Building A Floating Deck On The Ground

15 2 x 8 x 16 pressure treated lumber.

Building a floating deck on the ground.

Ground level decks also called a floating deck or a platform deck are decks that are close to the ground. It s a floating deck which means it simply rests on blocks at ground level and is not anchored deeply in the ground. Floating decks can be set directly on the ground or preferably a bed of gravel. Digging about 6 inches into the ground create holes for the blocks so you can adjust raise or lower to make them even.

Often the posts supporting them are not visible giving the deck its floating appearance. The blocks should be spaced to make a 7 x 19 rectangle leaving about 6 inches from each block for deck boards to add another 8 x 20 rectangle. 4 2 x 10 x 16 pressure treated lumber two of them used for the flower box 12 concrete deck blocks only used 8 39 16 ft. In the steps outlined in this diy floating deck example we reference a deck situated on concrete blocks which raises the deck for ventilation.

They rely on a structural base that s not. A floating deck is a deck that isn t attached to a building and they float above the ground. But it s best to support the deck on concrete blocks. Floating decks on the other hand sit low to the ground and actually appear to float on two or more sides depending on the joist system design.

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. Building a deck is a lot of work and it isn t cheap. In colder climates the ground goes through freeze and thaw cycles which result in surface ground upheaval and movement over time which would ruin all your work in short order. Set the four corners for the deck.

This keeps the wood off the ground and away from moisture so the wood stays drier and lasts longer. They don t require ladders or railings less risk of injury. But it s best to support the deck on concrete blocks. When decks are less than 30 above grade they re usually easier to build for three reasons.

Generally floating decks are low to the ground and don t require handrails or even staircases. They are sometimes called grade level or freestanding decks because they re built just above the ground level or grade. Floating decks are also called ground level decks because they typically hug the ground.