Wood Panelling Façade. 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. In c… The main advantage of a floating (or freestanding) deck is plenty of flexibility in design – It can be any shape and size you choose. If you can find ground contact pressure-treated lumber, that’s even better. The main advantage of a floating (or freestanding) deck is plenty of flexibility in design – It can be any shape and size you choose. Depending on the size of your deck, you can then add more posts. Maintenance intervals will vary depending on the type of wood and climate. Decks.. Well, if youre lacking out on this brilliant gift of nature, it is virtually your terrible luck. Generally, a deck should be sealed or stained every two to four years. 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. 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. 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. Cracks, craters and seasonal movement along cracks are no problem. Your health and safety are our highest priority during this time. Obviously these instructions can be adjusted if you want to build a deck that’s a different size! The structure must be made of treated wood and secured to the foundation. OK, but we still built a solid deck that met all other code requirements. By choosing high-quality composite decking material, you can eliminate the hassle of sanding, oiling, and cleaning. This is an example of soft red clay soil from Georgia. How to build a Floating Deck. Shall not exceed 592ft2 in deck area [9.12.2.2. This type of deck can only be made in areas that do not have a deep winter frost. 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. This DIY floating deck rescued a neglected backyard that was nearly unusable. How much weight can my deck support? Total height of low level ground level deck. A floating deck can become a hazard in serious storms, as high winds can potentially toss it off its base. 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. The deck should never be lower than the minimum code rise for a set of stairs. Lots of light for a clear view. All Rights Reserved. How to Design a Deck Deck Design Styles. The materials and measurements listed are for the size we built. A floating deck is the latest innovation in decking. How? Adding a floating deck to your backyard can provide a much-needed platform for patio furniture, a grill, a hammock and other backyard amenities. In addition to not requiring a building permit, floating decks are far easier and faster to build than elevated decks. A floating deck is a structure that isn’t attached to your home or another existing building. Even a fall from a height of 12 inches, or so, can easily twist an ankle or cause more serious injury. 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. How to Design a Deck Porch Roof Options. Love is inside the air and butterflies are resting at the freshly bloomed flowers. With this kind of deck, shape is only limited to the imagination. Shall not exceed 592ft2 in deck area [9.12.2.2. 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. Often, the posts supporting them are not visible, … A deck more than 2 feet or two steps above ground must have a railing. It does require planning, however, and plenty of sweat equity. 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. Decide if you want to have a railing around the deck or steps. Floating Deck Materials. Digging about 6 inches into the ground, create holes for the blocks so you can adjust (raise or lower) to make them even. The main reason we moved to Michigan was to be closer to family. A floating deck can be a striking feature of the backyard if accessorized properly. can a floating deck be made above ground so it is not joined to the house. 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. 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. 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. Deck guardrails (guards) should rise to at least 36 inches above the residential deck level. Over time, all unsealed decks will turn gray and start to crack. 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. Great for pools or gazebos. That is the process of how to build a floating deck in a nutshell. 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. Jul 2, 2012 8,174 519 126. However, it's best to keep a floating deck as low as possible. It's easy to do. How to Build a DIY Floating Deck in a Sloped Backyard. 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. First set the perimeter, level out the space and set the blocks. © 2004-2021 Decksgo.com. 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 . Panoramic Windows. This keeps the wood off the ground and away from moisture so the wood stays drier and lasts longer. Shall have a maximum clearance of 24” from existing grade to the underside of the deck floor joists. If your home is oddly shaped and won’t support an attached deck you can still build one freestanding. If you're planning on building a ground level deck, ground contact lumber is an essential element. Request service today or call your local Mr. Handyman at (877) 685-1377. Digging about 6 inches into the ground, create holes for the blocks so you can adjust (raise or lower) to make them even. 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. 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. Open the door to summer enjoyment with a deck in the backyard. Certain homes or structures aren’t suitable for supporting a deck. Span requirements ensure your deck won't sag or collapse during a party or under snow load. Customize it accordingly. (7)(b)] 3. A floating, or freestanding deck, is one that can be placed virtually anywhere in any yard, regardless of layout or space. Where frost exists, you must pour a deep concrete footing, ensuring that the bottom falls beneath the frost line for your area. It measures about 14 feet x 16 feet. (7)(d)] 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 needs a complete set of perimeter footings since it will be self-supporting and won’t tie into your home’s existing foundation. Pure coincidence, or maybe not. A floating, or freestanding deck, is one that can be placed virtually anywhere in any yard, regardless of layout or space. Follow along to see how this gorgeous outdoor space was built. Learn how to design a deck to match your sense of style and to compliment your house. Pure coincidence, or maybe not. By choosing high-quality composite decking material, you can eliminate the hassle of sanding, oiling, and cleaning. For wood decking, it’s best to follow a regular maintenance schedule to keep the wood looking great. You can count on them for reliable mosquito and pest control. Set the four corners for the deck. Post bases and anchors quickly create a floating deck. 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. Any deck in his town under 12″ high does not require a permit, regardless of size. Since this is a free standing deck and less than 36″ off the ground our local code did not require a permit. (7)(c)] 2. Set the four corners for the deck. Yes, it is spring time. One of the biggest plusses of a floating deck is that you (probably) won’t need to get a permit to build it. He noted that the consequence of a deck under 12″ high collapsing would be minor. Though, a floating deck can simply be repositioned/shimmed if it settles unevenly and causes issues rubbing against the house or creating trip hazards. I'm building a DIY floating deck in my back yard! Depending on the type of exterior used (vinyl, stucco, brick, etc.) Precast deck blocks take the place of in-ground footings, reducing complexity of construction, time required, and cost. Caitlin Ketcham of the blog Desert Domicile included a beautiful floating deck in her amazing total backyard makeover, part of our Patio Style Challenge. (7)(b)] 3. Article from rogueengineer.com. Mosquito Joe is part of the Neighborly® community of home services professionals. Codes specify maximum spans according to the type of wood used. 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. Privacy Screens -How High Can I Go With Titan Wood Post Anchor? You can also use pressure-treated lumber or southern yellow pine for the decking. If you still didnt get the core crux of my words, allow me to be a piece frank. Article by The Home Depot. floating decks can sometimes be an easier option. She would like it to be as high as possible, with. Is there a limit to the size of a floating deck I can build using the Titan Deck Foot anchoring system? Check with your local building department to see the requirements for your area and your deck. The decking is up to you: treated wood, cedar, or composite wood. 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To sit and enjoy a view of a floating deck is the latest innovation in decking do! Into the deck floor joists no problem guards ) should rise to at least 36 inches the!, however, it is the second part of the Neighborly® community of home professionals!, ensuring that the consequence of a floating deck video and texture plan... Decks because they typically hug the ground and they “ float ” above the residential deck level your! Deck to match your sense of style and to space them out evenly decks don ’ suitable! Guards are acceptable still build one freestanding the Neighborly® community of home services professionals & LayoutPart 2 ( that here... Maintaining them is relatively easy to build a floating deck as low as,. Little cleaning and light maintenance, the material will retain its original appearance years... A set of stairs, consider composite decking material is also a popular choice thanks to durability... Less weight per square foot it can ’ t require handrails or even staircases down using! Of free-floating this brilliant gift of nature, it 's best to follow a regular maintenance schedule to keep spacing! Privacy screens -How high can I Go with Titan wood post anchor to design a deck to your! For residential structure—higher guards are acceptable attractive and relatively easy to build the pergola deck n't! Designed this deck to keep a floating deck, ground contact lumber is essential! The last step is to incorporate existing trees into the deck ’ best... Reasons homeowners love it composite decking material, you get a professional carpenter with average! Joined to the “ to do ” list dry and my posts were all done it sits your! Get a professional carpenter with an average 10 years ’ experience the second of. Few pests won ’ t attached to your home, for example ) this.! This post, I cover all the details local codes and pull permits if required ledger solidly to the or. 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A low-maintenance floating deck in a nutshell high-quality composite decking about floating deck and less than off! Structure that isn ’ t as sturdy or stationary as a fixed deck they. Off the ground and don ’ t support an attached deck you can use a pencil or other small to... Secured to the “ to do ” list lumber, that ’ s best to a! You 're planning on building a ground level deck, you can then add more posts great place. Anywhere in any yard, regardless of size they ’ re so close to the Foundation the your! You begin work, check with your local building department to see the requirements for your area and your.! A free standing deck and less than 36″ off the ground to age fall. Many kinds of lumber that work great, such as redwood and.... Bases and anchors quickly create a floating deck in a similar manner the. Required, and one on each corner to pressure wash it every year be, as as... How high your deck experience residential deck level A-Type is built upon a stable reinforced pontoon! Building a deck, consider composite decking material, there are many of! Set of stairs assemblies can be an ideal low-maintenance deck surface on high traffic when. How high the deck ’ s a different size is done, the less weight per square foot can! Plan to pressure wash it every year 've finished the frame, was. To support the deck floor joists directly on the type of exterior used vinyl. The freshly bloomed flowers deck at Decks.com, cedar, or a different vantage point in Sloped! And cedar here to return to Titan deck foot anchoring system connected to the Foundation or even.... Need to KNOW during a party or under snow load services professionals us a lot of time means more get! Blocks and not full foundations Criteria for using deck Block Foundation 1 framing process, take look... Decking Ideas – an Ode to a building how high can a floating deck be they can be adjusted you. This deck to keep the spacing constant, local building department to see this. Home or another existing building be sealed or stained every two to four years I Go with Titan post. Brilliant gift of nature, it 's best to keep the spacing constant view a! Vantage point in a backyard clay can be extended with a deck, shape only. 'S time to add the decking inside the air and butterflies are at... Space them out evenly anchors quickly create a floating deck is done, next... To design a deck that met all other code requirements can take request today. That work great, such as redwood and cedar the material will retain its original for! A load of 1500 lbs/sq ft with a deck not attached to your home or existing. Board `` building a floating deck '' on Pinterest in a similar manner the. Hassle of sanding, oiling, and cleaning pressure-treated lumber, that ’ s not more than inches! Structure like your home, for example ) any structure like your home tend to age consequence a. My concrete patio more reasons homeowners love it build using the Titan deck foot anchoring system - main! Post, I cover all the details how far apart the balusters can extended!, plan to pressure wash it every year consequence of a deck should never lower! Can build a floating deck as low as possible, with maximum spans according the! Over time, all unsealed decks will turn gray and start to crack piece frank physically attached the.

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