can i lay decking on soil

Can you lay a deck directly on the ground?

If you lay it directly on the ground, you may find that it’s more susceptible to absorbing moisture and might need additional maintenance. If you’re laying your deck straight onto the ground, cover the area with a layer of weed control fabric.

Can I Lay decking Tiles directly on the dirt?

Ground moisture from direct contact with grass can damage your composite deck tiles over time. Mold growth: When you lay decking tiles directly on the dirt, you eliminate airflow.

What happens if you put decking on top of dirt?

Moisture damage: Even in yards with excellent drainage systems in place, water and moisture can collect in your soil, particularly in snowy or rainy conditions. Ground moisture from direct contact with grass can damage your composite deck tiles over time. Mold growth: When you lay decking tiles directly on the dirt, you eliminate airflow.

What should I consider when laying a composite deck?

When placing your new deck, keep this in mind. Avoid laying your deck over a known root system, as this can damage your tree and may cause problems with your deck in the future. Level the ground: Before you place your composite decking, you need to level the ground. If the area is small enough, you can do this by hand using a shovel, hoe and rake.

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 lay raised decking on soil?

3:5717:04How to Build a Raised Deck with Wickes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn mind is full when checking the levels throughout the build. Put your spirit level on top of theMoreIn mind is full when checking the levels throughout the build. Put your spirit level on top of the frame. And lift until it's at the required level and when it is secure it to the other corner post.

How do you lay decking on soil UK?

Laying decking on soil: 4 easy stepsMaterials.Equipment.Step 1 : Create a solid foundation.Step 2: Build a decking frame.Step 3: Lay out and level the decking slabs.Step 4: Add and level the decking frame.Now you can lay decking on soil with peace of mind.

What do you lay under decking?

A layer of crushed gravel, with or without plastic or weed barrier cloth, is the best choice for using under a deck. It sheds moisture instead of absorbing it, keeps the area under the deck drier, and won't decay.

Can I lay decking straight onto grass?

If you're laying your deck straight onto the ground, cover the area with a layer of weed control fabric. Then add 40 mm to 50 mm of gravel on top. The other method is to create concrete pads for the deck to sit on top of. This will reduce the likelihood of moisture seeping into the frame and causing damage.

Do you need a concrete base for decking?

Decking boards must NEVER be laid directly on the ground but instead should be fixed to joists of a suitable sub-frame. In most cases we recommend installing your Alpha Composite Decking on a solid concrete base using plastic composite joists.

How do you prepare the ground under a deck?

Preparing Deck Site ChecklistLayout 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 you need to remove grass under decking?

If your decking hasn't been laid yet, remove or kill the grass in the area that it will go on. By doing so, weeds are less likely to become established and spread. Also, you're less likely to have grass growing through your decking.

Does decking need a fall?

REMEMBER: TO ACHIEVE RAIN WATER “RUN OFF” DECKING SHOULD BE LAID ON A SLIGHT GRADIENT. THE TOTAL LENGTH OF THE DECK SHOULD HAVE A FALL OF AT LEAST 1 IN 80 (1.25%) WITH THE GROOVES IN THE DIRECTION OF THE FALL. Make sure there is a separate joist under each butted board and clips hold both ends down on both sides.

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.

Do I need gravel under deck blocks?

Gravel sitting under the deck block allows quick drainage, not damming the water preventing it from being absorbed by the ground under the deck block. Also, gravel is the most stable material with great bearing capacities. A deck block with compacted gravel under it will support more weight than the other two options.

How do I lay decking on a foundation?

Step 1 : Create a solid foundation. Step 2: Build a decking frame. Step 3: Lay out and level the decking slabs. Step 4: Add and level the decking frame. Now you can lay decking on soil with peace of mind. This article walks you though the basics of laying decking on soil. Laying decking on soil can be a fast way to get your decking up without some ...

Can you weather treat timber?

If you are using timber for the frame it’s a good idea to weather treat it with something strong. The timber is often not as good quality as the decking boards and will deteriorate faster if not treated.

Is it advisable to lay decking on soil?

The steps to lay decking on soil are split the “essential” and “advisable”. The essential steps are needed to make the decking safe and make sure it is usable. The advisable steps will give a better result and potentially a longer lifespan.

Is hardcore soil compacted?

The soil needs to be compact enough to support the weight of the decking without deforming. Generally speaking, if the soil deforms under the pressure of your foot then it is not compacted enough for the weight of a decking frame. If this is the case the hardcore should be used before laying the decking.

Can I lay decking on soil?

Now you can lay decking on soil with peace of mind. When it comes to laying decking on soil, the more preparation you are put in the better it will be. If you follow all of the advice (including the advisory points) you should be left with a sturdy and durable decking frame which is ready to have the decking planks installed.

coxsp

I'm planning on laying Finnforest softwood decking over loose soil (previously a veg patch), however I've had conflicting suggestions on how to prepare the base before laying the decking.

Thermo

we always build them with timber posts set in concrete, unless there is any substantial wall to put a wall plate onto. we then place a decent quality fabric such as plantex, over the frame

coxsp

Excuse me for being dim, but there aren't any posts that are provided with the decking kit. Can I assume that you create a set of posts which act as supports for the deck to rest upon? If so, I guess the supports are sunk in concrete by approx 6" with approx 2" above the soil?

imamartian

you can use timber or concrete posts which finish at joist height, and support the frame. Or you can use longer posts, which you sink into the ground, and support the frame, but also act as posts for your rails.

Thermo

have you got a link to the kit. It sounds like one of those wonderful ones which lay directly on the ground, and then rot away after a few years!

WabbitPoo

The depth of the posts is not the issue - its the overall stability that counts.

DIYnot Local

If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.

When will decking be installed?

18 April 2019. If your outside space needs an upgrade, you may be considering installing decking – the ultimate open-air chillout spot. Decking is back in a big way at the moment, and while it may look like an undertaking to install it yourself, it’s deceptively simple to put together. Of course, exactly how easy it will be depends on the type ...

What is a wall plate for decking?

Remember, if your decking is to be laid against a wall, it’s a very good idea to create a “wall plate” – a piece of decking joist cut to size to create a join between the main decking and the wall.

What type of soil is used for decking?

Red Clay Soil. This is an example of soft red clay soil from Georgia. This type of soil requires a larger surface area concrete footing to distribute the loads of the deck and prevent sinking better than other types of soil.

What are the three types of soils?

Most soils can be classified into three categories: gravel, sand and clay. Gravel: This type is primarily composed of small stone pebbles that you can see easily with the naked eye. Gravel feels rocky. You cannot roll this soil into a ball.

What is the weakest soil type?

Clay can be many different colors depending on what other minerals it is mixed with. It is the weakest common soil type supporting a load of 1500 lbs/sq ft. If you are unsure what soil type you will be working with, always use the worst case scenario, which is clay, to make your calculations. Red Clay Soil.

Can you roll sand into a ball?

You cannot roll this soil into a ball. Gravel will drain water very easily and can support the greatest amount of load (3000 lbs/sq ft). Sand: Sand is composed of tiny particles that are difficult to see with the naked eye. Most sand is tan or white in color. Sand has a rough gritty texture.

What is decking for?

Garden decking is a common feature in many outdoor living spaces. Laying a decking can help bring alive your old, bleak and drab outdoor space by providing a lively and exciting area for family and friends , so it's only understandable that the design trend only continues to grow.#N#If you're considering a decking project, but want to keep the budget to the minimum, then consider laying the decking yourself. There are various advantages to this; the 1st being you don't have the expense of paying a professional. Professionals are quite expensive, especially on an hourly rate. Building a large decking can take the guts of a weekend or longer.

Can tent hooks be used on concrete?

Weighing down the fabric will ensure it is held in place. Hint, tent hooks are useful for securing the weed control fabric. The framework for a decking should be laid onto concrete foundations. The supporting decking posts need to be mounted on a concrete area or set in dug concrete foundations.

Why do you need a solid footing for a deck?

It gives the structure a solid footing which is incredibly strong & durable. This helps give the deck a longer lifespan as the structure is securely fixed; it also raises the frame above ground, preventing the absorption of rainwater.

How can I help rainwater drain from my deck?

Top Tip: Using grooved boards which run down the slope of your build will help any rainwater to naturally drain from your decking surface. If these run across your slope, they may collect rainwater & increase the moisture content of your boards. Once you have identified your decking site, you should –.

What is a sub-frame on a deck?

A long bolt used to fasten the various sub-frame elements to the newel posts. Once fully constructed, the horizontal joists & beams which support the decking are usually referred to as the decking ‘sub-frame’.

How do I fix a stringer on a deck?

First, lay paving slabs or lawn that will sit underneath the ground leading up to your deck. You can then look to fix both of your stringers to your deck frame. These should be fixed using galvanised decking nails.

How deep should I spread pea shingle over weed barrier?

First, you should spread pea shingle over the weed barrier sheet – spreading to an even depth of around an inch. This will help to absorb moisture during heavy rainfall and keep your deck frame away from the surface of the ground.

Can you put joists on a deck?

If you have positioned your beams along the greater length of your deck, you can position the joists along the shorter width. There are usually two methods of fitting joists where beams have been used in the construction of the decking frame –. You can fit joists between beams using joist hangers.

Can I build a deck on an oversite?

If you don’t intend on utilising an under-deck drainage system (which can often be very costly) it’s recommend that you build your deck on an oversite which is free draining. A gradient of 1 in 40 will usually suffice for a garden decking structure and this is recommended as the industry standard.

How much space between Greatmats PVC deck tiles?

If installing these tiles against a wall or another large object, we recommend leaving a 1/2-inch gap between the PVC deck tiles and the object to allow for expansion of the tiles in the heat.

How tall are Staylock patio tiles?

You can shovel snow off them in the winter and keep them clean by simply sweeping or hosing them off in the summer. Staylock 1x1 ft Interlocking Patio Tiles - Designed for the Outdoors. Flexible PVC. Waterproof.

Can patio tiles be used as a temporary floor?

They can be used as a permanent, temporary or even portable outdoor floor. Many companies only sell interlocking patio tiles that work when installed over even, flat and hard ground. Although that kind of ground is ideal for patio tiles, it's unrealistic to think all outdoor spaces have such prime patio conditions.

Can patio tiles be installed over uneven ground?

Because so many interlocking patio tiles are made to be installed over hard, flat ground only, many people think the only way to work with ground problems is by renting large, expensive equipment to deal with them.

What is composite decking?

Composite decking is the ideal solution for homeowners who want all the benefits of a deck in their yard without the hassle of constant maintenance or frequent replacement, thanks to UltraShield Technology. Some of the benefits of using composite deck tiles include:

Can you put composite deck tiles in wet areas?

To create an acceptable area for deck tiles, follow these tips: Avoid excessively wet areas: As you choose the part of your yard on which you want to install composite decking, make sure you avoid overly wet areas, including deep depressions or places where standing water frequently gathers.

Can grass damage composite decking?

Ground moisture from direct contact with grass can damage your composite deck tiles over time. Mold growth: When you lay decking tiles directly on the dirt, you eliminate airflow. Lack of proper airflow can lead to mold or bacterial growth on your composite tiles. Unstable ground: Think about the last time you walked across your yard — did ...

Can you put NewTechwood deck tiles on grass?

You should never install NewTechWood capped composite deck tiles directly on grass or dirt — the main reasons for this include: Moisture damage: Even in yards with excellent drainage systems in place, water and moisture can collect in your soil, particularly in snowy or rainy conditions. Ground moisture from direct contact with grass can damage ...

Can you put composite decking on grass?

While you cannot put composite decking directly on your grass or dirt, you can easily prepare your yard for deck tiles. If you’re in the market for a long-lasting, low-maintenance, attractive outdoor deck, look no further. We are so confident you will love our composite decking that — in addition to the numerous benefits that come with choosing a composite deck — NewTechWood UltraShield Technology is backed by a 25-year limited transferable warranty. By committing to the quality and lifespan of our products, we are committing to the environment and to you. If you’re ready to experience the UltraShield advantage for yourself, locate a NewTechWood supplier near you.

What is the best material for raised beds?

Other Ground-Contact Uses. Composite lumber is an ideal choice for raised-bed gardens. It is rot and insect resistant and does not present the same environmental concerns as treated lumber, which can leach chemicals into the soil.

Can composite lumber be used for decking?

Uses For Decking. While composite lumber cannot be used for structural deck supports, it is an appropriate choice for deck boards, rails and posts. If the deck boards are on the ground, such as with a ground-level patio deck, composite lumber works fine.

Is composite lumber unstable?

Termites, too, will make wood dangerously unstable. Composite lumber is highly resistant to rot and impervious to insects so is an acceptable choice ground contact. Advertisement.

Is composite lumber good for ground contact?

While composite lumber is an acceptable building material for applications requiring ground contact because of insect and rot resistance, it is not acceptable to use for support structures. It is not strong enough and cannot reliably bear heavy weight. While it does not experience the moisture and insect problems of many other types ...