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How To Build A Free Floating Deck

How much does it cost to build a 12×12 floating deck?

A 12 x12 deck can range in cost from $2 200 to $13 000, but the average will be $6 000. Costing $40 a square foot but can be as little as $15 or as high as $85, depending on the deck’s features.

How much does a 20×20 floating deck cost?

New Deck Installation Cost The average homeowner spends $2,200 to build a 10×10 foot deck, $6,160 to build a 14×20 deck, and $8,800 to build a 20×20 deck. The cost to build a deck with pressure-treated wood, hardwood, or composite is about $25 per square foot, for both materials and installation.

Can I build a floating deck?

You can build a floating deck that’s right next to your house, too. You just won’t be attaching it in any way to your home’s structure. Plan to keep the edge of your free standing deck about 1 inch away from your home’s siding.

How do you build a freestanding deck?

How to Build a Freestanding or Detached Deck Step 1: Layout & Prepare the Deck Site. Step 2: Dig Concrete Footing Holes. Step 3: Pour the Concrete Footings. Step 4: Install the Posts. Step 5: Build the Beam. Step 6: Set the Beam. Step 7: Install the Floor Joists. Step 8: Lay the Deck Boards.

What is the cheapest way to build a deck?

Choose wood, but carefully: Untreated wood decks are generally the cheapest to install, but don’t forget long-term costs. Wood decks require yearly maintenance and deteriorate quickly if they don’t get it.

Can I build a deck directly on the ground?

Yes, you can build a deck directly on the ground, but with some conditions. A deck on the ground must be built with ground-contact wood, and the substructure needs to be adapted for minimal height. Even though technically a ground level deck is elevated up to 24”, here we will discuss decks built less than 8” high.

How do you build a floating deck over grass?

Instructions Prepare the Deck Area. Clear the ground where the deck will be installed, removing grass and all other organic material, as needed. Set the Concrete Blocks. Build the Outer Frame. Position and Square the Deck Frame. Check the Blocks. Install the Remaining Joists. Install the Deck Boards.

Do floating decks need footings?

When it comes to floating decks, which are decks that are built very close to the ground, they don’t need any sort of footing. You can either use small concrete blocks and planks, or you can use a post that sets into a pre-formed hole.

Do floating decks need beams?

2×5=10 A floating deck less than fourteen feet deep needs two beams. One on each end, more if you use smaller joists but let’s assume you use larger joists like 2×8. A deeper deck will need larger joists or closer spacing. For this deck, you will need to purchase a minimum of 10 deck blocks.

Are Floating decks a good idea?

Yes, a floating deck is a good idea if the deck is low, not attached to the house or built close to trees. A floating deck will save you both time and money during construction. But a floating deck is a bad idea if the deck is tall or is attached to the house.

Can I use deck pier blocks instead of footings?

Pier blocks can be used instead of footings for a ground-level deck not requiring permits. Piers blocks can also be used if the frost level depth is less then the height of the pier block.

Will a floating deck move?

By very definition, a floating deck will move. Sitting on the surface of the ground, it is as stable as the ground beneath it. A floating deck’s movement is often connected to seasonal freezing and thawing by can also be caused by other factors. If a floating deck has good support, it will move very little.

Can I use 2×4 for floating deck joists?

The short answer is yes. 2x4s can work for deck joists. However, they aren’t ideal for spanning long distances without bending or breaking, so you have some limitations. Choosing 2x4s for a low-sitting deck is perfect for keeping your feet out of the mud.

How far off the ground can a floating deck be?

It’s not more than 30 inches above the ground. It’s not attached to your house. It’s not in front of an egress door.

What do I need to build a 12×12 floating deck?

Materials deck blocks or pier blocks. galvanized deck screws. galvanized nails. 2×6 boards. fast-drying concrete. 2×6 pressure-treated boards.

How much does it cost to build a floating deck?

Floating decks cost on average $20 to $60 per square foot and can be built anywhere on the property without being attached to an existing structure like a home.

What is a freestanding deck?

A freestanding deck is a beautiful addition to your home’s backyard landscape. This type of deck structure is self-supported and not directly attached to your home. It’s often the most practical choice for homes with brick or stucco exterior walls, which can make installing ledger boards difficult.

How many footings do I need for a floating deck?

For an 8×10′ freestanding deck, you’ll need six footings. Unless you have access to a power auger, that’s a lot of digging. After digging each hole, you will need to install tube forms into each.

Do I need to remove grass before building a deck?

Leaving the grass in place facilitates drainage. The grass may eventually die off due to lack of sunlight filtering through the deck, but the remaining topsoil still drains water faster than if you dug out the entire area.

Can I build a deck without digging holes?

Yes. It’s possible to build a deck without digging holes. This type of deck is called a floating deck, and it sits right on top of the ground without any posts or support areas that you’d dig down into the ground [to secure].

Can you lay decking on uneven ground?

You can install decks almost anywhere, as long as there is a suitable foundation. While they are easiest to install on level grounds, you can also build them on sloped or uneven terrain.