Can you deck on uneven ground?

You can install decking almost anywhere, as long as there is a suitable foundation. While they are easiest to install on level grounds, you can also build them on sloped or uneven terrain. With that said, you may need to take a few extra steps to ensure the stability and quality of your composite decking.

Can you build a deck on uneven ground?

To begin building your deck on a slope, go up to the top of the hill and dig two holes deep enough to reach solid soil, which may require you to dig for a few feet. These holes are where the footings that support your deck will be placed. Make sure both of the holes have a diameter of about a foot.

Does ground need to be level for decking?

Use a flat surface (a decking board or tamper is perfect for this) and place a spirit level on top to check the ground is even. If the spirit level indicates the ground is uneven, level it out with extra soil or compact the soil to flatten it out.

How do you build a deck base on uneven ground?

Method 1: Cemented support posts decking base

To build a decking base on sloped uneven ground: Clear the area of all grass, weeds and debris using a good quality spade. Dig 1ft deep post holes. Set the posts using post mix so that the top is at or slightly above the desired height.

Can you put decking on an uneven grass?

Building a solid decking

Having uneven or sloping ground doesn't mean you can't have decking, you just need to take a few extra steps to prepare the ground for it. By using the right method of preparation, you can have a sturdy and level decking area in almost any garden.

The brilliant reason he lays ziploc bags of cement in his backyard

Do I need to remove the grass before building a deck?

It is not always essential to remove grass under a deck unless it is a cosmetic issue that you wish to address. Some decks that are very low to the ground will effectively block any light getting through so the grass will die naturally.

What can I put under my deck instead of grass?

Adding gravel or crushed stone under your deck creates a nice, clean look. Rather than bare dirt or patchy lawn growth, make the area beneath your deck look orderly and intentional. While plain crushed rock is typically the most affordable option for under a deck, there are other options with more aesthetic appeal.

What are the rules for ground level decks?

A ground-Level deck is a freestanding deck that's constructed less than 30 inches above the ground. Any deck higher than 30 inches requires guardrails, stairs, and possible permits. If your ground-level deck is not attached to your house and is less than 200 square feet, you do not need a permit.

How far above ground does a deck need 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 far off the ground should a deck be?

The number-one reason ground-level decking projects fail is a lack of ventilation. 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.

Can wood deck touch the ground?

Materials for Ground Contact

Being in contact with the ground can speed up the natural decay process of the wood. Wood is considered to be in contact with the ground if it is within six inches of the ground. This wood will need to be specially treated for ground contact.

How much does it cost to build a deck ground level?

The average cost to build a deck is $20 – $50 per square foot. This includes both decking material and labor costs—with anywhere from half to two-thirds of the expense coming from the latter. Opting for cheaper material, such as pressure-treated wood, can bring the price down to around $20 per square foot.

What is the cheapest way to build a deck of ground?

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.

Should deck be lower than floor?

Reduce the chance of water infiltration—install the decking a few inches below patio and entry door thresholds. It's true that decking installed at the same level as the interior flooring looks great and makes for a smooth transition, but unless you live in the desert, it's not a good idea.

Should I build my deck level or sloped?

Most contractors suggest sloping the deck 1/4th- 1/8th of an inch for every foot of decking. With this slope, the difference isn't terribly noticeable to those standing on the surface but your chance of ponding is reduced greatly.

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.

How high can a deck be without footings?

If it's 6 feet or less with a proper post to beam and joist bracing, then you can install a floating deck without the hassle of having to install concrete footings.

How high off the ground can a deck be without a railing?

Decking Codes

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.

Do deck joists have to be perfectly level?

Look for high/low/uneven joists using a tight string line. Joists must be level and in plane for a flat surface.

Do you need drainage under decking?

Yet one of the most dangerous elements comes not with fury but with a drip. The steady influx of moisture over time can rot your wood deck and erode the soil beneath it. Further, water can pool beneath your deck without proper drainage and create a breeding ground for mold, bacteria, and mosquitoes.

Do I need gravel under my 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.

What is the best foundation for a deck?

2. Poured Concrete Footing. A poured concrete footing is going to be your strongest, most permanent and stable deck footing. While similar to a buried post footing in that it involves pouring concrete to below the frost line, a poured concrete footing includes additional fortification by metal brackets.

What to avoid when building a deck?

Can you build a deck without burying posts?

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].