Elevate where necessary with pieces of 4-by-4 inch boards, cut to length. .. choose a patio upgrade that can “float” over moving cracks without becoming damaged. Each joist should extend 1 foot past the centre of each end of the deck pier block. Install the Posts. TOM: Well, a couple of things. This is to minimize any grass that may grow under the deck. Attach joists to the end boards using two screws on each end. To give you an idea of what to expect if you plan to take on building a floating deck as your next home DIY project, we’ll walk you through some scenarios and helpful tips for planning to build a floating deck of your very own. A floating deck, while not attached to your home, differs in that it does not always require permits or approvals from your local building office. Cedar and Redwood are also comparatively less rot-resistant than other natural wood options, but can also be more expensive. An alternative to deck blocks is to use rectangular patio blocks, laid underneath the corners of the deck and at 4' to 6' intervals directly on the ground. The key design element to create a floating deck is to have it be just a few inches above the ground, rather than being flush with grass. Instructions on building a floating deck are relatively simple. I would love to save my back! If you have a lush, green backyard, you might be wondering how to build a floating deck over grass. You can avoid additional footings by hanging stringers from the deck joists with metal angles or 2x4s. Bonus steps – make the oasis a little more oasis-y. Instead of using footings, adding a level of gravel will give you the drainage aspect you are looking for. Create Lines for Interior Blocks. A floating deck is a type of deck that sits on top of the ground. You’ll also have two boards at 10 ft serving as your end joists. Part one walks you through planning and layout. In the steps outlined in this DIY floating deck example, we reference a deck situated on concrete blocks, which raises the deck for ventilation. When your DIY floating deck is built on deck blocks, you create greater stability for your deck in addition to improving ventilation. Composite decking can mimic the look of wood and can last for 25+ years, but does not require staining or as intense of a regimen of upkeep in order to maintain your floating deck. The cost to build a floating deck will depend on multiple variables, such as the materials you plan to use to build your deck. Article by eHow. 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. If you add a step to your ground level deck and use hidden deck fasteners as we did, you might need a few more hours to finish the job. You do not have to dig large holes, pour concrete footings, sink posts or fasten beams. To ensure a stable structure, you’ll want to take into consideration the size of your floating deck. Building the deck. Many people join them on to the side of the house, some add them on to the garage and other people have them as freestanding. Build your deck any shape or size, as long as you remember that joints should be a maximum of 2.5-feet apart, deck pier blocks should be a maximum of 5 feet apart under every single joist and at least two screws should be used per decking piece. How to Build a Floating Deck | Hunker. Frame the steps for the floating deck next. 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 case you’re thinking of building your own floating deck I’ve put together all the details on how we did it. Excavate the area for the floating deck, then using a laser level, move dirt until ground is level. Backyard Decks: Build an Island Deck Family Handyman. In nearly all cases, you’ll require a permit to build a deck. This Gardenerdy tells you the easiest way to build a floating deck, all by yourself. 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. Edward Rotchford has been freelance writing for over five years. Instead, your deck will consist of rim joists that make up the deck’s perimeter, to be filled in with joists that will support the decking. Build the Outer Frame. Explore. How to Build a Floating Deck Over Your Grass - Pinterest. Obviously these instructions can be adjusted if you want to build a deck that’s a different size! Wooden joists sit directly on concrete piers, with the decking screwed directly to the joists. 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. Before staining, I used the orbital sander to give the deck a once-over, removing any burrs, splinters and flattening out the seams. I am just about to try building a deck and some have told me to remove the grass, put down a weed shield and then layer on 1 to 2 inches of gravel. A floating deck can add a simple, elegant design to any backyard while also creating useable space for things like outdoor furniture and grilling. Wooden. Instructions on building a floating deck are relatively simple. How to build a floating deck over your grass A floating deck is a type of deck that sits on top of the ground. Heavy-duty power screwdrivers suitable for framing a deck can be rented at many home and garden centers. Arrange your floating deck frame over the concrete blocks. I plan to build a deck also, thanks to your smashing tutorial. You can either build it directly on the ground or square the site and build it on top of risers as a floating deck. This is to minimize any grass that may grow under the deck. Jul 26, 2018 - How to Build a Floating Deck Over Your Grass | eHow. To finish your floating deck and make it last, you’ll want to stain or seal it for protection against the elements if you’ve chosen natural wood. Dig a hole of at least 36 inches. In general, a deck footing is usually used if it is going to be higher than your waist or larger than 100 square feet. Building a Floating Deck 01:07. The deck surface should be no more than 8 in. If you’re laying your deck straight onto the ground, cover the area with a layer of weed control fabric. 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. Concrete blocks won’t rot, making them … Square or rectangle shaped decks are easiest to build. 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. Oct 9, 2017 - Freestanding decks provide architectural appeal to large, open yards. If elevating joists using cut pieces of 4-by-4 inch boards, nail joists to them for extra strength. 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. Instructions on building a floating deck are relatively simple. When building a floating deck on uneven ground, your biggest challenge will be to make the ground even so the deck is stable. Garden Types. I read the "Deck Building: How to Build a Deck Introduction" on this fantastic site, and no mention is made of this step. Check with your local building department to see the requirements for your area and your deck. You don't need a shop full of tools to build a deck. The entire design takes shape first, and then it is attached or placed at a suitable location. 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.