For the easiest possible job, carefully locate and install the joist hangers BEFORE you construct the frame. What I suggest is to use joist hangers to secure the joists. Build the perimeter first and then fit the in the joists. they will not drain and may cause mildew problems and odors over time!Īt this point you will need to construct your deck’s frame. This will help prevent unexpected plant growth and still allow drainage. Lay porous "landscape cloth" on the ground before building the frame. Since you are using pressure-treated lumber, you need not leave any extra space under the dirt. Clear away all grass and soil to a depth that will allow you to lay your joists across the deck blocks. Use your "four corners" as a guide to digging out the rest of the ground under the deck, if needed for a slightly "below grade" deck. "I never had a leak around my foundation before!" A deck that is away from the house can be level, but if it is next to your foundation you want to be sure that the deck is slightly tipped away from the house. Most builders will slightly tip a deck to control where the water runoff goes. Though the deck blocks will give the deck more stability, if you are using 2"x8" or larger lumber for the frame the sheer weight will keep the deck in place through most everything but a direct hit by a tornado! or a heavy winter snow load!Īn alternative to deck blocks is to use rectangular patio blocks, laid underneath the corners of the deck and at 4' to 6' intervals directly on the ground. Using 2"x4"s will lead to a frame that is too springy and may sag under load, such as during those huge parties you will be planning. I would not use a frame lighter than 2"圆" lumber. Space the deck blocks at 4' to 6' intervals to offer the frame good support. The gravel will allow water to drain away from the base of the blocks, further decreasing the chance of frost heaving, and also give you an easy way to adjust the level of each block to get the most even support. My personal preference is to dig the holes an additional 6 inches and fill the holes with crushed gravel to the level needed. These blocks are dug in to the desired depth right into the ground without any need for a concrete base in most circumstances. You can make your shallow foundation in a couple of ways. certain climates and soil types may need special consideration! Be sure to get your local inspector's approval if necessary in your area. up to 48" in areas prone to freezing. Shallow foundations do not "pop" or "frost heave" due to freezing the same way deep ones do and any slight movement will be uniform across all shallow posts. In fact, low decks do not need the type of deep foundations that are common for raised decks. Unlike raised decks on posts, supports can be very shallow. Less spacing will provide a firmer deck, though except in cases of anticipated extreme load it is a total waste of lumber! Decide how you want to support your deck (the distance between the centers of the tops of two adjacent joists). 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. When measuring, keep in mind that the typical deck joist spacing is 16" O.C. The first thing to do when constructing your deck is determine what size you would like it to be. By constructing the frame from non-rotting pressure treated lumber, you don't have to worry about this deck ever needing repair due to mildew or fungus invasion!Īnd choosing a non-rotting, durable, prefinished decking material such as Fiberon composite decking will complete the circle, giving you a virtually maintenance-free deck (aside from occasional cleaning) with no chance of rot-related deterioration. they rest on (or slightly under) the ground and are a "step up". Ground-level wood decks are typically not ground-level. Consider this a primer, with lots of useful tips and also to get a sense of whether or not this is a project you really want to tackle! Planning, Preparation, & Execution THIS IS NOT A COMPREHENSIVE DECK-BUILDING MANUAL! There have been entire books dedicated to the ins-and-outs of deck building. In this guide we will cover materials, planning, and building to help you confidently construct your brand new deck. Have you considered adding a deck to your outdoor space? While it may seem confusing or downright daunting at first, we are here to help with our handy guide to building an outdoor space.
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