Hi to All-
I plan on building a backyard deck. Most “How-To” books I’ve read have plans for a raised foundation/support structure. But because the sliding glass door that leads to my backyard is only about five inches above ground level, I can’t build any type of raised structure. My questions are:
1) How do I construct the support structure for a deck that will be close to ground level?
2) What materials should I use?
3) Any suggestions on what type of composite material to use for the decking itself?
The dimensions of the deck are roughly 24′ by 33′. Because I reside in northern California, groung freezing during the winter months is not an issue.
Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions.
Trusche2
Replies
Check out the composite manufacturer's websites. Many require a certain clearance to the ground, and 5 inches doesn't cut it. I'm thinking stamped concrete.
Andy
"Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig." Robert A. Heinlein (or maybe Mark Twain)
"Get off your dead #### and on your dying feet." Mom
"Everything not forbidden is compulsory." T.H. White, The Once and Future King
We had the same deal, deck area really low to the ground, so we went with stamped concrete. We found out most of the composite decking has minimum air space requirements under the deck, besides with a deck so low to the ground it invites unwanted yard animals to set up shop and call home, or to get stuck under it and die. When we ripped out our old deck we found 4 carcasses under it, 2 ground hogs, a rabbit, and a squirrel. We only bought the house a couple of years ago, I can only imagine the stench with those thing decaying under there. I'll enclose a pic of our stamped concrete patio, still trying to figure out how to downsize the picture though, sorry to the dial-up people.
Edited 9/14/2008 8:46 pm ET by royals88hockey
google on Irfanview....download the programMike Hussein Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
That close to the ground, I wouldn't bother with a deck.
Have you considered decorative concrete, as Andy said. Or what about some pavers?
Even w/ synthetics, I think you will have a problem with moisture, mildew or mold.
You cannot convey tone in an email.
Concrete or pavers.
I agree--you want a slab patio.
That close to the ground you don't really have room for footings/beams/joists/decking.
There are some really nice ways to finish a concrete slab. Look into stamped/colored/exposed aggregates/stained/colored...etc.
My favorite is simple--get a mix with 3/8 or 1/2 round 'river' rock, finish as usual with floats and trowels, but then wash/brush the 'cream' off to expose the pretty sand and rock.
Makes a very natural looking product.
I've built something like that before. You can do a 2x6 frame with beams that are at the same plane as the joists, and then use joist hangers.
But it's pretty expensive and a lot of work. I agree with the others that pavers or some other sort of decorative hard surface make a lot more sense.
I don't know where you are so frost may be a problem but this is how I frame decks near grade level here: Excavate to about a foot below deck level. Place 4" to 6" clear crushed gravel leveled and compacted. Make sure any water underneath has somewhere to drain to. Run 2"x4" pt. on the flat at 2'-0" o.c. Run 2"x6" at 16" o.c. across them. Deck with pt decking - nothing else will last that close to the ground.
This is an inexpensive way to build which has no concrete foundations and relies on the pt. wood for it's longevity. With good drainage you should get 15 years out of it. It is also very easy to replace.
Resized patio pic.
FYI you *may* want to put something contrasting at that single step up to the patio - also take care to make sure that you have good lighting at that point.
I avoid single steps, particularly in the landscape, like the plague. People trip over them much more readily than two or more steps.
Jeff