Table of Contents
Building A Ground Level Step-By-Step Step 1: Planning and Design. Step 2: What Type of Material Will You Use? Step 3: Consider Ground Level Deck Ventilation. Step 4: Plan the Foundation and Leveling. Step 5: Lay the Beams. Step 6: Attach Anchors / Joists. Step 7: Attach Inner Joists. Step 8: Lay the Decking.
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.
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 do you build a ground level deck without digging?
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.
Can you build a deck on uneven ground?
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 build a deck on gravel?
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.
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.
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.
Can you build a deck with 2×6?
2×6 joists should only be used on ground-level decks that do not require, and will not provide for, any guards. Most decking is not strong enough to support longer spans than 16″. Some builders reduce joist spacing to 12″ on center to strengthen the deck frame or to increase maximum allowable joist spans.
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.
Can you build a freestanding deck?
A freestanding deck can allow you a lot of freedom in terms of design. Because it is a self-supporting structure, you can build it anywhere on your property. You can build it next to your house so it can function much like an attached deck without the attachment.
How do you build a floating deck over grass?
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.
What’s a floating deck?
A floating deck is a deck that isn’t attached to a building and they “float” above the ground. Generally, floating decks are low to the ground and don’t require handrails or even staircases. They are sometimes called “grade-level” or “freestanding” decks because they’re built just above the ground level, or grade.
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.
Should a deck be level or sloped?
What slope should a deck have? The answer is it depends if the deck is solid or not. A solid deck needs to be sloped between a 1/8″ (3mm) and ¼” (6mm) per foot to encourage water drainage. Decks with properly gapped decking boards require no slope as rain will naturally run off the boards even when level.
Do you need joist hangers for a ground level deck?
Are Joist Hangers Necessary? No, joist hangers are not necessary.
