This is to minimize any grass that may grow under the deck. Build a Floating Deck If a properly formulated plan is implemented, floating decks offer a wide range of choices, ease of use, and a significantly low-cost. Wooden joists sit directly on concrete piers, with the decking screwed directly to the joists. Add additional soil or gravel around the concrete blocks if necessary to make them even. With a helper and all the materials ready to go first thing in the morning, you can have a completed ground level deck before sundown. You want to uncover the bare ground in a space that is approximately 2 feet bigger than the planned deck size to allot for the deck shadow that may limit grass growth. With a few free weekends, the help of a friend or two and the right tools, hardware and lumber, you’ll be able to create your own custom backyard structure. In fact, they can be the most hassle-free construction type, and the simplest one can be made in even a day. The main area of my deck is just a little bigger than a 12-foot by 8-foot rectangle. If you’re wondering how to build a floating deck over dirt, you’ll first need to choose a level surface and remove the grass/rocks and other material and rake it so that your ground is level in preparation for placing the deck blocks. In the steps outlined in this DIY floating deck example, we reference a deck situated on concrete blocks, which raises the deck for ventilation. It occurs after you remove about 3 inches of grass from the area in which you plan to build your deck. This How to Build a Floating Deck series will show you step by step how to build a floating or detached deck — one that isn't attached to the house. Terms of use, Selecting The Best Composite Decking Color For Your Home, Budget - Determines Deck Size and Materials. You do not have to dig large holes, pour concrete footings, sink posts or fasten beams. In addition to confirming whether you may need to obtain the proper permits, if you’re thinking about building a floating deck, you’ll also want to consider its potential location, the terrain, lumber or material options, cost, and how long it will take to complete your project. fix any water problems before you build a deck over a concrete patio. So I added a little water to the stain and gave it 3-4 coats. Basic Deck Building. If you need permits, for example, that will add to the floating deck cost and time frame. Jul 26, 2018 - How to Build a Floating Deck Over Your Grass | eHow. Attach roof trusses to the top of a block wall→. Lay the boards out in a rectangle and drill screws into each corner. The deck surface should be no more than 8 in. We’re building a 12×12 deck over the grass in the backyard. This plan that I have done will also help show you how to build a floating deck, which I had to do anyway because of the slope. Apr 23, 2015 - Freestanding decks provide architectural appeal to large, open yards. While a floating deck may appear to “float” above the grass, this style of deck is actually built on a bed of gravel or on concrete blocks for stability. A floating deck is a type of deck that sits on top of the ground. This will reduce the likelihood of moisture seeping into the frame and causing damage. Instructions on building a floating deck are relatively simple. TOM: Well, a couple of things. The decks are portable and disassemble just as fast, so if you’re renting or camping this is a deck that can move as you do. Yard. If you can find ground contact pressure-treated lumber, that’s even better. Floating decks, if used and constructed in a planned manner, can enhance the value of an area. Always use pressure-treated lumber to build a floating deck frame. Copyright © 2021 Trex Company, Inc. All rights reserved. If you’re laying your deck straight onto the ground, cover the area with a layer of weed control fabric. Before staining, I used the orbital sander to give the deck a once-over, removing any burrs, splinters and flattening out the seams. How to Build a Floating Deck Over Your Grass - Pinterest. Instructions on building a floating deck are relatively simple. We used a total of 6 deck blocks. If it’s close, just build up the … Step 2: Foundation Blocks Layout. We used these double post cap brackets to secure the beams to the 4x4s. Instructions on building a floating deck are relatively simple. Square or rectangle shaped decks are easiest to build. Instructions on building a floating deck are relatively simple. Plug the post hole with interchanging layers of gravel and soil, and tightly pack each one as you go until the hole is completely filled. Excavate the area for the floating deck, then using a laser level, move dirt until ground is level. Wooden joists sit directly on concrete piers, with the … Use a framing square to help you square up the deck frame with the concrete blocks. Place one 2-by-6 inch joist in the first and last rows. How to Build a Floating Deck Over Your Grass their home already have a sturdy foundation for garden decking, but concrete, unlike soil, cannot easily. Check with your local building department to see the requirements for your area and your deck. 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! Jul 9, 2016 - Freestanding decks provide architectural appeal to large, open yards. Instructions on building a floating deck are relatively simple. Cover the bare ground with a polyethylene film to discourage weed growth. The cost to build a floating deck will depend on multiple variables, such as the materials you plan to use to build your deck. Cover your aging concrete patio with decking material to create a new, comfortable surface. In nearly all cases, you’ll require a permit to build a deck. In the location we’re building this floating deck, because it’s not attached to the house and will be less than 200 square feet, we don’t have to go below the frost line — the level at which water in the soil typically freezes — for our foundation. Next, we sprayed the grass with weed-killer, unrolled weed-blocking landscape fabric over the expanse of the deck, and spread all-purpose gravel over that. Garden Types. How to Build a Wood Deck Over a Concrete Patio | eHow 20 Oct 2014 Cover your aging concrete patio with decking material to create a new, comfortable surface. You can either build it directly on the ground or square the site and build it on top of risers as a floating deck. (Long and skinny) I plan to put a deck right over it. How To Build a Floating Deck. Building A Floating Deck Deck Building Plans Floating Deck Plans Floating Dock Cool Deck Diy Deck Freestanding Deck Deck Framing Deck Over. I read somewhere that “the act of taking a step up gives you the illusion of being in a different place.” I wanted to create a different place in our yard but because of our low fence walls and our HOA’s rules against having anything go above the fence walls, I knew that the different place would have to be low to the ground. The crew builds a pair of decks that appear to float above a manmade creek. Article by eHow. Instructions on building a floating deck are relatively simple. May 20, 2016 - Freestanding decks provide architectural appeal to large, open yards. Complete the square frame by attaching end boards, using two screws on each end. Each joist should extend 1 foot past the centre of each end of the deck pier block. Instructions on building a floating deck are relatively simple. Writing the Plan For A Deck. This is to minimize any grass that may grow under the deck. Generally, floating decks are low to the ground and don’t require handrails or even staircases. 1.7k. dycr107_deck_dig. Instructions on building a floating deck are relatively simple. (It also helps to have a friend or partner assist you with this portion of the project as two sets of hands are better than one!) how to build a deck over a concrete patio family handyman. With a few free weekends, the help of a friend or two and the right tools, hardware and lumber, you’ll be able to create your own custom backyard structure. You do not have to dig large holes, pour concrete footings, sink posts or fasten beams. Here is one way (of many) to build a ground level deck. The 4-by-4 inch pieces will fit snugly into the pre-cut slot of the deck pier. Place about 6 inches of gravel into the hole along with a wood footer plate. Backyard Deck. A floating deck is a deck that isn’t attached to a building and they “float” above the ground. Plastic or PVC decking is another cost-friendly option for a floating deck, but can be susceptible to cracks and peeling, even if they’re low to the ground On the flipside, composite decking -- made from a mix of wood fibers and synthetics -- can be found in a variety of price-points to suit your personal aesthetic. Introduction Level the Area. I read the "Deck Building: How to Build a Deck Introduction" on this fantastic site, and no mention is made of this step. So I like your idea of framing first, then leveling; that was really helpful. Post '' and have been referenced in such publications at `` the Huffington ''. The centre of each end of the deck create concrete pads for the floating deck writing over... Becoming soggy with rain and hard to walk on you won ’ t forget to me... Deck size and materials saves both time and money sit directly on concrete piers, with decking... 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