Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - free standing deck/patio
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spikedog4
04-26-08, 02:55 PM
I've read the multiple threads and am more confused than before. I'm in MA and my understanding is there isn't a code for
frostline footings if the deck isn't elevated and has no railings.
Right now I have 3 temporary steps coming off the back door to the ground. (not attached to house- but pretty stable as it's 8ft wide. I'd like to make these more permanent as it's much cheaper than building a real deck off the house and then having stairs to the yard off the deck. I don't know what IPE is but sounded like many liked that material (?hardwood?). I worry though with this so low to the ground that even with gravel underneath- I'm going to have mold/mildew buildup under there and it will rot faster. Is this more likely to occur with wood than a composite? I also don't want it slippery (would think the composite would worse esp in Winter) since I have a dog and will have to shovel snow off this- so scratching's an issue also.
I don't want to paint due to labor of scraping/sanding and repainting often- but I suppose I can stain/seal as necessary. It's not going to be that big- maybe 9x10?
I'm hiring someone to do it but can't be sure he's ever done one of these before! (and there are so many scammers around here I at least trust this contractor to be honest).
Concrete isn't an option with the frost- plus want this to also help with the muddy paw issue- patio won't help that...
yard gets very wet and pools frequently.
What do you advise?
tx,deb
frostline footings if the deck isn't elevated and has no railings.
Right now I have 3 temporary steps coming off the back door to the ground. (not attached to house- but pretty stable as it's 8ft wide. I'd like to make these more permanent as it's much cheaper than building a real deck off the house and then having stairs to the yard off the deck. I don't know what IPE is but sounded like many liked that material (?hardwood?). I worry though with this so low to the ground that even with gravel underneath- I'm going to have mold/mildew buildup under there and it will rot faster. Is this more likely to occur with wood than a composite? I also don't want it slippery (would think the composite would worse esp in Winter) since I have a dog and will have to shovel snow off this- so scratching's an issue also.
I don't want to paint due to labor of scraping/sanding and repainting often- but I suppose I can stain/seal as necessary. It's not going to be that big- maybe 9x10?
I'm hiring someone to do it but can't be sure he's ever done one of these before! (and there are so many scammers around here I at least trust this contractor to be honest).
Concrete isn't an option with the frost- plus want this to also help with the muddy paw issue- patio won't help that...
yard gets very wet and pools frequently.
What do you advise?
tx,deb
connie
04-26-08, 04:30 PM
Hi Deb,
For help determining your contractor, vies this thread:
http://forum.doityourself.com/showthread.php?t=342564
Ipe is an excellent wood for decking. It is very hard and while it does not require stain, it will "silver" without it. It has become an accepted practice to build the deck independent of the house, so yes, free standing is preferred.
I don't think mold will be an issue as long as the land is graded correctly and water does not stand beneath the wood.
Connie
For help determining your contractor, vies this thread:
http://forum.doityourself.com/showthread.php?t=342564
Ipe is an excellent wood for decking. It is very hard and while it does not require stain, it will "silver" without it. It has become an accepted practice to build the deck independent of the house, so yes, free standing is preferred.
I don't think mold will be an issue as long as the land is graded correctly and water does not stand beneath the wood.
Connie
lefty
04-26-08, 09:13 PM
spikedog4,
I'm in CA -- I have NO IDEA what your local code in MA is as far as when you need a permit. But you'll certainly need to deal with the frost issue, permit needed or not.
The only SURE way to know if you need a permit or not is to go ask your local bldg. dept. DO NOT rely on what you're neighbors tell you, unless one is a bldg. inspector and the other is the local chief bldg. official, and BOTH work in the same jurisdiction that your deck will be built in!!
Personally, I wouldn't put wood (of ANY sort) close to the ground. Look around and find Azek decking. It's cheaper than Ipe up front, and will have ZERO maintenance. And that close to dirt, it'll outlast any composite.
I'm in CA -- I have NO IDEA what your local code in MA is as far as when you need a permit. But you'll certainly need to deal with the frost issue, permit needed or not.
The only SURE way to know if you need a permit or not is to go ask your local bldg. dept. DO NOT rely on what you're neighbors tell you, unless one is a bldg. inspector and the other is the local chief bldg. official, and BOTH work in the same jurisdiction that your deck will be built in!!
Personally, I wouldn't put wood (of ANY sort) close to the ground. Look around and find Azek decking. It's cheaper than Ipe up front, and will have ZERO maintenance. And that close to dirt, it'll outlast any composite.