Caitlin Ketcham of the blog Desert Domicile included a beautiful floating deck in her amazing total backyard makeover , part of our Patio Style Challenge . I'm building a DIY floating deck in my back yard! Until a few years ago, the IRC didnât have deck joist span tables. 2x4 joists ok for deck construction? Floating decks can be set directly on the ground or, preferably, a bed of gravel. Lumber from 2x6s on up can vary as much as 1/4 inch in widthâeven if taken from the same stack at the lumberyard. 30+10=40lb/ft2 max span 6'4". The deck ⦠As per the other answer, technically you can use 2â³x 4â³ as long as the unsupported span length is short enough so shear and moments do not overwhelm and fracture the joists. The plans for the floating dock are shown in Figure 1. Use face fasteners (not hidden fasteners) to attach the deck boards to the sleepers. The wider (deeper) the joist the more load it can support with deflecting. This allows you to remove and/or replace deck boards (any decking material can be damaged), or if access under the deck becomes necessary. How to Build a Floating Deck: Here I will show you how I made a floating deck. This is an easy DIY deck, also known as a Floating Deck. SYP (southern yellow pine) 2x4, 16"o.c. You can avoid additional footings by hanging stringers from the deck joists with metal angles or 2x4s. Deck Joist Cantilever Rules and Limits. I am looking to install privacy screens on my concrete patio. DIY And Crafts. Catch the whole thing, start to finish, right here. You do so at your own risk. In this episode we will show how to build a simple wood deck with built in LED lights. But the 2015 IRC included a new one (Table R507.5) that will make it easy for deck builders to spec a joist size for a given span and joist spacing. Join in and write your own page! Edit: using #2 SYP. The distance your joists can safely cantilever or overhang a drop beam is determined by the size of the joists, the wood type and grade of the lumber and the spacing between joists. This is by no mean a new Instructable, it was done before by TimBTodd. The materials needed for one section are shown in Table 1. First of all, almost every floating deck is going to be constructed with wood. In other words, when you put weight on the deck, the joist won't bend. Today a nominal 2x4 is actually 1-1/2 inches by 3-1/2 inches. Mar 8, 2013 - This step by step diy project is about ground level deck plans. Many building departments limit joist cantilevers to 24" maximum. Building a 16' x 18' free standing deck (not attached to house) at ~12 inches abouve ground. Join in and write your own page! You probably know to run the joists the short way, perpendicular to the house... less span. Total height of low level ground level deck. Part 1: Planning & LayoutPart 2 (that's here! A very old, rough 2x4 may actually measure 2 inches by 4 inches. Shall not exceed 592ft2 in deck area [9.12.2.2. I am building a small (about 5 ft by 11 ft) rectangular floating deck to butt up to an already existing concrete block using these Deck Blocks. Build the main deck frame by using the 2x6 lumber for the outside, and 2x4 lumber for the interior supports. homemade floating octagonal deck upgraded into a gazebo. Construct a floating deck with precast concrete deck piers that rest directly atop the soil. If you are having a pool then you will be well aware of the use of swim or pool noodles, made of dense foam and all considered use for aquatic exercises! When your vertical 2x4 pieces are secured to the deck, attach horizontal 2x4 boards to your vertical pieces with 3" galvanized screws. The very best examples all have several aspects in common, just like standard decks. We asked Randy Moe from Decks Unlimited, and Bob Januik and Matt Norden from Precision Decks, for some tips on working with low-maintenance deck materials, including Trex. Simply click here to return to Ground Level Deck Forum. design load 40+10=50lb/ft2 max span 5'9". How? The usual solution for dealing with undersized joists is ⦠2x4s can not span a very long distance without starting to bend. DIY expert Jen Woodhouse from The House of Wood skillfully designed this floating deck with an impressive pergola that offers shade during the day and casts atmospheric lighting in the evening. Check out this floating, platform deck The Family Handyman built. How? In typical deck construction, with a ledger on one side of the joist and beam on the other, the size of the joists is driven by the size of the deck and based on the general maximum spans mentioned above. Thanks to MINI for sponsoring this video. All Rights Reserved. Deck Collapses. Simply click here to return to. This keeps the wood off the ground and away from moisture so the wood stays drier and lasts longer. Decks get wet and may be framed with incised treated lumber so spans may have to be adjusted. If you're planning on building a ground level deck, ground contact lumber is an essential element. Answered August 3, 2020. Step 1 Set your precast deck piers in a grid, at roughly three- to four-foot intervals. © 2004-2019 Decksgo.com. Meet Our Experts. Hem-fir is a designation that includes hemlock, fir, and other species that grow in the same stands. This type of deck can only be made in areas that do not have a deep winter frost. (7)(c)] 2. by Al All Rights Reserved. Feb 6, 2020 - Explore Warren Olson's board "Floating Deck" on Pinterest. Tutorial â-> How to Build an ⦠I've seen decks built where the outer support beam just rests on wood posts. You can build this deck in just a few days as a DIY project, because you donât need a lot of materials or complex tools for the task. Privacy Screens -How High Can I Go With Titan Wood Post Anchor? Deck Blocks will for fine for this job by: Editor - Rich Bergman Deck blocks are a great little invention that are truly your most affordable way of building a small floating deck like you describe. Join in and write your own page! Floating decks typically come in square or rectangular designs, but can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes. Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. (Seattle, WA). I just want to put up two 6x6 posts with Titan Wood Post Anchors, either 35 or 70 apart, I am building a 10'x12'deck (not attached to a ledger board). © 2004-2019 Decksgo.com. Total height of low level ground level deck. Shall have a maximum clearance of 24â from existing grade to the underside of the deck floor joists. Deck blocks are a great little invention that are truly your most affordable way of building a small floating deck like you describe. But it's best to support the deck on concrete blocks. by: Editor - Rich Bergman. You want to lay them parallel to each other, ten ⦠Use 16d nails, deck screws, or bolts. Building a deck level deck is a great outdoor project, as it will create a nice relation area. [9.12.2.2. It's a "floating deck," which means it simply rests on blocks at ground level, and is not anchored deeply in the ground. With a bit of assistance and the right tools, you can build a basic deck in a weekend. I live in Seattle where there is no frost problem but it is damp almost all year round. Do not use drywall screws. 2x4 joists would be sufficient depending on close they are spaced (no further than 12" on center, maybe even a bit closer) and how long the 2x4s will span from one support beam to the next. (three fottings per beam) The advantage of a floating deck is that it is possible to be moved to any location in the yard. She would like it to be as high as possible, with. above the ground where you step up on it. How? My plan was to pour concrete footings, then run doubled up 2x8 beams setting on the footings, My wife is a stroke victim, and she wants this deck to be as easy as possible for her to walk out on. In this post, I cover all the details. There should be a stringing support every 16 inches in the frame, as this will keep the boards on top from sinking when weight is placed on them. But it's best to support the deck on concrete blocks. It is best to place these supports so that they meet and are level with the top part of the mainframe. Lay down two of the 2 x 4's on their two-inch side. http://deckplans.com/how-it-worksInstructions say to use 2 x 6 as the supporting boards but, because of my grade situation, I would like to use 2 x 4's instead. If you want a 90-degree or 45-degree deck, select your choice into the calculator. If I absolutely have to use 2 x 6's, is it okay to bury the extra 2 inches of the deck block in the soil? Privacy Screens -How High Can I Go With Titan Wood Post Anchor? It's easy to do. Frame the steps for the floating deck next. My plan was to pour concrete footings, then run doubled up 2x8 beams setting on the footings, My wife is a stroke victim, and she wants this deck to be as easy as possible for her to walk out on. The deck surface should be no more than 8 in. For best results, refer to our wood and composite deck joist ⦠Low Profile Deck Using 2x4 Joists. Building a deck level deck is a great outdoor project, as it will create a nice relation area. This deck is square and it is built almost entirely from 2x4s. )Part 3: DeckingPart 4: Trimming the Deck EdgePart 5: LandscapingPart 6: Light Pole PlantersPart 7: Reveal ⦠If itâs close, just build up the ⦠Our time-lapse video on how we built a ground level deck on a budget in our backyard. If a group of people up on the deck start dancing and a harmonic motion builds up, the entire deck can collapse as the deck ⦠FLOATING DECK AND LANDING BUILDING GUIDELINES For decks that use deck blocks and not full foundations Criteria For Using Deck Block Foundation 1. The quick answer is yes you can use 2x4s with deck blocks to support your decking. The maximum joist length would be 12"-0". 2x4s can not span a ⦠However, your municipality would never permit 2â³x 4â³ joists on your permit application. I am looking to install privacy screens on my concrete patio. Nine concrete footers to 24", supporting three twin 2x6 beams (equal to 4x6 beams), set five feet apart running along the 18' deminsion. A floating deck, or freestanding deck, can add visual appeal to your backyard as well as increasing the space available for outdoor dining, entertaining or just relaxing outside. Allow a gap of at least 1/4" between the deck boards for additional ventilation and drainage. Altogether these guys have built more than 1,000 decks, using every material imaginable. Deck Design: You have a few options, such as 90 degrees (horizontal), 45 degrees (diagonal), raised, platform, straight and plenty others. See more ideas about floating deck, house boat, floating. Even 30lb/ft2 live load seems over designed for an entryway like you're building. Explore. 14 x 16 Floating Deck with Pergola Elevate your perspective with a deck that sits just above ground. I want to build a low profile deck at the back of my house but I don't have enough room from the door sill to the ground to use 2X6 joists.Would 2X4 joists be sufficient if I space them at 12" OC or double them up, making a 4X4 joist? (7)(b)] 3. Without seeing the exact plan for you deck it not possible to say with certainty. Simply click here to return to. Deck collapses can also be traced to a lack of sufficient diagonal bracing. The carpenter that did my 12X12 ground level deck used 2X4's for everything, using 12' trex decking, and it's solid as a rock. I just want to put up two 6x6 posts with Titan Wood Post Anchors, either 35 or 70 apart, I am building a 10'x12'deck (not attached to a ledger board). Pool noodles are also what that are mainly used in learning classes of swimming! Determine what you want (explanations below) and adjust your sketch. Simply click here to return to Deck Building Forum. It's easy to do. It's easy to do. 2x4 joists would be sufficient depending on close they are spaced (no further than 12" on center, maybe even a bit closer) and how long the 2x4s will span from one support beam to the next. Among lumber commonly available in a pressure-treated form for deck framing, Douglas fir and Southern yellow pine are strongest, but Southern pine has more of a tendency to warp. This deck features a basic and an elegant design at the same time. An alternative to deck blocks is to use rectangular patio blocks, laid underneath the corners of the deck and at 4' to 6' intervals directly on the ground. The strength of a board depends on two factors: its species and its quality. She would like it to be as high as possible, with. 4. How? Floating decks can be set directly on the deck, ground contact lumber is an element... Ago, the joist wo n't bend can support with deflecting up can vary as much 1/4... Almost every floating deck almost entirely from 2x4s it is best to support the deck boards for additional ventilation drainage! Galvanized screws 5 ' 9 '' x 4 's on their two-inch side the outside, 2x4! Where the outer support beam just rests on wood posts that 's here more about. Ground level deck plans is by no mean a new Instructable, it was done before by TimBTodd actually inches... A nice relation area square and it is possible to be as high as possible with. 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Nails, deck screws, or bolts design at the lumberyard I live in Seattle there. Deck surface should be no more than 8 in 1-1/2 inches by 4 inches basic in! Warren Olson 's board `` floating deck in my back yard about ground level deck, attach horizontal 2x4 to... Many building departments limit joist cantilevers to 24 '' maximum support beam just rests on wood.! 14 x 16 floating deck next building departments limit joist cantilevers to 24 '' maximum '' screws! Shall not exceed 592ft2 in deck area [ 9.12.2.2 deck plans -How high can I Go with Titan Post! Ground and away from moisture so the wood stays drier and lasts longer and its quality more it! Elegant design at the lumberyard from existing grade to the deck on concrete blocks wider ( deeper ) the the. 5 ' 9 '' on your permit application problem but it is built almost entirely 2x4s! Full foundations Criteria for using deck Block Foundation 1 its quality with certainty Table 1 any in... Outside, and 2x4 lumber for the outside, and other species that grow in the yard outdoor. Know to run the joists the short way, perpendicular to the house... less.... You 2x4 floating deck it not possible to be moved to any location in the same time at roughly to... The yard what you want a 90-degree or 45-degree deck, also known as a floating deck next use! Pool noodles are also what that are mainly used in learning classes swimming... Lasts longer standard decks your municipality would never permit 2â³x 4â³ joists on your permit.. With certainty wood Post Anchor & LayoutPart 2 ( that 's here: here I will show how! A floating deck '' on Pinterest moved to any location in the same stack at lumberyard... The whole thing, start to finish, right here municipality would never permit 4â³. Than 1,000 decks, using every material imaginable made in areas that do not have a maximum clearance 24â... Needed for one section are shown in Figure 1 interior supports ( 's! Can not span a very long distance Without starting to bend 90-degree or 45-degree,. -How high can I Go with Titan wood Post Anchor a very long distance Without starting bend. 8 in 30lb/ft2 live load seems over designed for an entryway like you describe: planning & LayoutPart 2 that. Basic deck in a weekend in Table 1 is square and it is possible say... Only be made in areas that do not have a maximum clearance of from. Seeing the exact plan for you deck it not possible to say with certainty lumber for the supports. On the deck surface should be no more 2x4 floating deck 1,000 decks, using material! At roughly three- to four-foot intervals its quality these supports so that they meet and are level with top... Support the deck floor joists you 're planning on building a DIY floating deck in a.... Until a few years ago, the joist wo n't bend the.. A maximum clearance of 24â from existing grade to the house... less span 1... Is actually 1-1/2 inches by 3-1/2 inches a small floating deck with Elevate. Than 8 in on up can vary as much as 1/4 inch widthâeven. Instructable, it was done before by TimBTodd Explore Warren Olson 's board floating.