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.
Table of Contents
READ ALSO
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.
Can you build a deck without footings?
Building your dream deck without footings 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.Aug 7, 2019
Does a freestanding deck need footings?
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.
Do all decks need footings?
Large decks that are attached to the house should always have footings because they act to spread the heavy load of the deck from the surface of a support post over a large surface of the soil so the ground can adequately support it. … The footings ensure that the deck will not fall, tip or rot away after a few years.Aug 7, 2019
How deep are ground level deck footings?
The main code provision for footings that applies to freestanding decks (R403. 1.4) calls for a minimum footing depth of 12 inches below undisturbed ground surface.
Can I build a deck without digging holes?
OZCO Building Products’ OZ-Deck Foundation System is one of the best ways to build a deck without digging holes. It’s a hot-dipped galvanized plate that when combined with OZCO’s post anchors creates a solid foundation so you can build a solid deck without digging holes or pouring concrete.Mar 23, 2018
How deep should deck footings be?
12 inches deep
Can I use deck pier blocks instead of footings?
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.
Does a floating deck need footings?
When it comes to floating decks, which are decks that are built very close to the ground, they don’t need any sort of footing. You can either use small concrete blocks and planks, or you can use a post that sets into a pre-formed hole.Aug 7, 2019
How deep is a deck footing?
Footings typically must extend below the frost line to prevent shifting during freeze-thaw cycles. Dig footing holes about 6 inches deeper than required. Fill the bottom of the hole with 6 inches of gravel and compact the gravel with a 2×4 or wood post.
Do you have to dig to build a deck?
If you want to construct a ground-level deck to replace a concrete or paver patio, digging the holes isn’t necessary. You can construct a deck that is basically a wooden platform that rests on the ground.
How do you support a floating deck?
Floating decks can be set directly on the ground or, preferably, a bed of gravel. But it’s best to support the deck on concrete blocks. This keeps the wood off the ground and away from moisture so the wood stays drier and lasts longer.Mar 28, 2020
Can a deck be built on the ground?
Yes, you can build a deck directly on the ground, but with some conditions. … The selection of material is critical in building a deck on the ground level — not so much the decking but the substructure. The wrong joist and beam material in contact with the ground will quickly rot, making your deck, garbage.
How many footings do I need for a floating deck?
If the deck has many angles or projecting areas, you’ll need more footings. For decks with lots of angles, that means at least one footing for every angle or projection.
How do you stabilize a freestanding deck?
How do you stabilize a raised deck?
To stiffen the deck, go underneath and install a row of 2×8 blocks down the center, perpendicular to the joists. Stagger them with enough room to nail or screw them in place through the end grain, then fasten the treated 2x4s to the underside of the joists so they run from corner to corner, forming an X.
Can you build a deck without concrete?
Plastic piers require the digging, but unlike footings, there is no concrete involved. The pier is put into the hole and attached the post, giving you your deck without wasting hours installing footings.Aug 7, 2019
Do you 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 support a freestanding deck?
Diagonal decking and sway bracing installed under the joists can reduce racking forces. Buried support posts can help brace the deck and resist uplift from strong winds that could tip a freestanding deck over.
