What goes under a floating deck?

Floating decks can be set directly on the ground or, preferably, a bed of gravel. But it's best to support the deck on concrete blocks. This keeps the wood off the ground and away from moisture so the wood stays drier and lasts longer.

Do you need gravel under floating deck?

Most deck installation companies recommend using gravel when installing a deck. Gravel provides ample drainage and prevents pools of water from lingering below the deck structure after it rains, and eroding the wood structure and foundation.

Do you need footers for a floating deck?

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.

What keeps a floating deck from moving?

Two common base materials with providing excellent drainage are gravel or sand. Both allow the water to drain away from the under the deck block but can be compacted. 2″ (50mm) of compacted gravel or sand under each deck block will minimizing the deck's movement.

Is a floating deck a good idea?

A floating deck offers numerous advantages. In addition to not requiring a building permit, floating decks are far easier and faster to build than elevated decks. They also don't require frost depth footings and don't need handrails because they're so close to the ground.

DIY Floating Deck | PART ONE | frame + moisture barriers

What is a footing pad?

FootingPad is a patented code-compliant post footer used to support decks, post-frame buildings (pole barns) and other post supported structures. Easy to handle and use. Eliminates hauling, mixing and waiting for concrete. Made in the USA of 100% recycled material. Replaces concrete footings of equal diameter.

How many footings do I need for a 12x12 floating deck?

For an attached 12 x 12' deck, you'll need at least 3 footings, plus at least 2 more if you're planning on building stairs with it. If your deck will be a different size, it's easy to figure out how many you'll need.

How deep should footings be on a floating deck?

According to the main code provision for footings, the only requirement for building a deck that is freestanding is that it must have a minimum footing depth of 12 inches below the undisturbed ground surface. There is no need to extend a footing below the frost line, as is required for standard decks.

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.

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 much does it cost to build a 12x12 floating deck?

A deck will cost much less than adding a similar size room to your home. For example, the cost of a 12 x12 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.

What is the best material to put under a deck?

A layer of crushed gravel, with or without plastic or weed barrier cloth, is the best choice for using under a deck. It sheds moisture instead of absorbing it, keeps the area under the deck drier, and won't decay.

What kind of rock goes under deck?

At the same time, a deck should look clean and tidy underneath. The best material to put under a lower deck is landscape fabric covered by non-organic material like gravel or rock. The landscape fabric to stop weeds from overtaking your deck, the gravel to hold down the fabric while allowing for drainage.

Do you need drainage under decking?

A deck allows you to relax and entertain outside, but without proper drainage, it's possible for water to pool underneath. This can create a breeding ground for mosquitoes, mold and bacteria. If you have water standing under your deck after the rain, choose a drainage system that works for you.

Is a floating deck a permanent structure?

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. They rely on a structural base that's not permanently fixed in the ground, classifying them in most communities as personal property instead of real estate.

Can you build a deck without footings?

You can also build a deck without footings. A deck without footings might be appropriate if it is a low deck platform. Deck blocks, made of concrete or heavy-duty plastic, are strong enough to hold these kinds of deck platforms. Low decks don't need footings because they are close to the ground.

How do you build a floating deck over grass?

Should you use 4x4 or 6x6 deck posts?

Deck posts must be a minimum of 4×4 according to the IRC but many jurisdictions require a 6×6 post as a standard. To avoid code violations, many deck builders choose the 6×6 even if the 4×4 is acceptable.

What size should deck joists be?

Commonly used joist sizes are 2-by-6, 2-by-8 and 2-by-10. For example, when you space joists 16″ apart — which is standard for residential decks — a deck spanning 9 1/2′ would require 2-by-6 joists, a 13′ deck would need 2-by-8 joists and a 16′ deck calls for 2-by-10 joists.

How far apart should my joists be for decking?

How Far Apart Should You Space Deck Joists? The short answer: deck joists are typically spaced either 12 inches or 16 inches apart, on center.

What type of soil is suitable for pad foundation?

Chalk soils can be prone to erosion, so be wary of the possible presence of hollows or caves. Dry, compact gravel or gravel and sand subsoils are usually adequate for strip foundations. Generally a depth of 700mm is acceptable, as long as the ground has adequate bearing capacity.

How deep should pad foundations be?

The depth of a pad foundations are typically between 600mm – 2000mm but once the pad becomes too deep, it may not be economical anymore, and it may be better to use pile foundations.