Ground Level Deck Framing Plans Guide
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Are you one of the many homeowners who dream of having a floating deck in their outdoor space to entertain visitors? Although it is a cheaper alternative to traditional deck boards, not all DIYers are skilled enough to construct one. Our woodworkers have compiled all the steps and materials needed to build a ground-level deck.
The Perfect Space For Entertaining
Ground-level decks don’t connect to your home, even though you may not be aware of it. This floating deck doesn’t require any additional footings or deep foundations. It can be placed anywhere in your yard. The platform deck is just a few inches over the ground and doesnt require stairs and railings, so its truly perfect for outdoor get-togethers and parties.
Cost To Construct A Ground/Floating Level Deck
Depending on the kind of decking material youll choose, the cost of a ground level deck may range from around to or even higher.
While some woodworkers may find its high cost disheartening, our team can assure you that these deck plans are cheaper compared to when you install elevated ones in your garden.
And because building a ground level deck doesnt require you to get stairs or railings installed, you can expect that the money youll spend will be lower. Our experts also suggest opting for pressure-treated lumber if youre on a really tight budget.
Fortunately, an inexpensive material like pressure-treated decking can cut the entire construction expenses in half. It is also not a secret that treated wood retains a lot moisture due to its chemical compounds. It is important to remember that your deck structure will require wood refinishing every few year. Some woodworkers usesanders to refinish the decks they have made.
Besides that, dont forget to check local building codes. Securing a building permit is also one of the necessary costs youll need to cover if you intend on constructing a massive ground level deck.
7 Steps To Build A Ground-level Deck
Tools And Materials Youll Need
Before you start planning your ground-level deck framing plans and mapping the location outside your house, it’s time to visit your tool storage and other hardware nearby to find materials.
When selecting wood to use in your decking, our resident DIYers and professional woodworkers recommend grooved deck boards. If youre not familiar with deck plans, play it safe and go for a typical South American hardwood board.
Ground contact wood, such as pressure-treated lumber, is another option. This kind of lumber works best if the ground-level deck frame is approximately less than six inches over the ground.
Next, ensure that you have enough angle brackets to attach to the corners of the deck between the beam and joist installation. For your deck, you will need several cardboard boxes. On top of that, remember to include solid decking boards and fascia boards in your wood shopping list.
For the footings, you can find precast ones in the market. Concrete blocks can be mixed to make your platform deck. You should also add double joist hangers and positive placement nails, screws corner plates, ACQ framing nails, and screw heads to the basket.
Step #1: Measure And Mark The Space
You know that precise frame measurement makes any task easier and faster. So, the first thing to do is to build the frame for ground-level decks. Next, assemble the rimjoists. Through this, the joists will act as a chalk line to guide you on the frame of the platform deck.
Once you have laid the beams in the middle of the frame, measure diagonally before placing 24 braces on top. Our woodworkers and DIYers suggest adding extra braces to make it easier when you move the rim joists later.
Once the beams have been installed, it is time to mark the footprints for the holes. For a perfect deck line level, make sure to measure them five feet apart. It will get in the way of your work when you are working on the rim joints.
Step #2: Construct The Concrete Footing
The next step is to create holes for the footings of your platform deck. This process will include digging holes about 10 to 30 cm deep and pouring at least 5 cm concrete gravel into the ground. Some people may not be aware, but the gravel provides better drainage for the decks foundation.
You can now place the base of the posts on the holes after all the digging. To make it easier to move the bases later, adjust them to their lowest height. Use the string level to check that your footing is adequate for deck beams. Verify that the corners are at the correct angle.
Step #3: Secure The Joists And Anchors
After the beams have been leveled, attach the decking anchors and decking joists to secure your platform deck. Our team recommends temporary stretchers to hold the deck beams in their place before you screw in the joist hangers.
Then, attach two 26 joists to each corner of your beam. Attach it using the correct screws. Align each edge as necessary.
Step #4: Attach The Deck
Attaching the decks to a ground-level deck framing plan will be the highlight. You don’t need to cut any additional ground contact decking boards if they are 30 cm in length, especially if you plan on building 1212 decks.
All you need to do is ensure that the decking boards are perfectly aligned before you drill holes and drive screws on the ground contact wood. To keep the surface level, hammer some nails into the decking.
At this point, you may start working on the boards to make them of the same sizes. You will need a circular saw to do this. We recommend safety glasses for added protection during this process.
Step #5: Attach The Trims
It wont add to the functionality, but putting trims in your ground level deck will always be a wise choice. Not only does it elevate the looks, but it also covers the unnecessary edges of the ground contact wood you used.
Dont go gluing the trims just yet until you cut both ends at a 45-degree angle. After theyre in place, our pro woodworkers prefer securing them with finishing nails for extra joint binds. Fascia boards are another option. These materials might be compatible with the beam.
Step #6: Add Stairs/Elevation To The Deck
You can add a few steps to your ground-level deck, although it is not required. However, you should decide on how many or high the elevation will be because additional footings may be necessary to accomplish this. If youre not keen on that, our experts suggest putting stringers from the deck joist with angle brackets.
Step 7: Fill The Gaps And Smoothen The Surface
After accomplishing the final look of your ground level deck framing plans, you cant forego thefinishing touches on the deck. If there are visible gaps in the surface, wood fillers should be the best option to consider.
After you’re done applying, let it dry. Then, smoothen the deck with sandpaper or any other sanding device before you use it.
FAQ
How deep should footings be for a ground level deck?
The footings for a ground level deck should at least be 30 cm. This measurement is according to the typical local codes. It has to be deeper than the local frost line so that it can be situated on a stable surface. There are local standards for concrete used on decks.
What number of footings are needed for a 12×16 deck.
A 1216 deck needs at least four footings aligned to the direction of your house. During this procedure, you can support the installation with temporary bracing sized 66. You can then build the beam on top of the footers to create the edges for the floating deck frame.
Conclusion
Different spaces have different needs, so every ground-level deck framing plan may not be the same. Our woodworkers recommend that you plan carefully before purchasing any materials or starting construction.
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