How to Build a Ground-level Deck

November 4, 2024

A ground-level deck can enhance your outdoor living space, providing a perfect platform for social gatherings, relaxation, and enjoying nature without the cost and complexity of elevated constructions. Careful planning and preparation are essential to ensure the deck is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Begin by deciding on the deck’s purpose—whether it’s for dining, lounging, or as a pool surround—which will guide its design and size. Understanding local building codes and obtaining necessary permits are crucial steps to ensure compliance and safety. The construction process involves several key steps: selecting appropriate materials that balance cost, durability, and appearance; preparing the site by clearing vegetation and levelling the ground; constructing a stable frame; installing the decking; and adding optional features like railings or stairs. Each step requires careful execution to ensure the deck is safe and enduring, making your investment worthwhile.

Planning Your Deck

When planning your ground-level deck, consider the following crucial aspects to ensure it meets your needs and complies with local standards:

Determining the Purpose and Design:

Define the primary use of your deck, such as entertaining guests, relaxing, or dining. This decision will influence its size, shape, and the features you might include, like built-in benches or fire pits.
Consider the deck's orientation; for example, a south-facing deck will enjoy more sunshine whereas a north-facing deck might be cooler.

Assessing the Available Space and Site Conditions:

Evaluate the terrain where you plan to build the deck. Flat, clear areas are ideal, but sloped or uneven yards might require additional groundwork or a stepped design.
Check for any existing structures or natural features like trees or large rocks that could affect construction or design.

Understanding Local Building Codes and Regulations:

Research local building codes to determine any requirements for deck construction, such as height restrictions, set-back rules, or specific construction standards.
Obtain any necessary permits before beginning construction to avoid legal issues and ensure safety compliance.

Selecting Materials

Selecting the right materials is a pivotal step in building your ground-level deck, as it influences not just the look and feel but also the longevity and maintenance requirements of your deck:

Overview of Common Materials:

Wood: Traditional choice, offers natural beauty. Common types include pressure-treated lumber, cedar, and redwood.
Composite: Made from wood fibers and recycled plastics, this material resists rot, warping, and pests, with minimal maintenance.
PVC: Plastic decking that provides the highest durability and lowest maintenance, available in various colors but at a higher cost.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Materials:

Durability: Consider how well materials can withstand weather, insects, and rot.
Maintenance: Wood requires regular staining and sealing, whereas composite and PVC need only periodic cleaning.
Aesthetics: Choose materials that complement your home’s exterior and landscape.

Cost Considerations and Budgeting:

Wood is generally the most cost-effective upfront but requires more maintenance over time, potentially increasing long-term costs.
Composite and PVC are more expensive initially but could offer savings in maintenance costs and time.
Set a realistic budget that includes not only the cost of materials but also tools, additional features, and any unforeseen expenses.

Tools and Equipment Needed

Having the right tools and equipment is essential for the efficient and safe construction of your ground-level deck. Here's what you'll need:

List of Essential Tools for Deck Construction:

Measuring Tape and Level: For accurate measuring and ensuring surfaces are even.
Circular Saw: To cut lumber to the required sizes.
Drill with Bits: For making pilot holes and driving screws.
Hammer or Nail Gun: For fastening materials together.
Shovel and Post Hole Digger: For preparing the ground and setting posts.

Safety Equipment and Precautions:

Safety Glasses: To protect eyes from flying debris.
Work Gloves: To protect hands from splinters and abrasions.
Ear Protection: When using loud power tools.
Dust Mask: Especially when cutting wood or composite materials.
Ensure a tidy workspace to prevent trips and falls, and always follow manufacturer instructions for tool use.

Optional Tools That Can Facilitate the Building Process:

Power Auger: For quickly digging post holes.
Chalk Line: To mark straight guidelines over long distances.
Jigsaw: For cutting intricate shapes or curves in decking materials.
Speed Square: For marking and measuring angles on timber.

These tools will help streamline the building process, enhance precision, and maintain safety standards throughout the construction of your deck.

Preparing the Site

Proper site preparation is crucial for the stability and longevity of your ground-level deck. Follow these steps to ensure a well-prepared foundation:

Clearing the Area and Removing Obstacles:

Remove any grass, stones, and debris from the deck’s footprint.
Take out roots or other underground obstructions to prevent future growth under the deck.

Leveling the Ground and Ensuring Proper Drainage:

Use a shovel and rake to level the ground. This helps prevent water pooling and structural issues.
Consider a slight slope away from your house to enhance water drainage and avoid moisture-related damage.

Marking the Layout of the Deck:

Use stakes and string to outline the deck’s perimeter. This provides a visual guide for the construction.
Measure diagonally between opposite corners to ensure the layout is square and adjust if necessary.
Confirm the layout aligns with your initial design and make adjustments for any site-specific challenges.

These preparatory steps are essential for a successful build, setting the stage for constructing a stable and durable deck.

Building the Frame

Building a strong and stable frame is key to the longevity and safety of your ground-level deck. Here's how to construct a robust support structure:

Constructing the Support Structure:

Posts and Foundations: Install concrete footers and posts at critical points under the deck to bear the load. Ensure posts are pressure-treated to resist rot and pest damage.
Joists and Beams: Attach joists to the ledger board and support beams using joist hangers and galvanized screws or nails for a secure fit.

Techniques for Ensuring Stability and Durability:

Cross-Bracing: Use diagonal bracing between joists and posts to prevent lateral movement and enhance the deck’s stability.
Proper Spacing: Maintain uniform spacing between joists as per local building codes to distribute weight evenly and prevent sagging.

Incorporating Features Such as Skirting or Storage:

Skirting: Add skirting around the deck to conceal the underneath and protect the structure from animals and debris.
Built-In Storage: Consider adding storage compartments or benches that double as storage spaces, utilizing the deck’s frame to save space and add functionality.

These construction tips will help ensure that your deck is not only aesthetically pleasing but also strong and durable for years to come.

Installing the Decking

Wood: Offers a classic look but requires maintenance like sealing and staining.
Composite: Durable and low maintenance, doesn't splinter or rot.
PVC: Lightweight and resistant to stains and moisture, but can be more expensive.

Techniques for Proper Installation (Spacing, Alignment):

Spacing: Ensure consistent gaps between boards for drainage and expansion. Use spacers for uniformity.
Alignment: Start laying the boards from the outer edge towards the house to ensure straight lines. Check alignment with a chalk line or a long level.
Fastening: Use deck screws for wood and hidden fasteners for a clean look with composite or PVC decking.

Finishing Touches for Aesthetics and Safety:

Trimming: Trim boards to match the deck outline for a neat finish.
Sealing: Apply a sealant to wood decking to protect against the elements.
Safety Features: Install railings and non-slip pads where necessary, especially around stairs or wet areas.

By carefully selecting materials and employing precise installation techniques, you can ensure your deck is beautiful, safe, and built to last.

Adding Railings and Stairs

Adding railings and stairs to your deck is not only a safety imperative but also an opportunity to enhance the overall design and functionality of your outdoor space. Here’s how to approach this critical phase:

Importance of Safety Features:

Railings: Essential for preventing falls, especially on decks with elevated sections or steps.
Stairs: Facilitate safe and easy access to and from the deck, crucial for high decks and those connecting multiple levels.

Options for Railings and Their Installation:

Wood: Offers a classic look but requires regular maintenance.
Metal (Aluminum or Steel): Durable and low maintenance with a modern appearance.
Composite or Vinyl: Matches composite decking for a cohesive look and minimal upkeep.
Installation should follow local building codes in terms of height and spacing between balusters to ensure safety.

Designing and Building Stairs:

Design: The rise and run of the stairs should be consistent for ease of use; typically, a rise of 6-7.75 inches and a run of 10-11 inches.
Construction: Include handrails and ensure steps are level and securely attached to the deck frame.

Properly designed and installed railings and stairs not only improve the safety of your deck but also its accessibility and aesthetic appeal.

Back to blog