How To Build A Ground Level Deck

There are many different types of decks that you can build, but the one in this case is a ground level deck. This type of deck will be located on your property and it’s designed to bring the outdoors right into your living room or family area. The idea behind building a ground-level deck is so people who have limited mobility can enjoy their outdoor space without having to worry about climbing stairs every time they wanted to go outside. To build this kind of deck you need a few specific tools like an auger drill and circular saw

The “how to build a flush ground level deck” is an article that will help you build the perfect deck. It will give you step-by-step instructions on how to do so.

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How-To-Build-A-Ground-Level-Deck

Building a deck is at the top of every homeowner’s wish list for converting their yard into the ideal outdoor retreat. To many, this may seem to be a difficult undertaking, and it is, but a ground level deck reduces part of the hard work by eliminating the need for steps and safety rails. What is the best way to construct a ground-level deck?

The specific procedure of creating a ground deck, including layout and design, foundation planning, and deck laying, which you will discover if you continue reading. 

Contents

What is the Procedure for Constructing a Ground-Level Deck?

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Ground level decks are one of the simplest outdoor constructions to construct, but they are far from simple. Because of the low height, you’ll need lots of air below the deck to keep it from rotting. Many people don’t perceive the need for steps or safety rails because of their height, although the latter may be important if you have children roaming about. 

 

A ground-level deck is one that is less than 12 inches above the ground. To keep mold and decay at bay, it should be well-ventilated. For construction and decking, always use pressure-treated or superior wood. 

Furthermore, a ground level deck does not need to be linked to a building, obviating the need for a ledger board, which, if not constructed correctly, may cause wood rot to your home foundation. Because there are no steps or railings, this sort of deck is less expensive to construct than a conventional height deck.

Most ground-level DIY decks cost $10 per square foot for pressure-treated structure and decking, and 2-3 times that if you hire a professional to construct it for you. Depending on the materials chosen and the size of the deck, the price might be much more. 

The DIY stages for creating a ground level deck are as follows:

Make a plan and a design.

Any project’s success is determined on its planning. You’re halfway to a successful endeavor if you get this properly. At this point, you should think about the following:

 

  • Location – The deck does not need a large amount of room; in fact, modest and basic is always preferable. Make sure you choose a location with a decent view of your yard. 
  • Standing water is the enemy of wood, therefore make sure the soil and beneath the deck are prepared for proper drainage.
  • The deck’s size – The deck should be high enough above the ground to keep mold and decay at bay. To avoid requiring a permit, the deck should not be more than 200 square feet or higher than 30 inches in height. You may apply for a permit or construct separate frames, like I did in my backyard, if you want a larger deck.

The most common wood lengths are 8, 10, 12, and 16 feet. Use a size that integrates the lengths mentioned to have the least amount of waste for framing and decking boards. A 1216 deck is a good example.

Get all of the materials you’ll need

The principal material for framing any deck, particularly a ground level deck, is pressure treated wood. Building rules demand ground contact pressure treated wood for all frame components that touch the ground, regardless of whether you reside in a wet or dry climate.

Make sure your beams and joists are pressure-treated “ground contact” timber. Your framework may not last as long if you don’t utilize that sort of wood.

There are a variety of materials available for decking, as described below. Decking that has been pressure treated is the lowest quality available and therefore the cheapest. Many decks are composed of pressure-treated wood, which may endure for years if properly maintained. If your deck will be exposed to a lot of sunlight, research which decking materials are ideal for full sun.

Consider Hardwood from the tropicss such as ipe, cumaru, tigerwood, or Wood composites decking if you want to improve the aesthetic and longevity of your deck. They are 2-3 times more expensive than pressure-treated decking, but they will last 2-3 times longer. If you’re having trouble deciding between 5/4 and 2/6 decking planks, check our article on the differences between the two.

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  • Decking that has been pressure treated
  • Cedar
  • Redwood
  • Hardwood from the tropics
  • Wood composites

Deck Ventilation Should Be Considered 

Free air flow is important for keeping the ground under the deck dry and fresh, which should be your main goal. If you’re seeking to create a ground level deck, I’m assuming you’re attempting to go below a patio door or want something that doesn’t need a large step up.

If you’re creating a deck that’s less than 6 inches from the ground, you’ll need to dig some soil out to provide the ventilation you need. One of the most important aspects of the construction process will be the removal of soil. I aim to remove at least 6 inches of earth from under my ground-level decks, then place 2-3 inches of gravel over weed barrier fabric to aid water drainage.

Set up the framing and leveling

Any structure’s foundation is crucial because it dictates its strength and lifespan. If you’re going under a patio door, you’ll need to know that height for your deck. When I construct decks, I really go backwards and start with the flush beams and joists.

I construct the outer layer of my structure to the height required beneath my patio door, then level it with concrete blocks on either side. A long level makes it easier to put on top of the framing planks. You’re ready to frame everything once everything is level.

Make sure the outside frame is a couple of inches shorter than the longest deck board. Typically, there should be at least an inch of overhang between your deck board and the structure underneath it. If your deck planks are 16 feet long or 192 inches wide, your framework should be no more than 190 inches wide. Because some decking boards may have checks or cracks on their ends that will need to be cut off, I normally make my framework 4-6 inches shorter.

Prepare the Beams

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The flush beams are required to allow for greater drainage and circulation under the deck. Unlike conventional beams, “flush beams” are at the same height as your joists, rather than under them. Ensure that they are supported across the deck’s bottom using buried concrete forms or floating concrete blocks. Depending on where you reside, you may only be able to utilize one.

If you’re going to be outside where there’s a lot of wind, you’ll need to secure the deck frame to the ground. Either bury the poles in concrete or use concrete forms with fasteners to attach them to the deck framework. If you have the option of using floating concrete blocks, be sure you have enough to adequately support the framework.

Use pressure treated or composite shims beneath the beams to assist leveling if you need to shim a few locations. Another alternative would be to level the ground by adding additional gravel. 

Incorporate inner joists

Take a diagonal measurement from each corner to ensure your deck is exactly square before joining all of the interior joists. If the measurements are not same, make modifications until they are.

I use structural screws to connect all of my outside beams and joists, and joist hangers for my interior joists. These hardware options will offer you the assurance that your deck framework is well-secured. Most beams and joists on ground-level decks will be 26 inches or less.

Unless it’s over a concrete patio with 2x4s, I try not to go below a 2×6 for deck framing. With 2x6s, joist spacing should be no more than 16 inches on center. For specific kinds of wood, most construction rules will highlight the beam and joist span.

Add blocking between the joists to make your deck even more stable, particularly if they are longer than 10-12 feet. Halfway through the project, add blocking to reinforce the joists and create a more sturdy deck.

Install the Decking

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You should have seen that the deck is starting to take form by now. Before laying the decking, examine each one for any cracks or checks at the end, and cut them off if feasible. I prefer to lay out all of my boards on the deck and screw a few of them in, then go back and fill in the gaps with the remaining screws. Each decking board will get two screws per joist.

Instead of cutting each board individually before installation, I trimmed the ends of the boards off after they were installed. Note: If your first board will be adjacent to a dwelling, trim it to length first.

With a ground level deck, you’ll want a bigger gap to allow more ventilation. I use 1/4 to 3/8 inch gap between my decking boards. If you are using Decking that has been pressure treated boards, be careful of your gap as the boards will shrink as they dry.

To cut both ends of the deck boards at the same time, draw a line across the board at the location of the cut or fasten a long straight board to the frame, as shown in the photo. Using a circular saw, cut each board along the designated line. If you can’t screw in a straight line, mark the joist positions perpendicular to the decking with chalk. This can make your decking screws seem more professional by keeping them in a straight line.

Conclusion

Ground level decks are ideal for changing your outside area into a place you’ll want to spend a lot of time in. With the appropriate directions, it’s also a straightforward construction to construct. Hopefully, we’ve given you the courage to take on this backyard project. Remember to keep your deck clean by pressure washing it on a regular basis and staining or painting it to extend the life of the decking planks.

 

The “ground level deck plans pdf” is a PDF document that contains the plans for building a ground level deck. The document includes materials, dimensions, and instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I build a deck directly on the ground?

A: You can build a deck on the ground in Beat Saber, using either your left or right hand.

Do I need footings for a ground level deck?

A: Generally speaking, you do not need any footings for a ground level deck. This is because the weight of your structure will be distributed across the supports in order to keep everything solid and stable.

How do you build a ground level deck step by step?

A: I will give you a detailed answer.

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