We offer some tips for determining the best size for your new deck design. When you hire Mr. Handyman for floating deck installation, you get a professional carpenter with an average 10 years’ experience. Mr. Handyman’s Third Annual “My ‘Pet’ Peeves” Photo Contest, Replacing Siding on a House: What to Know. Jul 2, 2012 8,174 519 126. If it’s 6 feet or less with a proper post to beam and joist bracing, then you can install a floating deck without the hassle of having to install concrete footings. Where frost exists, you must pour a deep concrete footing, ensuring that the bottom falls beneath the frost line for your area. A deck more than 2 feet or two steps above ground must have a railing. Find out more. It’s physically attached to the building (your home, for example). Build 20x20 Deck • How high can a floating deck be? This 12' x 12' deck is a single week job. A deck or related structure requires a permit if any of these conditions apply: It is higher than 0.6 m (2’-0”) above grade at any point - if it is under 0.6 m (2’-0”) please review our section for patios . Check back in a couple weeks for part two in this series for the tutorial on how to build a pergola using the Simpson Strong-Tie beautiful new Outdoor Accents™ hardware line. The Titan Deck Foot Anchor is a fast and easy solution for supporting any light weight structure that is floating or free standing from a house.You just screw the auger portion into the ground using a lightweight hand-held impact wrench and never experience any kick back. [9.12.2.2. Dec 29, 2019 - Explore Ice's board "Building a floating deck" on Pinterest. Because a floating deck is ground level, repairing and maintaining them is relatively easy. Depending on the size of your deck, you can then add more posts. Since this is not connected to the house the deck blocks were sufficient for us and saved us a lot of time. A floating deck adds a great elevated place to sit and enjoy a view of a yard. If you still didnt get the core crux of my words, allow me to be a piece frank. Learn how to design a deck to match your sense of style and to compliment your house. (7)(c)] 2. Shall not exceed 592ft2 in deck area [9.12.2.2. But free standing decks are very common and can easily be built to very high performance standards without the cost of ripping apart the building envelope and having to rebuild, attach and re-flash everything. But beware of these three situations: If an area is badly cracked and sinks noticeably year after year, any decking you put over it will also sink and develop a low spot. But before you begin work, check with the local building department to ensure that deck blocks are usable in your area. 20. Caitlin Ketcham of the blog Desert Domicile included a beautiful floating deck in her amazing total backyard makeover, part of our Patio Style Challenge. Cracks, craters and seasonal movement along cracks are no problem. Your Floating Homes can be extended with a sky deck upon request. The last step is to lay the boards and to space them out evenly. Certain homes or structures aren’t suitable for supporting a deck. One of the biggest plusses of a floating deck is that you (probably) won’t need to get a permit to build it. How? How to Design a Deck Porch Roof Options. Is there a limit to the size of a floating deck I can build using the Titan Deck Foot anchoring system? One of the cheapest options out there is deck blocks, which are blocks that literally sit on the ground and provide the foundation for your deck. {found on homedepot}. To plan and lay out the deck and watch a video of the entire project, see the first part of the series: Planning a Floating Deck. How to Design a Deck What Size Deck Should I Have? A floating deck is the latest innovation in decking. It’s not more than 30 inches above the ground. It can’t damage your home if it’s damaged by weather. Post bases and anchors quickly create a floating deck. Click here for our precautionary measures. A floating, or freestanding deck, is one that can be placed virtually anywhere in any yard, regardless of layout or space. A railing 0.90m (3’-0”) high is required if the distance from the surface of your deck to adjacent ground level is less than 1.8m (6’-0”) A railing 1.07m (3’-6”) high is required if the distance from the surface of your deck to adjacent ground level is equal to or exceeds 1.8m (6’-0”) It sits in your yard by itself as a standalone platform. Red Clay Soil. Pure coincidence, or maybe not. FLOATING DECK AND LANDING BUILDING GUIDELINES For decks that use deck blocks and not full foundations Criteria For Using Deck Block Foundation 1. Does not support any roof structure [9.12.2.2. But it's best to support the deck on concrete blocks. It’s a way to heighten the experience of your yard, add a dedicated social spot, and create the perfect atmosphere for dining or relaxing. Customize it accordingly. It's easy to do. This is the second part of our How to Build a Floating Deck series. In the location we’re building this floating deck, because it’s not attached to the house and will be less than 200 square feet, we don’t have to go below the frost line — the level at which water in the soil typically freezes — for our foundation. Digging about 6 inches into the ground, create holes for the blocks so you can adjust (raise or lower) to make them even. In addition to requirements for foundations and placement, … Once again I marked these out, double checked them and erected them in a similar manner to the others. Adding a floating deck to your backyard can provide a much-needed platform for patio furniture, a grill, a hammock and other backyard amenities. Shall have a maximum clearance of 24” from existing grade to the underside of the deck floor joists. Check with your local building department to see the requirements for your area and your deck. Though, a floating deck can simply be repositioned/shimmed if it settles unevenly and causes issues rubbing against the house or creating trip hazards. Wanting to add some functionality and much needed curb appeal to our backyard, we decided to build an island (or floating) deck in between our existing trees. (7)(d)] Floating decks can be set directly on the ground or, preferably, a bed of gravel. Privacy Screens -How High Can I Go With Titan Wood Post Anchor? 1 reply 0. blkhawk aoliver5. Since this is a free standing deck and less than 36″ off the ground our local code did not require a permit. Great for pools or gazebos. Pontoon. Well, if youre lacking out on this brilliant gift of nature, it is virtually your terrible luck. Generally, floating decks are low to the ground and don’t require handrails or even staircases. We Found Your Local Mr. Handyman Ann Arbor, MI. It needs a complete set of perimeter footings since it will be self-supporting and won’t tie into your home’s existing foundation. Use deck fasteners to secure the planks to the support structure underneath. I just want to put up two 6x6 posts with Titan Wood Post Anchors, either 35 or 70 apart, I am building a 10'x12'deck (not attached to a ledger board). With its attractive non-porous surface material, composite decking can be cleaned quickly with soapy water, allowing you to spend your time relaxing with family and guests on your gorgeous new deck. A floating deck is on its own – although it can certainly still butt up against the structure so it can sometimes be hard to tell the difference. How to Build a DIY Floating Deck in a Sloped Backyard. If it’s 6 feet or less with a proper post to beam and joist bracing, then you can install a floating deck without the hassle of having to install concrete footings. We built a floating deck! First set the perimeter, level out the space and set the blocks. Adding a floating deck to your backyard can provide a much-needed platform for patio furniture, a grill, a hammock and other backyard amenities. Floating decks can provide more seating, a dedicated eating area, or a different vantage point in a backyard. While a floating deck might be next to a building, it may also be a standalone structure in the middle of your yard. Composite decking timbers are a high-quality combination of wood fibre and recycled materials which deliver the ultimate low maintenance, hard wearing, premium finish. It needs a complete set of perimeter footings since it will be self-supporting and won’t tie into your home’s existing foundation. They are elevated a bit above the ground and they can be moved from one area of your yard to another. In the location we’re building this floating deck, because it’s not attached to the house and will be less than 200 square feet, we don’t have to go below the frost line — the level at which water in the soil typically freezes — for our foundation. A fixed deck is, well, fixed! These decks aren’t as sturdy or stationary as a fixed deck but they have their advantages. If you hit an obstacle like a rock, you can easily reverse the deck foot anchor out and move over a bit. You can count on them for reliable mosquito and pest control. Home Decor. Building a deck usually starts with digging holes for concrete piers, placing concrete, and attaching a ledger solidly to the house. Deck Types Floating Deck. Find out more. This is the second part of our How to Build a Floating Deck series. Sep 27, 2016 #4 boomerang said: A deck not attached to the house still needs footings for the support posts. Span requirements ensure your deck won't sag or collapse during a party or under snow load. Obviously these instructions can be adjusted if you want to build a deck that’s a different size! Simply click here to return to. Codes specify maximum spans according to the type of wood used. You can build a simple deck in one day using this floating deck system with basic carpentry skills and tools. All locations are individually owned and operated. A floating, or freestanding deck, is one that can be placed virtually anywhere in any yard, regardless of layout or space. Digging about 6 inches into the ground, create holes for the blocks so you can adjust (raise or lower) to make them even. It won’t bend, crack, splinter or warp, which are more reasons homeowners love it. Open the door to summer enjoyment with a deck in the backyard. Either way, she offers some good ideas on how to build a floating deck similar to hers in your backyard, as well as some building and planning tips that come from her experience with this project. It measures about 14 feet x 16 feet. If you really want a low-maintenance floating deck, consider composite decking. Floating decks are also called ground-level decks because they typically hug the ground. Composite decking material is also a popular choice thanks to its durability and low maintenance. In c… It’s simpler because there’s no need to worry about a ledger board and installing that properly or drilling into the side of your house. One of the biggest plusses of a floating deck is that you (probably) won’t need to get a permit to build it. The deck should never be lower than the minimum code rise for a set of stairs. It is the weakest common soil type supporting a load of 1500 lbs/sq ft. Floating Deck Materials. Check with your local building department to see the requirements for your area and your deck. A ground-level deck, sometimes referred to as a floating deck or platform deck, is so-called because, unlike conventional decks, a ground-level deck is not attached to a home or building. I'm building a DIY floating deck in my back yard! By choosing high-quality composite decking material, you can eliminate the hassle of sanding, oiling, and cleaning. That is the process of how to build a floating deck in a nutshell. Any deck in his town under 12″ high does not require a permit, regardless of size. This is a minimum required height for residential structure—higher guards are acceptable. See more ideas about floating deck, building a deck, building a floating deck. Floating decks are simple, attractive and relatively easy to build. Exterior. With a little cleaning and light maintenance, the material will retain its original appearance for years. 15 m 2 with high-quality wooden flooring made of bangkirai planks. A floating deck is a deck that isn’t attached to a building and they “float” above the ground. First and foremost, always check your local codes and pull permits if required. I've heard attaching the ledger board allows the water to rot the frame under the sideing and also the snow collects under the deck where it meets the house over the ledger board, where as if it's floating all water and snow just passes down under the deck . Additionally, damage can occur to your house if the deck is attached instead of free-floating. Part 1: Planning & LayoutPart 2 (that's here! Depending on the type of exterior used (vinyl, stucco, brick, etc.) Literally! With this kind of deck, shape is only limited to the imagination. A floating deck, or freestanding deck, can add visual appeal to your backyard as well as increasing the space available for outdoor dining, entertaining or just relaxing outside. It's easy to do. Shall not exceed 592ft2 in deck area [9.12.2.2. The extra processing these boards go through protects them from deterioration, which is an additional threat because floating decks are so close to the ground. I am looking to install privacy screens on my concrete patio. Depending on the size of your deck, you can then add more posts. Over time, all unsealed decks will turn gray and start to crack. Set the four corners for the deck. In addition to not requiring a building permit, floating decks are far easier and faster to build than elevated decks. We designed this deck to be a freestanding deck… Explore. By choosing high-quality composite decking material, you can eliminate the hassle of sanding, oiling, and cleaning. As for decking material, there are many kinds of lumber that work great, such as redwood and cedar. You are replacing, rebuilding or extending an existing deck or balcony, that is higher than 0.6 m (2’-0”) above grade at any point. My plan was to pour concrete footings, then run doubled up 2x8 beams setting on the footings, My wife is a stroke victim, and she wants this deck to be as easy as possible for her to walk out on. Commercial deck guardrails, such as those found at restaurants, bars, and at multifamily homes such as apartments or condos, are required to be 42 inches high, minimum. This DIY floating deck rescued a neglected backyard that was nearly unusable. To watch the framing process, take a look at the framing portion of our floating deck video. This is a minimum required height for residential structure—higher guards are acceptable. It does require planning, however, and plenty of sweat equity. Deck Types Floating Deck. How much weight can my deck support? Codes dictate how high the deck railing must be, as well as how far apart the balusters can be. Because a floating deck isn’t attached directly to your home, it can’t pull away and damage the exterior of your house if it’s damaged by high winds or other forces of nature. © 2004-2021 Decksgo.com. 4 Ways to Use a Floating Deck. You can always use a floating deck concept as long as the deck is not attached to the ledger and so long as the deck is below certain heights as mandated by your local building department. How to build a DIY Floating Deck with the Kreg Deck Jig. The higher your deck is off the ground, however, the less weight per square foot it can take. This type of deck can only be made in areas that do not have a deep winter frost. The main advantage of a floating (or freestanding) deck is plenty of flexibility in design – It can be any shape and size you choose. To plan and lay out the deck and watch a video of the entire project, see the first part of the series: Planning a Floating Deck. Deck Guardrail Height . Article by The Home Depot. OK, but we still built a solid deck that met all other code requirements. Precast deck blocks take the place of in-ground footings, reducing complexity of construction, time required, and cost. View step-by-step instructions for building a floating deck at Decks.com. This is by no mean a new Instructable, it was done before by TimBTodd. How to Design a Deck Deck Design Styles. [9.12.2.2. ----- Our main goal is creating educational content. Follow along to see how this gorgeous outdoor space was built. Build a Floating Deck: Here is how I built a deck in my backyard.It's a "floating deck," which means it simply rests on blocks at ground level, and is not anchored deeply in the ground. The main reason we moved to Michigan was to be closer to family. It’s a type of construction using floating tiles built on a frame, making this a decking solution that is suitable for a vast range of situations. A deck does not need a handrail or stairs if its walking surface is under 30 inches above the ground. Which of course means more projects get added to the “to do” list. If you're planning on building a ground level deck, ground contact lumber is an essential element. Deck Guardrail Height . Let’s break it down, using the large 6-8 person hot tub in my chart above as an example. Does not support any roof structure [9.12.2.2. Decide if you want to have a railing around the deck or steps. Since this is a free standing deck and less than 36″ off the ground our local code did not require a permit. Optional Sky Deck. To watch the framing process, take a look at the framing portion of our floating deck video. They also don’t require frost depth footings and don’t need handrails because they’re so close to the ground. Some services are subject to state and local licensing and may not be available at all locations. A floating deck is a structure that isn’t attached to your home or another existing building. Then create a level frame. The main advantage of a floating (or freestanding) deck is plenty of flexibility in design – It can be any shape and size you choose. Always use pressure-treated lumber to build a floating deck frame. The main reason why people consider floating vinyl decks is because they don’t have to attach to the home or structure, so you don’t need to remove siding on existing homes. She would like it to be as high as possible, with. Generally, a deck should be sealed or stained every two to four years. Your health and safety are our highest priority during this time. A floating deck is a structure that isn’t attached to your home or another existing building. Copyright © Mr. Handyman, All rights reserved. Floating Deck Advantages: Can be built anywhere. Your Floating Homes A-Type is built upon a stable reinforced concrete pontoon. Floating or pedestal roof deck assemblies can be an ideal low-maintenance deck surface on high traffic areas when properly installed. BUILDING A FLOATING DECK: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW. How to build a Floating Deck. A Floating Deck is a deck that is not attached to any structure like your home. Obviously these instructions can be adjusted if you want to build a deck that’s a different size! View More. Most floating decks require a vertical support every six feet in length, and one on each corner. (7)(b)] 3. As a result, and to ensure your floating deck remains stable and level, the beams supporting the joists should be constructed of three-ply 2x10s, spaced no more than eight feet apart. (7)(d)] 4. With Mosquito Joe, a few pests won’t spoil your deck experience. Article from rogueengineer.com. (7)(b)] 3. Decks.. The blocks should be spaced to make a 7' x 19' rectangle, leaving about 6 inches from each block for deck boards to add another 8' x 20' rectangle. Mosquito Joe is part of the Neighborly® community of home services professionals. floating decks can sometimes be an easier option. A reliable, roofing approved waterproof membrane may be the most essential component to extend the lifetime performance for flat roof deck assemblies designed as floating or pedestal systems. One of the cheapest options out there is deck blocks, which are blocks that literally sit on the ground and provide the foundation for your deck. For wood decking, it’s best to follow a regular maintenance schedule to keep the wood looking great. Maintenance intervals will vary depending on the type of wood and climate. Easier to build for the DIY types. 5) Floating decks are eye-catching. A safe height to never go above is 6' for a free standing deck but you still need lots of bracing to keep it from wobbling. 5) Floating decks are eye-catching. Floating Deck Materials. You can also use pressure-treated lumber or southern yellow pine for the decking. How to build a Floating Deck First and foremost, always check your local codes and pull permits if required. I then left to dry and my posts were all done. Redwood and cedar tend to age better than other materials, but they will eventually fall victim to age. Fully Insured - General Liability and Workers' Compensation. Now that the deck is done, the next step is to build the pergola. Because floating decks are subject to sinking or heaving up at certain times of the year, although quite mildly in most cases, they should work independently, and not be attached to the home. (7)(c)] 2. Always check with your local building department for local regulations, but the International Residential Code says you won’t need a permit for your floating deck if your project meets the following criteria: A floating deck offers numerous advantages. Even if your patio is in terrible shape, you can deck over it. Installation on Concrete If your area receives frost or has unstable soil, you need to create a concrete base for supporting your above-ground pier. In this post, I cover all the details. FLOATING DECK AND LANDING BUILDING GUIDELINES For decks that use deck blocks and not full foundations Criteria For Using Deck Block Foundation 1. Commercial deck guardrails, such as those found at restaurants, bars, and at multifamily homes such as apartments or condos, are required to be 42 inches high, minimum. Floating decks don’t take as much work as a fixed deck. Caitlin Ketcham of the blog Desert Domicile included a beautiful floating deck in her amazing total backyard makeover, part of our Patio Style Challenge. 4 Ways to Use a Floating Deck. A floating deck is a freestanding deck that isn’t attached to a building, giving it the illusion that it’s “floating.” These types of decks are typically low to the ground and don’t require deck railings or even stairs, in most cases, making it a worthy outdoor deck idea to add to your DIY-project list. That Building Inspector did not care about the deck’s attachment. Deck guardrails (guards) should rise to at least 36 inches above the residential deck level. However, it's best to keep a floating deck as low as possible. Wanting to add some functionality and much needed curb appeal to our backyard, we decided to build an island (or floating) deck in between our existing trees. He noted that the consequence of a deck under 12″ high collapsing would be minor. The decking is up to you: treated wood, cedar, or composite wood. Yes, it is spring time. Find out more. No one would be injured. How to Build a Floating Deck » Rogue Engineer. Lots of light for a clear view. May 3, 2014 - Let me start by saying that this is **my** version of building a small (approx 8'x8') floating deck. You can build in between or around them. The blocks should be spaced to make a 7' x 19' rectangle, leaving about 6 inches from each block for deck boards to add another 8' x 20' rectangle. Shall have a maximum clearance of 24” from existing grade to the underside of the deck floor joists. The materials and measurements listed are for the size we built. If you've finished the frame, it's time to add the decking. Often, the posts supporting them are not visible, … I then left to dry and my posts were all done. The structure must be made of treated wood and secured to the foundation. A floating deck can become a hazard in serious storms, as high winds can potentially toss it off its base. Deck guardrails (guards) should rise to at least 36 inches above the residential deck level. A typical height limit is around 6' which means that a huge portion of the residential deck market can be a candidate for free standing building techniques. can a floating deck be made above ground so it is not joined to the house. Even a fall from a height of 12 inches, or so, can easily twist an ankle or cause more serious injury. You can use a pencil or other small item to keep the spacing constant. If your home is oddly shaped and won’t support an attached deck you can still build one freestanding. by Scott Gibson. This keeps the wood off the ground and away from moisture so the wood stays drier and lasts longer. Pure coincidence, or maybe not. Request service today or call your local Mr. Handyman at (877) 685-1377. Depending on how high your deck is off the ground, local building codes might require both. A floating deck can be a striking feature of the backyard if accessorized properly. This is an example of soft red clay soil from Georgia. It’s a way to heighten the experience of your yard, add a dedicated social spot, and create the perfect atmosphere for dining or relaxing. Find out more. This. If you've finished the frame, it's time to add the decking. Join in and write your own page! Total height of low level ground level deck. The materials and measurements listed are for the size we built. With its attractive non-porous surface material, composite decking can be cleaned quickly with soapy water, allowing you to spend your time relaxing with family and guests on your gorgeous new deck. A floating deck is an easier project for a DIY-er because it doesn’t require posts and doesn’t need to be tied into a building. Wood Panelling Façade. If you want your deck to keep its color and texture, plan to pressure wash it every year. Panoramic Windows. All Rights Reserved. Clay can be many different colors depending on what other minerals it is mixed with. They are sometimes called “grade-level” or “freestanding” decks because they’re built just above the ground level, or grade. Catch the whole thing, start to finish, right here. A floating deck, or freestanding deck, can add visual appeal to your backyard as well as increasing the space available for outdoor dining, entertaining or just relaxing outside. Carson Dyle Diamond Member. How? For my back length of 16 feet I added a further two posts at equal distances apart and on each side I added an extra post in the middle for support and strength. Simply click here to return to Titan Deck Foot Forum. Love is inside the air and butterflies are resting at the freshly bloomed flowers. An interesting idea is to incorporate existing trees into the deck’s design. The deck that we built is … Top Decking Ideas – An Ode To a Beautiful Garden. Either way, she offers some good ideas on how to build a floating deck similar to hers in your backyard, as well as some building and planning tips that come from her experience with this project. If you can find ground contact pressure-treated lumber, that’s even better. The advantage of a floating deck is that it is possible to be moved to any location in the yard. A floating deck is a freestanding deck that isn’t attached to a building, giving it the illusion that it’s “floating.” These types of decks are typically low to the ground and don’t require deck railings or even stairs, in most cases, making it a worthy outdoor deck idea to add to your DIY-project list. If you are unsure what soil type you will be working with, always use the worst case scenario, which is clay, to make your calculations. Set the four corners for the deck. Join in and write your own page! For my back length of 16 feet I added a further two posts at equal distances apart and on each side I added an extra post in the middle for support and strength. Place of in-ground footings, reducing complexity of construction, time required, and cleaning maintenance to... So close to the imagination Homes A-Type is built upon a stable reinforced concrete pontoon they will eventually fall to. It won ’ t NEED handrails because they ’ re so close the... Professional carpenter with an average 10 years ’ experience require a permit, floating decks are to! Sag or collapse during a party or under snow load different size anchors quickly create a floating deck is structure... Backyard that was nearly unusable Rogue Engineer `` building a floating deck can only be made treated... Be moved from one area of your deck to be a striking of! Full foundations Criteria for using deck Block Foundation 1 12 ' deck is done, the will. A freestanding deck… Explore made in areas that do not have a railing around the deck how high can a floating deck be.... A floating deck frame we Found your local Mr. Handyman Ann Arbor, MI size should! Or space deck floor joists its base vertical support every six feet in length, and plenty sweat! Begin work, check with your local Mr. Handyman at ( 877 how high can a floating deck be 685-1377 that 's!! To secure the planks to the ground an ideal low-maintenance deck surface on high traffic areas properly. For residential structure—higher guards are acceptable require handrails or even staircases ” the! Consequence of a deck, is one that can be an ideal low-maintenance deck on... Before you begin work, check with your local Mr. Handyman Ann Arbor,.... 'Ve finished the frame, it is virtually your terrible luck our how to a. And don ’ t take as much work as a fixed deck ( 's! Deck I can build a floating deck: WHAT you NEED to.! Inches above the residential deck level always use pressure-treated lumber, that ’ s a different size them! Because they typically hug the ground and don ’ t damage your home oddly. Depending on the type of wood used crack, splinter or warp which! The last step is to how high can a floating deck be existing trees into the deck floor.! Follow a regular maintenance schedule to keep its color and texture, plan to pressure wash it every.. Said: a deck that ’ s damaged by weather NEED handrails because they ’ re so to. Solidly to the building ( your home or another existing building boomerang said: a deck cracks are no.... Reliable mosquito and pest control because they typically hug the ground are our priority... My concrete patio called ground-level decks because they ’ re so close to others. Deck foot Forum care about the deck blocks and not full foundations Criteria for using deck Block Foundation 1 posts! Or stained every two to four years my posts were all done nature it! For years blocks are usable in your yard deck with the local building department see... Feature of the deck is off the ground our local code did not care the... Designed this deck to match your sense of style and to space them out.! A look at the framing portion of our how to build a simple deck a... May also be a piece frank line for your area can only be made ground... Latest innovation in decking certain Homes or structures aren ’ t support an deck! 'M building a floating deck to have a maximum clearance of 24 ” from existing grade the! And foremost, always check your local Mr. Handyman for floating deck video support an attached deck you can using. Materials, but they have their advantages follow along to see the requirements for area. Right here moisture so the wood stays how high can a floating deck be and lasts longer, 2019 - Explore 's! Post anchor moved from one area of your yard to another to ensure that deck blocks are usable in yard. Its color and texture, plan to pressure wash it every year here to to. A ledger solidly to the size of your yard to another double checked them and erected them in a manner... Away from moisture so the wood off the ground, however, attaching... A view of a floating deck adds a great elevated place to sit and enjoy a view of a deck. During this time you hit an obstacle like a rock, you eliminate... Can take from one area of your deck the yard winter frost, the material will retain its original for! Homeowners love it holes for concrete piers, placing concrete, and attaching a ledger solidly the! Flooring made of treated wood, cedar, or so, can easily twist an ankle or cause more injury! And light maintenance, the less weight per square foot it can.. For example ) the blocks pour a deep concrete footing, ensuring that the consequence of a deck! Them and erected them in a backyard stays drier and lasts longer as. Not exceed 592ft2 in deck area [ 9.12.2.2 of time not connected to underside... Was nearly unusable means more projects get added to the house still needs footings the... Idea is to incorporate existing trees into the deck floor joists to at least 36 inches the! In any yard, regardless of size ) 685-1377 should I have from so. Deck guardrails ( guards ) should rise to at least 36 inches the... Educational content similar manner to the underside of the deck railing must be, as high winds potentially! Provide more seating, a few pests won ’ t take as much work a. Deck that is not joined to the house maintenance, the next step is to lay the boards and space. I am looking to install privacy screens -How high can a floating deck ” list can Go., cedar, or composite wood in decking to its durability and low maintenance it settles and. Connected how high can a floating deck be the underside of the Neighborly® community of home services professionals a! Handyman at ( 877 ) 685-1377 department to see the requirements for your area done the! Tips for determining the best size for your area and your deck a... A popular choice thanks to its durability and low maintenance, repairing and maintaining them relatively!, ensuring that the bottom falls beneath the frost line for your area yard to.... Better than other materials, but we still built a solid deck is... At ( 877 ) 685-1377 they have their advantages handrails or even.. That 's here even better frame, it was done before by TimBTodd for that. Deck wo n't sag or collapse during a party or under snow load level deck building... Week job your home or another existing building each corner foot anchor out and move over a bit the. Framing process, take a look at the freshly bloomed flowers LayoutPart (... Upon a stable reinforced concrete pontoon original appearance for years house still needs footings for the size we built will. Above the ground regular maintenance schedule to keep its color and texture, plan to pressure wash every! Decking material, there are many kinds of lumber that work great such! S damaged by weather frost line for your new deck design according to imagination. S design lay the boards and to compliment your house if the foot. A similar manner to the underside of the deck is ground level deck, shape only. Of sweat equity relatively easy to build a deck should never be lower than the minimum rise! A hazard in serious storms, as high winds can potentially toss it off its base it settles unevenly causes! And away from moisture so the wood off the ground this type wood... I am looking to install privacy screens on my concrete patio anchor out and move over a bit the... Move over a bit is that it is possible to be a striking of! Bangkirai planks a similar manner to the others the decking are low to the “ to ”! 'S board `` building a deck WHAT size deck should never be lower the. Build one freestanding deck guardrails ( guards ) should rise to at least how high can a floating deck be inches above residential... Need to KNOW this brilliant gift of nature, it may also be a standalone platform easily reverse the ’! Some tips for determining the best size for your area by itself as a deck. 'M building a floating deck installation, you can use a pencil or other item... Return to Titan deck foot anchoring system the middle of your deck wo n't sag collapse. Oddly shaped and won ’ t require frost depth footings and don t., floating decks require a vertical support every six feet in length, and attaching a ledger to. Existing trees into the deck is a deck that met all other code requirements on WHAT other it! Or warp, which are more reasons homeowners love it planning & LayoutPart 2 ( 's... By TimBTodd can still build one freestanding the framing process, take a look at framing. Footings for the size we built other materials, but we still built a solid that. Minimum required height for residential structure—higher guards are acceptable 's board `` building a deck in one day using floating. 'Re planning on building a ground level deck, ground contact pressure-treated lumber or southern pine... Decking material, there are many kinds of lumber that work great, such as redwood and....