inches on center can span 1.5 times in feet their depth in inches. A 2×8 up to 12 feet; 2×10 to 15 feet and 2×12 to 18 feet. The larger the deck, the larger the joists.
What spacing should decking joists be?
Decking Beam Span Guidance We recommend beams are constructed from two 44 x 145mm Q-Deck deck joists and are placed at maximum centres of 1.8m. In this instance the maximum span between deck post centres is 2.07m (C16) or 2.24m (C24).
What is the joist spacing for decking?
In most cases, decking suppliers often recommend 8-16 inches for decks for commercial use, whereas for residential decking, the standard spacing is anywhere from 10 to 16 inches.
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.
Do you need gravel under a deck?
Purpose. Most deck installation companies recommend using gravel when installing a deck. Gravel provides ample drainage and prevents pools of water from lingering below the deck structure after it rains, and eroding the wood structure and foundation.
Can you build decking on slabs?
Many homeowners already have paving slabs on their backyards. But the concern is whether you can install decking over them. Whether you can do it or not depends on many factors. In most cases, however, it’s completely okay to do so.
