Can I build a deck directly on the ground?

Yes, you can build a deck directly on the ground. There are many reasons to want a very low deck, including that at certain heights the deck may not require stairs or guardrails.

Can you put decking straight onto ground?

You can either build it directly on the ground or square the site and build it on top of risers as a floating deck. If you lay it directly on the ground, you may find that it's more susceptible to absorbing moisture and might need additional maintenance.

Can you build a deck without putting posts in the ground?

Yes. It's possible to build a deck without digging holes. This type of deck is called a floating deck, and it sits right on top of the ground without any posts or support areas that you'd dig down into the ground [to secure].

Do you need footings for a deck on the ground?

You need one footing and/or support block for every angle of the deck. 12 inches below ground is the recommended and required depth of the footings for ground-level decks. Some platforms and free-standing decks can be supported by concrete blocks instead of footings.

Can you build a deck without foundation?

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.

Easiest Deck You'll Ever Build | Anyone Can Do This

Does a freestanding deck need footings?

A floating deck is also known as a freestanding deck. They are not attached to any building or other structure and they, therefore, do not need footings installed below the frost line or a ledger (a framing member which usually connects decks to the house.)

Can you have a freestanding deck?

A freestanding deck is a beautiful addition to your home's backyard landscape. This type of deck structure is self-supported and not directly attached to your home. It's often the most practical choice for homes with brick or stucco exterior walls, which can make installing ledger boards difficult.

Can I use deck pier blocks instead of footings?

Deck pier blocks are used in deck building as an alternative foundation to traditional footings. They are placed directly on the ground, and do not require digging or pouring. They come pre-formed with holes for attaching the posts of a deck, making it easy to install.

What is a deck on the ground called?

Ground level decks (also called a floating deck or a platform deck) are decks that are close to the ground. When decks are less than 30” above grade, they're usually easier to build for three reasons. They don't require ladders or railings (less risk of injury)

How close to the ground can a deck be built?

We always recommend at least 18 inches of ground clearance to allow for good air flow, but ground-level decks, by definition, flout this rule. Therefore, we don't usually recommend building a deck at ground level.

What is the best thing to put under a deck?

The short answer is: Yes, gravel or crushed stone is usually the best material for under a deck. We recommend ¾” clean stone as the best all-around gravel for under your deck.

Do you need gravel under deck?

To ensure your under-deck space doesn't become a moisture trap, accelerating rot for your wood deck, or a field of weeds, consider adding gravel. Washed gravel or crushed stone allows rain and snow to drain and create natural runoff.

Do all decks need posts?

The answer depends on the size and shape of your deck, the size of your footings, and the size of your beams. The larger the beam and footing size, the fewer footings that are required. For most situations, you will want to place footings and posts less than 8' apart.

What to do to ground before building deck?

Do deck posts need to be cemented?

In order for posts to properly resist varying degrees of weight, posts must rest on and be anchored to concrete footings. It's important to note that patios and pre-cast concrete piers do not qualify as proper footings for deck construction.

Do I need concrete footings for a deck?

Decks and other permanent structures require deck supports and footings made from structural strength concrete mix. NOTE: it is important to check local building codes for construction requirements in your area; these requirements will include minimum diameter and minimum depth of the footings.

What does a deck sit on?

Joist Hanger – Piece of hardware used when the deck will be attached to a house or structure that connects the joist to the ledger. Joist hangers are attached to the ledger board first and provide the support point for the joist. Post – These are the thick pieces of lumber set vertically to support the deck framing.

Do you have to bury deck blocks?

Simply placing them on the ground or on a poured concrete pad a few inches deep usually isn't enough to comply with codes — they must be set at least 12 inches deep in undisturbed soil. However, concrete deck blocks can be used without restriction for a freestanding deck that's not attached to your house.

What is the cheapest way to build a deck?

Pressure-treated wood is generally the cheapest material to build decks from. For up-front savings, that seems great, but don't forget long-term costs. Wood decks require yearly maintenance such as staining or painting, and they'll often break down quite quickly if you fall behind on maintenance.

Do deck posts go in concrete or on top?

The only time you put posts in concrete is for a fence . Posts for decks an other above ground structures are anchored above ground to the footings and foundations.

How far can a deck go without support?

Most decking is not strong enough to support wider spans than 16". Some builders reduce joist spacing to 12" on center to strengthen the deck frame or to increase maximum allowable joist spans.

What is a free standing deck called?

A floating deck, also known as a ground level or freestanding deck, is a deck that is not attached to any building or structure.

How high can a deck be without a step?

If your deck is below 30 inches, a railing is not required. With that said, if you choose to build a deck, even if it is only 24 inches off the ground, that is still high enough that even an adult could injure themselves. When you take your kids and pets into account, the risk is even higher.

What is the cheapest deck footing?

Precast cement blocks are probably the cheapest and easiest footings to install. Each block is buried right beneath the ground's surface. The blocks should be placed close together, so you may end up needing quite a few blocks even for a small deck.