How do you support a floating deck?

Floating decks can be set directly on the ground or, preferably, a bed of gravel. But it’s best to support the deck on concrete blocks. This keeps the wood off the ground and away from moisture so the wood stays drier and lasts longer.

Do you need footers for a floating deck?





When it comes to floating decks, which are decks that are built very close to the ground, they don’t need any sort of footing. You can either use small concrete blocks and planks, or you can use a post that sets into a pre-formed hole.

How do I keep my floating deck from moving?

Two common base materials with providing excellent drainage are gravel or sand. Both allow the water to drain away from the under the deck block but can be compacted. 2″ (50mm) of compacted gravel or sand under each deck block will minimizing the deck’s movement.

How can I make my deck stairs stronger?


Quote from Youtube video: You may attach the stringers to the interior of the deck frame. Simply space your last joist flush with the top riser attach blocking and nail the top of your stringer. Into the blocking.

Do I need joist hangers for a floating deck?

Are Joist Hangers Necessary? No, joist hangers are not necessary.

How far apart should joists be on a floating deck?





Deck joist spacing should never exceed 16″ on center (with the exception of MAX deck boards, which allow for maximum 24″ on center). For a more rigid feel, 12″ or less may be preferred.

How do you anchor a floating deck?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: You simply use a handheld impact wrench. And you drive it into the ground there's a load plate underneath. At any rate very easy to install we installed 24 of them on this jobsite.

How many footers should a floating deck have?

Well, for each hole, you’ll need to dig a hole 4′ deep and 8” wide. For an 8×10′ freestanding deck, you’ll need six footings. Unless you have access to a power auger, that’s a lot of digging. After digging each hole, you will need to install tube forms into each.

Can I use deck pier blocks instead of footings?

Pier blocks can be used instead of footings for a ground-level deck not requiring permits. Piers blocks can also be used if the frost level depth is less then the height of the pier block. Allowing you to set the pier block below the frost level on stable ground.

Do deck stairs need to be anchored?



This is not always required, but we seriously recommend it. With frost footings in place, you can use a concrete anchor, base plate and short post in order to create a solid ground connection. A 3′ x 3′ level landing area is required at the base of all staircases. The ground may qualify if it meets the requirements.

Do deck stairs require footing?

SAFE, SUPPORTED STAIRS: Deck-stair construction varies, but the general requirements are consistent: proper footing support, and an adequate landing. Regardless of the stair run and number of treads, the stairway needs a footing at the bottom to support the stringers—they can’t just rest on the ground.

How do I support a stair stringer?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: How wide you're actually going to need it that isn't that it isn't going to be difficult. Cut your stair stringer. And then put it in its proper place before you build the landing. And measure.

Can I use screws instead of joist hangers?



While structural nails are typically used to fasten joist hangers, you may be wondering if screws can be used instead. You can use screws explicitly made for joist hangers. However, avoid using any other types of screws as they cannot support joist loads and are not designed to withstand shear force.

What can I use instead of joist hanger?

The most common alternative to using joist hangers is a ledger strip. This technique requires a plank of wood to be secured to the outside wall and to the outside rim of the deck to create “ledges” where the joists would rest for support.

Is it better to screw or nail joist hangers?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: If you're going to nail it if you decide you just want to nail it for whatever reason. You have to use.

How do you anchor a floating deck?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: You simply use a handheld impact wrench. And you drive it into the ground there's a load plate underneath. At any rate very easy to install we installed 24 of them on this jobsite.

How do you frame a floating deck?



Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: For our framing we'll have one long joist at each side sitting on blocks the rim joists will attach to these boards.

Is a floating deck a good idea?

A floating deck offers numerous advantages. In addition to not requiring a building permit, floating decks are far easier and faster to build than elevated decks. They also don’t require frost depth footings and don’t need handrails because they’re so close to the ground.

How do you build a raised floating deck?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: And these metal joist hangers just are spaced uh how far apart 16 on center 16 inches. On. Center all right with the joist hangers all in place we're really ready to assemble all the pieces.

How do you brace a freestanding deck?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: One brace on each. Each section or each side of the deck really not that difficult. And again if this if you nail the braces up on this.

How do I build deck steps without stringers?



Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Set up with the one of the 16 inch stair tread. I'll just mark with 16 inches where I want the overlap. Then we've cut these notches. Plumb with each other.

How do you build a freestanding elevated deck?

How to Build a Freestanding or Detached Deck

  1. Step 1: Layout & Prepare the Deck Site. …
  2. Step 2: Dig Concrete Footing Holes. …
  3. Step 3: Pour the Concrete Footings. …
  4. Step 4: Install the Posts. …
  5. Step 5: Build the Beam. …
  6. Step 6: Set the Beam. …
  7. Step 7: Install the Floor Joists. …
  8. Step 8: Lay the Deck Boards.

Do freestanding decks need footings?

According to the main code provision for footings, the only requirement for building a deck that is freestanding is that it must have a minimum footing depth of 12 inches below the undisturbed ground surface. There is no need to extend a footing below the frost line, as is required for standard decks.

How do I keep my freestanding deck from swaying?

How to Brace a Swaying Deck. All decks using horizontal decking should have a diagonal sway brace to prevent racking. You may install a metal “T” brace, which is a long metal strip diagonally across the top of the joists, or install a diagonal deck board across the bottom of the deck frame.