Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Ground level deck....really ground level...is it possible?

First of all I'm a newbie to these's forums and find this an awesome place to answer tons of my household questions.

I visited a friends shore house not to long ago and he had a groundlevel deck outlining the rear of his house and his hottub. I really didn't take a good look at this but it was ground level. Meaning his lawn was the exact height as his deck. My wife and I were originally toying w/ the idea of a patio in our backyard but after seeing his house I would really like to put a ground level deck instead. My wife and I really liked the look of it compared to pavers.

Now the questions, is it possible to create a true ground level deck that is level with the rest of our yard? We would make it around 12' X 14'. The deck would extend from were our concrete walkway meets the grass and outward towards the center or the lawn. Is this possible? We would use the composite decking for this project. I was thinking we could dig up the area deep enough to install the joist, filling the area under the deck w/ rock.

I know I'm not very decriptive but hopefully you get the idea. Do you think it is possible? any sugestions? Ideas would be great. Thanks.

I'm no pro... but I'm thinking, you would have to dig out the area, and then use some kind of retaining wall block system to keep the dirt from falling back in.

Next you have to deal with drainage... a shallow pit like that is going to fill with water PDQ, so now... you got to think of how to get that water way from your joists, etc. I don't think you want them sitting in a "pond"

Just my thoughts...

Mike

SillyMike told you pretty much how it's done. Drainage is usually handled by digging several holes 8" to 10" in diameter (post hole auger works well) and several feet deep, then filling them with pea gravel or cruched rock. These types of decks are obviously not suited for climates that get a lot of rain or areas with really poor draining soils.