Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Ground level free standing deck
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yelloguy
07-21-08, 07:14 PM
I have done some reading and research, and I think I am ready to undertake this project next. I have a single story ranch and the backdoor opens into this area 12 by 20 in size. I want to build a ground level deck (aka wooden patio) that is close to but not attached to either wall.
The area is fairly level but has big roots underneath because I just got rid of a tree close by. I am thinking about using the pre-cast concrete footings (or piers, aka Dek blocks) for support. But the problem is that the door is about 6 inches off the ground so the deck cannot be any higher than that. I will have to dig holes to place the concrete footings and pour some crushed concrete under and around those blocks. Then I will have to level the frame and nail or screw decking on top.
My whole plan is built using www.freedeckplans.com website and I think I can pull it off. But the website FAQ says not to dig holes and level using a 4x4. Doing either or both will raise the height of the deck and render the whole plan useless for me.
The other idea I had was to lay two or three parallel sleepers in trenches on crushed concrete. Nail support beams perpendicular on those sleepers and nail decking perpendicular to support beams on top. But digging trenches for the entire length seems like more work so I am leaning in favor of concrete blocks.
Has anyone here done anything like this? Any comments?
The area is fairly level but has big roots underneath because I just got rid of a tree close by. I am thinking about using the pre-cast concrete footings (or piers, aka Dek blocks) for support. But the problem is that the door is about 6 inches off the ground so the deck cannot be any higher than that. I will have to dig holes to place the concrete footings and pour some crushed concrete under and around those blocks. Then I will have to level the frame and nail or screw decking on top.
My whole plan is built using www.freedeckplans.com website and I think I can pull it off. But the website FAQ says not to dig holes and level using a 4x4. Doing either or both will raise the height of the deck and render the whole plan useless for me.
The other idea I had was to lay two or three parallel sleepers in trenches on crushed concrete. Nail support beams perpendicular on those sleepers and nail decking perpendicular to support beams on top. But digging trenches for the entire length seems like more work so I am leaning in favor of concrete blocks.
Has anyone here done anything like this? Any comments?
Pulpo
07-21-08, 08:23 PM
Why don't you consider a brick patio instead? That way you wouln't have to kill yourself to meet the 6 inch height limit.