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What You'Ll Need: Building A Ground-Level Deck

This document provides instructions for building a ground-level deck that is approximately 8 feet wide and 10 feet long. It details the materials and tools needed, lists the steps to lay out the deck and install footings, beams, joists, decking, and provides estimated time ranges for each step. The total estimated time to complete the deck is 16-24 hours.

Uploaded by

Jose Martin
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15 views

What You'Ll Need: Building A Ground-Level Deck

This document provides instructions for building a ground-level deck that is approximately 8 feet wide and 10 feet long. It details the materials and tools needed, lists the steps to lay out the deck and install footings, beams, joists, decking, and provides estimated time ranges for each step. The total estimated time to complete the deck is 16-24 hours.

Uploaded by

Jose Martin
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Building a Ground-Level Deck

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

SKILL SCALE
Hard

TIME REQUIRED
Building a ground-level deck should
take about 16-24 hours.

  Decks are a perfect area for outdoor entertaining and outdoor relaxing. The style
of deck you choose to build determines how you use your deck, as well as how
you build it. Although similar in appearance, different decks can require different
construction techniques.

Our Installation Services experts built this Ground-Level deck and documented
the steps taken in order to help you build your own outdoor living area.

You will see how the deck was assembled, why material choices were made,
and the approximate time it took to do the work. Use this example to help you
plan your own deck.

Batterboards and mason's string lines were used to lay out footing locations for a
deck that is approximately 8 feet wide and 10 feet long. Six holes for 8-inch-
diameter footings were dug with a posthole digger. Each hole is 12 inches deep.
There is no frost line to deal with since this is a freestanding deck. Tube forms
were used to level the footings about 1 inch above ground level.

Approximate time for a novice (with a helper) to lay out footing locations, dig
holes, and level tube forms for this deck: 5-7 hours.

Six 60-pound bags of ready-mix concrete were mixed in a wheelbarrow. Post


anchors for 4x4 posts were attached to the footings after the concrete cured for
48 hours. The anchors were aligned with a long straight board. Diagonal
measurements were checked to square the anchor positions.

Approximate time (not including curing time): 3-4 hours.

Beams were made from double 2x6s. They were attached in the post anchors. A
1/2-inch-thick pressure-treated shim was installed between the beam and one
side of the anchor at each footing. The anchor is 31/2 inches wide and the beam
is 3 inches thick.

Approximate time: 2-3 hours.


Beam alignment was checked and adjusted as necessary to make certain
beams were square.

Approximate time: 1/2-3/4 hour.

2x6 rim joists were attached to the ends of the beams. Angle brackets were
installed to provide additional support for the corner joints.

Approximate time: 1-11/2 hours.

Inner 2x6 joists were attached to the beam faces with joist hangers.

Approximate time: 3-5 hours.

2x6 decking was installed perpendicular to the joists. Decking was fastened with
deck screws. Ends of boards hang over edge of deck and will be trimmed to
length after installation.

Approximate time: 11/2-2 hours.

A chalk line was snapped to mark a straight cutting line. Decking was trimmed to
length with a circular saw.

Approximate time: 1/4-1/2 hour.

Total approximate time for this ground-level deck:


16-24 hours.

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