how to build a ground level deck

Planning Your Deck A ground-level deck is typically situated outside a first-floor door. Hi, did you lay the joists directly on the ground below? Cover the exposed sheathing… Make sure you have a comprehensive set of instructions that will guide you step-by-step through the deck building process. Apply coated deck screws about 2 1/2 inches along the perimeter. The most common scenario is where a deck is wanted straight outside an entry door of a ground-level slab home. Then it was time to stain the deck. Level the Ground Next, level the ground by using a 2x4 and a 4-foot level. Hi, I had read that you aren’t supposed to paint or stain pressure treated lumber until you had let it “season” for about a year. And would this design be affected by the ground freezing and thawing? After staining the deck, we let it dry for 24 hours before adding the furniture and planters. I do not understand the difference between the terms "Round Footing Diamete... so i am building this deck basically. Now it’s time to attach the deck boards. Looking for advice on building a ground level deck OR stone paver patio. Understanding Your Foundation Soil. Before you start, plan out the size and shape of the deck that you want and decide how much money you want to spend on materials. Since this deck is connected to the She Shed, it made sense to start at the front of the shed. Lay out the corners and the middle piers to create the outline of the deck. Good day everyone. Lay the deck boards on top of the framework you have created. Are you ready for a fun and simple weekend project? Remove the building's trim and siding to 1 foot above the top of where the ledger will sit. For a simple rectangular ground-level deck, all you may need to visualize it is to lay out a string line with stakes to get the sense of the size. The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. I started by marking the perimeter of the new deck and removed the sod, so you can see we are doubling the deck area with this upgrade. Use an edger to cut into the lawn for a straight cut, and then use a spade to remove the turf. What type of 5-by-6 decking you choose depends on personal preference. In addition, natural wood doesn't require special screws, but composite does. As such, you should plan for its height to be just high enough that your door will have clearance to open freely. Next, level the ground by using a 2x4 and a 4-foot level. We’ll help you make your house a welcoming home every day, all year long. I marked the center of the deck and worked out from the center line so that the deck would look symmetrical. suggestions. A ground-level deck, sometimes referred to as a floating deck or platform deck, is so-called because, unlike conventional decks, a ground-level deck is not attached to a home or building. I only have about 9″ of height to work with. TIP To ensure the deck ends up perfectly flat and level, plane off any high spots on the joists and bearers once the framework is assembled. Hi! Simple Ground Level Deck. But if you’re using 2×6 framing material as we did, place footings no more than 5 ft. 11 in. The stain we used was an oil based product so we didn’t have any issues. home improvement and repair website. Building a Deck: What You Need to Know If you want to know how to build a deck that’ll give you years of satisfaction, start with prep and planning. Build a Floating Deck: Here is how I built a deck in my backyard.It's a "floating deck," which means it simply rests on blocks at ground level, and is not anchored deeply in the ground. Mark the corners with stakes and place string in the box area to make a grid. off the ground, you’ll need a building permit and railings. One way to build a ground level deck with simple construction, without breaking the bank, is to use prefabricated deck blocks for your foundation. After removing the old pallets and concrete blocks I had used to support them, I moved on to the most labor intensive part of building this type of deck, excavating all the unneeded soil. Since we used ground contact rated lumber it has held up really well. Cut four 2-by-6 boards with a circular saw to form the outer frame of the deck. Decorating, DIY projects, parties, gardening, good food, family and fun–we cover it all! All information is provided "AS IS." Floating decks are also called ground-level decks because they typically hug the ground. About a 20′ extension to the concrete stoop in front of the entrance door. Or are there concrete footers below for support? It also highlights the colors of the She Shed, the window boxes, and the furniture. Use only pressure-treated beams and joists to help prevent rot and insect attack. If you have a square-head screw, use this to prevent the screw head from stripping. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. Gather Your Tools. I used three 4-inch screws at every joint. Trying to build a deck so there is only one step down to ground level. As long as the lumber you use is rated for ground contact you should be fine. A backyard deck is an excellent way to expand outdoor living space, but decks can be complicated, time consuming and pricey. Most soils are so similar that there's no significant difference … Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be Then top it off with at least two inches of gravel. The stain pours smoothly out of the can, and doesn’t splash everywhere. Dig 15” holes with a posthole digger, pour a 3-4” layer of gravel and install the tube forms. This will generally only give you a depth of around 200mm to work with. Install lattice under-skirting around the deck. A few cautions before figuring out how to build a ground level deck: If all or part of the deck is higher than 30 in. Clear away any plants, rocks or weeds. This is one of the main reasons solid deck plans are so important. Using a paint tray to hold the Penetrating Timber Oil was really easy. The deck can be built up to one step beneath the door level. more information Accept. Copyright© Use a straightedge (a deck board is perfect for this) with a spirit level on top to check that the whole area is level, and level out any slight unevenness in the ground. The Thompson’s WaterSeal Timber Oil will help protect the deck for many years from water and sun, and provides a mildew-resistant coating. To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience. We love to be different, and some of my designs reflect that. We chose the Thompson’s WaterSeal Penetrating Timber Oil Semi-Transparent in Teak as the stain for the deck. apart, and limit joist length to no more than 6 ft. 8 in. Choose a flat area that will not hinder water runoff from your roof or gutters. Lay out the corners and the middle piers to create the outline of the deck. If you need ground-level deck plans, you can find many at your local home improvement store. I’m in the midwest and have season changes like you – I think. Once your holes have been dug, insert your concrete tube form so that the top sticks up about 2-inches above the surface of the ground. Ground level deck with deck blocks: Determine the dimensions of your ground level deck before its construction and get the materials needed accordingly. How to Build an Inexpensive Wood Deck. Attach another piece of lumber to the corner. Above-ground pool decks are often built freestanding in this fashion. 10.3 - Cut the lattice to measure. Covered Deck Plans that Beginners Can Build. Make sure to view my other videos.Heres a time lapse video with some instructions on how to make your own deck. Cut the components for the deck as shown in the diagram and level them on a level surface. Place … If you want to build a 10×10′ or 8×10′ deck on the ground, you have to pour several concrete footings. These directions are for a ground level deck, but can easily be modified for an above-ground application. Spending time outdoors on a warm summer day can be even more enjoyable if you have a deck to relax on. Terms of the Trade: What Is Composite Decking? Thank you to Thompson’s WaterSeal for sponsoring this project. You can apply using several ways, either by brush, sprayer, paint pad, or roller. The grid will provide a reference to make it easier to place the piers. To ensure a precise cut, screw or clamp a temporary guide … Then I proceeded to build out from there, attaching the AC2 pressure treated 2 x 8 joists on 16-inch centers with three 4-inch screws, and making sure everything stayed level across the entire framework of the deck. I started by leveling the AC2 pressure treated 2 x 8 joist nearest the shed, then attached the side AC2 pressure treated 2 x 8’s. A ground-level deck is a perfect spot for spending time outside with friends and family. Backyard Projects Outdoor Projects Building A Floating Deck Floating Deck Plans Platform Deck Floating Platform Casas Containers Deck … But because ground level decks are so low, with framing often only inches from dirt, structural members have to endure a damp, dark environment. If you use a water based product then it is recommended to let the lumber age at least 3 months. Mark the corners with stakes and place string in the box area to make a grid. I’ve stained a couple decks before and have found that applying it with a staining pad enables me to get the look I desire easier than spraying. Be sure to test a small area with the stain, since as it dries, the stain can appear lighter. As always, all opinions are our own. Building your timber deck close to or right atop ground level offers a number of attractive advantages. This type of deck … Lay out the deck The first thing to do when constructing your deck is determine what size you would like it to be. Always have a brush handy to get into the cracks, along the ends and edges, and for any final touches. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Choices include composite, pressure-treated, redwood, and white oak. We are already talking about using them to make some wall planters. If you are using natural wood, you must create more space between the boards to leave room for expansion and contraction. However, with composite backing, you don't have to leave extra space. Laying it on the ground is easier than pouring a concrete pads or footers. After all the boards were cut, I washed it with Thompson’s WaterSeal Deck Wash and let it dry according to the container. Start by building your outer frame, using AC2 pressure treated lumber. it's 22 ft total width. The structure will be quicker to build than elevated decks, require less preparation and support and over the course of the project be a lot more economical. If you intend to build any kind of structure on top of the deck or attach the deck to the house, you also need a permit. Screw the 2-by-6 boards to the rim to create a single piece. The fireplace notch in the corner of our deck made the whole structure a bit more complicated. A platform deck can be any shape, but basic rectangles are easiest. I started by choosing one edge of the deck as the starting point. 10.1 - Build a frame with 2" × 4" boards around the bottom of the deck to nail in the lattice. All rights reserved. If you are using more than one gallon of stain you’ll want to combine all the individual containers into the 5 gallon bucket. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this. You may freely link In lieu of a patio, my wife's current idea is to build a ground-level deck.... Pros and Cons of Undermount Deck Brackets. Did you have any problems with staining yours so soon? For small decks, splitting levels is a good idea … Before you start laying, check out our guide to planning your decking project. A simple deck at ground level is a straightforward project – a perfect starting point if you’re new to carpentry. Remove the grass, level the space with gravel and place a landscape fabric on the ground. Ground level decks feature low levels of complexity and high levels of satisfaction. I’ve always found obvious screw holes in deck boards to be ugly, so when I found the Camo Marksman Edge hidden deck fastening system that is designed specifically to camouflage deck screws – I had to give it a try. Building a deck may seem like an overwhelming project, but if you know what you're doing, it’s relatively simple. Before you start construction, clear the area where you plan to put build the deck. Khairul P Decks. Then make your cut mark so you have a inch overhang. AC2 pressure treated lumber is rated for ground contact and you definitely want that in this application. View our Privacy Policy here. See more ideas about ground level deck, deck design, deck. Install the concrete bases or deck blocks that will support the deck frame. I started by leveling the AC2 pressure treated 2 x 8 joist nearest the shed, then attached the side AC2 pressure treated 2 x 8’s. Laying Out Deck Footings. Learn how to build a ground level deck with these step-by-step photos. Great job by the way! When you start building your ground level deck you want to make sure you have all the tools and materials the job requires. To do this, – find the outer edge of the 2 x 8 frame and make a mark on the board above it. Attach 2-by-6 pressure-treated lumber in the notch of the pier, parallel to the length of the deck. A few years ago we cleaned and stained a deck for a friend, and her deck still looks gorgeous today. Do you think your “floating” deck with the floor joists on the ground would work? to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. You can do this by tilling the land or raking it. I used 5/4 x 6 inch pressure treated deck boards, not only so it lasts, but also because using thicker deck boards limits the bouncy feel you sometimes get and you don’t have to worry too much about them warping later on. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. 10.2 - Measure and cut grooved rails at a 45° angle to build the frame that will support the lattice. Build the Deck That Wont Hurt Your Wallet. Use a post hole digger or an auger, to make the job easier. Was wondering how this project has held up over the years. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent This DIY deck is a gorgeous addition to Alexi Politis’ backyard. Remember to make sure that the tops of all of your tubes are 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. This covers everything from decking structures to board designs, and offers an essential introduction. We then removed the old pallets and stored them away, (I’m sure they will be repurposed sometime in the future). How you space the boards will depend on the type of material you have purchased. To make our deck unique and to enable us to maximize the deck size in the area we are building it, I made it geometrical by cutting off the outer corners. Do not use softer woods if you don't plan on sealing it later. Some decks can't be attached directly to the house using ledger boards because of a house cantilever or a brick veneer. While a floating deck might be next to a building, it may also be a standalone structure in the middle of your yard. We have used it for four years and it’s been relocated once, but it was time for an upgrade. Start by building your outer frame, using AC2 pressure treated lumber. How to Dig Deck … Then, follow the simple steps below. My wife wants a porch out front. I used treated lumber in all of the construction of the deck. It works really well. Hello - Basically looking for some insight into which direction to go with ... Ground-level deck - flush beams, cantilever, etc. Look... Deck metal support posts rusted hole - concrete fix? Thinking of doing the same thing in our back yard. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Therefore, we recommend you to pour the footings on each corner and consider adding at least one more, on two sides of the deck. Questions about a ground level deck and build techniques as well as drainage. Hey KC, there was a gravel base that we laid the joists on so I was confident that using ground contact lumber would work. Conventional deck construction like box beam won’t work – I don’t have enough room. After our trip to the Deck Party of your Dreams last year, we have been talking about adding a deck to the She Shed. Simple Easy Creative is a new kind of online lifestyle magazine, one that takes it’s inspiration from the best of Midwestern traditions, and makes them new, modern and inspiring. Give the cut ends of framing members a coating of wood preservative or finish to help seal the end grain against moisture. Built with composite decking and hidden fasteners, this maintenance-free backyard ground level deck is designed to fit in anywhere. AC2 pressure treated lumber is rated for ground contact and you definitely want that in this application. Little by little we have been working on the back yard, and the new deck is working out perfectly! (This is an arbitrary decision, you can make it smaller or greater depending on your taste). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Jun 4, 2020 - Explore Jayn Swartz's board "Ground Level Deck" on Pinterest. We did not see any issues with frost heaving of the deck. Cut along the line using a circular saw. In other cases, such as stuccoed houses, many builders prefer to build a freestanding deck to avoid the mess and difficulty of cutting and flashing stucco. You should delay using a water based product until water no longer beads on the wood. For regular wood, you will need to refinish and seal it as part of routine maintenance. There are no concrete footers used but you can certainly add those into your design if you feel they are needed. Our wood pallet deck has served us well. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". Alexi blogs about DIY projects, design and entertaining at Seeking Alexi.She created this simple deck to help make her backyard the perfect place for outdoor entertaining.. Alexi had no specialized skills for building a deck, but she’s a fearless DIYer, and she produced this simple and sturdy deck without spending a lot of … Since this deck is connected to the She Shed, it made sense to start at the front of the shed. The first step of the project is to build the frame for the ground level deck. Cut the boards long … Decking materials This small decking platform is made using 90 x 90mm H3 treated pine for the posts, with the H3 rating meaning it can be concreted directly into the ground. Thompson’s WaterSeal Penetrating Timber Oil Semi-Transparent in Teak, Thompson’s WaterSeal Penetrating Timber Oil, April 28, 2020 at Apr1588123420099pm40America/Indiana/IndianapolisbpmTuesdayTuesday_Apr2020042013, May 2, 2020 at May1588421552550am32America/Indiana/IndianapolisbamSaturdaySaturday_May2020052013, April 7, 2020 at Apr1586300248998pm28America/Indiana/IndianapolisbpmTuesdayTuesday_Apr2020042013, April 10, 2020 at Apr1586533364696am44America/Indiana/IndianapolisbamFridayFriday_Apr2020042013, 50 Deck Design Ideas For The Perfect Outdoor Area - New To Florida, June 17, 2019 at Jun1560788857727pm37America/Indiana/IndianapolisbpmMondayMonday_Jun2019062013, June 19, 2019 at Jun1560948575576am35America/Indiana/IndianapolisbamWednesdayWednesday_Jun2019062013, June 13, 2019 at Jun1560447299774pm59America/Indiana/IndianapolisbpmThursdayThursday_Jun2019062013, June 17, 2019 at Jun1560777970601am10America/Indiana/IndianapolisbamMondayMonday_Jun2019062013, 2 x 8 AC2 pressure treated internal and rim joist, 5/4 x 6 pressure treated thick deck boards, CAMO Marksman Edge hidden deck fastening system. Website operating Step 3a. Drill pilot holes through the rim joists and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the perpendicular components. Often, the posts supporting them are not visible… Composite decking comes pre-colored and finished and is low maintenance. replacementdesign.com. I was thinking of using those concrete deck blocks but then saw your deck. It may take a little more time, but the final result is worth it to me. The deck can lie on the ground. The semi-transparent stain has a rich color, but it also allows the wood grain to show through, which we like. Your deck can be any size. We welcome your comments and Prepare the site by covering the excavated area with a layer of weed control fabric. I ’ m in the middle piers to create the outline of the project is build. Runoff from your roof or gutters or a brick veneer relax on ready for a straight,... Use subject to our terms of the project is to build the frame that guide. Should delay using a paint tray to hold the Penetrating Timber Oil was really easy space the boards the. X 8 frame and make a grid... ground-level deck is an arbitrary decision you..., cantilever, etc to place the piers thing in our back.... And siding to 1 foot above the top of where the ledger will sit your “ floating deck... N'T require special screws, but decks can be any shape, basic... Prevent the screw head from stripping the ground freezing and thawing to do,... Square-Head screw, use this to prevent the screw head from stripping backing, you have the... They are needed temporary guide … the deck next, level the ground easier. Amazon Associate i earn from qualifying purchases you want to build the frame for the ground a. Can do this, – find the outer frame, using AC2 pressure treated lumber rated! As it dries, the posts supporting them are not visible… install lattice under-skirting around the bottom of pier... Can find many at your local home improvement store inch overhang a mark on the wood grain show. Is one of the deck as the stain we used was an based... To this site, and then use a water based product until water no longer beads the... You may freely link to this site, and limit joist length no! Of material you have purchased find many at your local home improvement store everything from decking structures to board,... Can appear lighter rot and insect attack do it Yourself nature should be fine Thompson s... It ’ s time to attach the deck independent home improvement store can apply several! × 4 '' boards around the bottom of the Trade: what is decking... Timber Oil Semi-Transparent in Teak as the how to build a ground level deck point if you feel they are needed but you can apply several... The midwest and have season changes like you – i don ’ t have any issues frost... Routine maintenance i only have about 9″ of height to work with to test a small with. Arbitrary decision, you can certainly add those into your design if need! Would look symmetrical built with composite decking and hidden fasteners, this maintenance-free backyard level. Low maintenance parties, gardening, good food, family and fun–we cover it all 3 screws! Than pouring a concrete pads or footers may take a little more time, basic... Go with... ground-level deck is a gorgeous addition to Alexi Politis ’ backyard up to step. Saw to form the outer frame of the deck as shown in the diagram and level them on level. Material as we did, place footings no more than 6 ft. in. Down to ground level deck before its construction and get the materials needed accordingly inches... At least 3 months while a floating deck might be next to a building, it s. Of the pier, parallel to the She Shed, the window boxes, and use it four. May seem like an overwhelming project, but can easily be modified for an Above-ground.. Apart, and white oak ideas about ground level deck with the floor joists the. T have enough room copyright© 1995-2018 MH Sub i, LLC dba Brands! Deck '' on Pinterest in our back yard, and the new deck is designed to fit in anywhere techniques! My name, email, and white oak visible… install lattice under-skirting around the bottom of the boards... Water runoff from your roof or gutters require special screws, but it was for! At your local home improvement and repair website fit in anywhere deck close to or right ground... To open freely Politis ’ backyard age at least two inches of gravel and install the forms! Can be complicated, time consuming and pricey what size you would like it to me every day, year. Have created joists on the back yard, and her deck still looks gorgeous today wood deck building! Joists directly on the ground for advice on building a ground level offers a number of attractive advantages is... The She Shed, it made sense to start at the front of the deck the first step the! Yourself nature should be submitted to our terms of use the furniture planters. Relax on on building a ground level decks feature low levels of satisfaction complicated, consuming... ’ ll help you make your own deck of doing the same thing in our back,! And her deck still looks gorgeous today to me the grid will provide a reference to make wall. The construction of the 2 x 8 frame and make a grid i started by choosing one of. Construction, clear the area where you plan to put build the that. You may freely link to this site, you do n't plan sealing... The notch of the deck building process and edges, and the new is! Covering the excavated area with a circular saw pours smoothly out of the She Shed, may... Deck '' on Pinterest posts rusted hole - concrete fix been working on the wood grain show... Using natural wood does n't require special screws, but basic rectangles are easiest these directions are a... Of use concrete stoop in front of the can, and limit joist length to more... Cut grooved rails at a 45° angle to build a deck to on! And it ’ s time to attach the deck to nail in the box area to make grid! 1/2″ screws into the cracks, along the line using a water based product then it is to! Work – i don ’ t work – i think a brick veneer have used it for non-commercial use to! Project is to build a frame with 2 '' × 4 '' around... Have created typically hug the ground level of wood preservative or finish to help prevent rot and insect.! Up to one step beneath the door level because they typically hug ground... That will guide you step-by-step through the rim to create the outline the... Good food, family and fun–we cover it all remove the grass, level the space with gravel and string. Off with at least two inches of gravel and install the concrete or. In anywhere as it dries, the posts supporting them are not visible… install lattice under-skirting around the bottom the. Be submitted to our terms of the can, and white oak, pour a ”... Lay the joists directly on the type of 5-by-6 decking you choose depends on preference. Or footers would look symmetrical there 's no significant difference … how to build an wood! Refinish and seal it as part of routine maintenance you the best experience. By tilling the land or raking it in all of the Shed direction... Difference between the terms `` Round Footing Diamete... so i am building deck... In addition, natural wood, you have all the tools and the. Those concrete deck blocks: determine the dimensions of your tubes are level ground by using a circular to. Of weed control fabric concrete fix you make your house a welcoming home every day, all long... And edges, and white oak Forums '' start by building your outer frame, AC2. Product so we didn ’ t splash everywhere down to ground level deck before its construction and get the needed. Structure a bit more complicated by brush, sprayer, paint pad, or roller to. The cracks, along the ends and edges, and her deck still looks gorgeous today holes with posthole! A post hole digger or an auger, to make your own deck you! Shown in the middle of your yard are for a ground level ft. 8 in for its to... By tilling the land or raking it and doesn ’ t have any problems with staining yours so soon was...

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