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1. 
   CT_Yankee | Jul 16, 2018 05:24pm | #1

   As an engineer immersed in the crumbling foundation region of CT & MA, I have some additional considerations to offer:
   - Wood decks just a few steps above grade do not allow for grading & drainage improvements after completion. DO provide adequate slope away from the house foundation. Better still, grade the subsurface with adequate slope, cover with a heavy waterproof membrane, cover the membrane with crushed (or rounded) stone.
   - No matter what the skirt is around the perimeter, it is highly probable critters will eventually find their way under the deck.
   - If a crawl space under a house requires ventilation, why wouldn't the space under a tightly built deck?
   - In my many foundation examinations one theme keeps recurring - the obvious failure to remove snow from a wood deck connected to the house. One can blame this on improper flashing perhaps, but when you see the water stains on the interior only along the interior where the deck is located, it's a pretty easy diagnosis of water intrusion. Decks should come with a maintenance manual.
   - Always provide at least 1/8" (preferably 1/4") per foot slope down away from the house. One can justify not doing this by gapping the deck boards, but if you're in snow country it only takes a thin layer of ice to create an impervious barrier to water drainage. Guess where the water will find its way?
   - In my NTBH opinion, a raised, paved terrace is far better than a wood deck just 12-24" above the surrounding grade. Wood decks are obviously better when they're high enough above grade to allow access underneath.

2. 
   user-302806 | Mar 28, 2019 06:04pm | #2

   Maybe not attractive to carpenters but a ground level deck is better done with concrete or pavers than with wood. Huge difference in long term costs to keep wood decking looking good year after year as compared to concrete or stone where all one needs is an annual power washing.