Full Answer
Can a deck be low-level?
Another situation may be one where only a part of the deck is low-level, say, for example, where a home has been built on a cut-and-fill mound and the ground level falls away. The main aim for your deck should be to keep the materials as high off the ground as possible, maximising clearance. Substructure – Normally a deck is a layered structure.
How to build a ground level deck?
Building A Ground Level Step-By-Step Step 1: Planning and Design Consider where you’d like to put your platform deck by imagining how you’ll use it and... Step 2: What Type of Material Will You Use? A ground level deck is meant to be low, which means you’ll want to consider... Step 3: Consider ...
How high should a backyard deck be off the ground?
I love the convenience of low backyard decks. A perfect bridge between enjoying your house to enjoying your yard. A low backyard deck allows you to transition fluidly from yard to house and back with minimal steps. But how high should a deck be off the ground? Both composite and wood decking needs to be at least 7” (175mm) above ground.
How do you build a small platform deck without footings?
A small platform deck requires no footings. The foundation will be provided by two 4x6 timbers, which are partially buried in the ground. You may want to remove any sod from beneath the deck. Dig parallel trenches about 6 inches deep for the timbers, then add about 4 inches of sand to each trench. Set the timbers on the sand.
Can you build a deck low to the ground?
A ground level deck is meant to be low, which means you'll want to consider the type of wood or composite you'll use for framing. 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.
How far off of the ground does a deck have to be?
In virtually all cases, you will need to have deck framing that is at least 6″ (5.5″ nominal) tall. With a 1″ deck board, that means your deck would need to be at least 7″ off the ground.
How high off the ground can you build a deck?
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.
Do you need footings for a low 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 a deck touch 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.
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 I keep my ground level deck from rotting?
Slowly over time, rotting the decking and the top of the joists. To prevent this, regularly wash the deck and clean out all the gunk between boards with a pressure washer or scrub brush. It may not seem important, but it will extend the deck's life, years. Also, during construction, you can use joist flashing.
What is 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.
Can Trex be used for ground contact?
We were told that it is not advised to use Trex on ground level because it can get very hot and there is no circulation around the boards to cool them. Our deck is South - Southwest facing from a walk-out basement. It will be in an enclosed area due to the upstairs deck right over the top.
Can I use concrete deck blocks instead of footings?
The acceptability of deck pier blocks instead of footings depends on two things deck height and frost level. Pier blocks can be used instead of footings for a ground-level deck not requiring permits. Piers blocks can also be used if the frost level depth is less then the height of the pier block.
Do I need gravel under deck footings?
You do need gravel under a concrete slab, footing, or patio. Gravel provides a solid foundation for your concrete as it can be compacted. It also improves drainage, preventing water from pooling beneath the concrete.
How many footings do I need for a 12x12 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.
Should there be a gap between decking and house?
When building a deck, it is highly recommended to establish a gap between 1/8 and 1/4 of an inch between the deck and the wall of the house.
How far should a freestanding deck be from the house?
A freestanding deck footing next to a house should be as far away from the house as possible. The allowable joist overhang determines the distance between the house and the deck footing from the house. Deck footing for 2×6 and 2×8 joist should be 16″ (400mm) from the house.
Do you need a permit to build a deck on the ground in PA?
A Building Permit is required for a deck where the floor surface is greater than 30 inches above grade at any point.
How many footings do I need for a 12x12 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.
How high above ground should a deck be?
Both composite and wood decking needs to be at least 7” (175mm) above ground. You can upgrade the joist for ground contact, but still, the underside of the decking needs ventilation and separation from the ground. Anything lower than 7” (175mm) you should consider a concrete patio, which is better designed for ground contact.
Why do you need to level the ground before building a deck?
The ground below a low deck needs to prep before building a deck. Levelling the ground will prevent pooling of water under the deck, decreasing moisture levels. All plants need to be pulled to prevent weeds from sneaking up between deck boards.
Why is ventilation important for a deck?
Ventilation is so important for lowering moisture and temperature under a deck. With limit ventilation under the low joist increasing gapping will allow more hot air and moisture to escape. With slightly larger gaps, more moisture and heat will dissipate, a good thing for a low deck.
Why should composite decking be raised?
With composite decking, there have been some major strides made to help protect the decking from moisture .
How much clearance does a 2x8 deck need?
The good news is that most decks have 2×8 joist, providing 7 ¼” (184mm) of clearance if the joist are not buried. The height required for the decking is built right into the joist. “I frequently go back and speak with homeowners and their concerns. Mold is a serious issue for ground level decks.”. Dennis.
What is the best way to support a deck joist?
Consider Flush beams to support Joist. Drop beams are the easiest way to support deck joist, but with minimal space flush beams may be better. Flush beams integrated into the deck joists will require no additional space. Hangerring the joist off a doubled or tripled up rim.
What is the ACQ level for ground contact lumber?
Ground contact lumber needs to be treated with ACQ (alkaline copper quaternary) to 0.40-PCF or higher. The ground with higher moisture levels and fungi need additional treatment to counter.
Can you use a beam in the middle of a deck?
So the beam will be at the end of the deck the same height as the floor joists. If you need a beam in the middle you can make the beam the same height and add floor joists on both sides of beam. For anyone in the future, in most areas with not insignificant snowfall this is not code.
Can you build a deck with multiple beams?
You can build a deck where there are several beams parallel to the house, and the joists go between the beams. That puts the beams and the joists in the same plane. It's more work and you likely need multiple beams, but it works fine. Share. Improve this answer.
What do you need to know before starting a deck?
Before starting the project, you have to make sure the location of the deck is level and the soil structure is able to support the construction.
How to check if a deck is equal?
Smart Tip: Measure the diagonals of the deck, to check if they are equal. In case they don’t match, you have to adjust the position of the beams, until they are placed properly.
How to secure wood joints?
Don’t forget that you have to secure the joints between the wooden components by using corner brackets, metal joist hangers and several long screws. If you use screws, you have to drill pilot holes with a drill machinery, as to avoid the wood from splitting.
How far should a beam be recessed?
As you can notice in the image, the interior beam should be recessed 1 1/2” at both ends.
Do you have to build a foundation for a free standing deck?
As we speak of a light construction, you don’t have to build a concrete slab foundation, but dig several holes, install tube forms and pour concrete. These footings have to be perfectly aligned and level, otherwise the deck won’t have a professional look.
Can you build a deck on the ground?
As you can easily notice, building a deck on the ground is easy if you lay out the structure properly, level the beams with a spirit level and use quality materials .
How low is a deck?
The actual definitions will vary based on material and design, but any deck that has the lowest point (the bottom of a bearer) less than 400mm from the ground is considered a low-level deck.
When are low-level decks typically installed?
This will generally only give you a depth of around 200mm to work with. Another situation may be one where only a part of the deck is low-level, say, for example, where a home has been built on a cut-and-fill mound and the ground level falls away.
How many noggins are needed between joists?
To prevent the joists twisting, noggins will be required between each joist with one run of noggins for each span section. As an example: a 2.4m joist would be fixed to a bearer at 0mm, rest on a footing at 1200mm and be fixed to the far bearer at 2400mm.
What is a deck structure?
Substructure – Normally a deck is a layered structure. Larger bearers are supported on posts or stirrups – the footings. On top of these bearers, running the opposite direction, are joists. Decking is then laid across these joists. This generally gives you an overall height of around 400mm above the head of the footings.
Why do decking boards need drainage?
Drainage – Surface water needs to flow naturally away to prevent rot and timber movement from swelling. If bearers are too low they may restrict water movement and over time soil will build-up, further hindering water movement. If there is too much moisture and inadequate ventilation decking boards can cup and bow, too.
Why do decking boards bow?
If there is too much moisture and inadequate ventilation decking boards can cup and bow, too. Termites and rotting – If materials are too close to the ground or you cannot easily access them, then the likelihood of attack from termites or the development of wood-rotting fungus is more likely.
What are the issues with an elevated deck?
A normal deck structure The issues with an elevated deck tend to be obvious, such as safe fencing and handrails, as well as cross-bracing of both bearers and posts. However low-level decks can pose a range of potential design and installation problems. Let’s take a look at some of the issues with low-level decks and how you may be able ...
What is ground level deck?
A ground-level deck can also serve as the lowest part of a multilevel deck. Bear in mind that you can usually lower the height of a deck by using smaller joists and beams, a change that requires you to reduce the beam span (by pouring more footings and piers) and reduce the joist spacing (by using more joists).
How long should a deck post be?
Decks built close to the ground often require very short posts. But posts under 10 inches in length, with nails securing fasteners at the top and bottom, are prone to splitting. You can usually design your way around short posts by increasing the beam size or raising the height of the concrete piers.
How to install joists on the same level as the beam?
Another strategy is to install joists on the same level as the beam, as shown below, by using joist hangers to attach the joists to the side, not the top, of the beam.
How many inches of overlap between joists?
Allow at least 12 inches of overlap, and secure the joists to each other with 16d nails.
Is it necessary to have a low deck?
Low decks are sometimes a choice and other times a necessity. If the floor of your house is close to the ground, if you need to keep a deck low to avoid an overhead obstacle, or if you just want to create a dry, flat, freestanding surface away from the house, the techniques on these two pages should offer a solution.
Can you use beam to pier framing on a deck?
Beam-to-pier framing can also be used for decks attached to the house. Adjust the size of the beam or the height of the piers to align the frame with the ledger on the house.
Should you Build A Floating Deck with No Footings?
A small platform deck requires no footings. The foundation will be provided by two 4x6 timbers, which are partially buried in the ground. You may want to remove any sod from beneath the deck.
