Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - minimum deck height
Doityourself.com community forum was created to provide answers to all questions related to home improvement and home repair. Doityourself community can help you find information about how-to topics on small fixes to large remodeling projects. With comprehensive how-to content and expertly moderated community forums DoItYourself.com makes it easy to tackle even the most complex home improvement projects.View Full Version : minimum deck height
txpilot
11-06-03, 09:47 AM
I'm helping a friend with replacing out an old deck. The existing deck is attached to the house and is only 51/2" to 1 ft above the ground. Due to the height, a beam/cantilever design cannot be used. The 2x6 joists are touching the ground and are severely decayed.
In building a replacement deck, I'm hoping the new deck will last a bit longer. However, I'm not sure how to design this. I cannot raise the deck due to the height of connecting doors on the house. Any suggestions?
Second question: the deck size is 20' (parallel to house) by 12'. Since I obviously can't use a joist size larger than a 2x6, do I need a header to divide the distance? (two 6' 2x6's as opposed to a 2x6x12' joist). I'm hoping to get away with it since the joists will already be on the ground and will not bounce too much. I'm planning on joists 16" oc with 2x6 diagonal decking.
Third question: any recommendations on protectant to apply if the joists need to be on the ground?
Thanks for any advice!
Dan
In building a replacement deck, I'm hoping the new deck will last a bit longer. However, I'm not sure how to design this. I cannot raise the deck due to the height of connecting doors on the house. Any suggestions?
Second question: the deck size is 20' (parallel to house) by 12'. Since I obviously can't use a joist size larger than a 2x6, do I need a header to divide the distance? (two 6' 2x6's as opposed to a 2x6x12' joist). I'm hoping to get away with it since the joists will already be on the ground and will not bounce too much. I'm planning on joists 16" oc with 2x6 diagonal decking.
Third question: any recommendations on protectant to apply if the joists need to be on the ground?
Thanks for any advice!
Dan
Tn...Andy
11-06-03, 12:55 PM
Well, understand you can't go UP due to a door, but what about digging out the end where the ground is making contact ? If you're in the ground with the deck, then isn't the ground also up the height floor system ? not a good thing......
Your other choice would be to use treated lumber rated for ground contact.....it has .6/lb per cubic ft rather than .4 for regular treated lumber. Harder to find, check farm supply stores.
Your other choice would be to use treated lumber rated for ground contact.....it has .6/lb per cubic ft rather than .4 for regular treated lumber. Harder to find, check farm supply stores.
lefty
11-06-03, 05:14 PM
I've done several very low level decks.
What I have done is pour concrete footings (6" wide and a foot deep) the length of the deck -- for a deck with a 12' projection, pour one within 2' of the house, one mid-span and one at least 10 feet from the house. Rest your joists directly on the footings, or use small posts if needed to keep the joists at the level you need them.
i would use 12' 2X6's for the joists -- why put a joint in them that is just going to make more work for you?
What I have done is pour concrete footings (6" wide and a foot deep) the length of the deck -- for a deck with a 12' projection, pour one within 2' of the house, one mid-span and one at least 10 feet from the house. Rest your joists directly on the footings, or use small posts if needed to keep the joists at the level you need them.
i would use 12' 2X6's for the joists -- why put a joint in them that is just going to make more work for you?