Sunday, July 12, 2015

How to build a low to the ground deck.

Hello again ... we are back !


On this deck project in Macomb Township Michigan our client had a older stamped concrete patio that cracked and shifted, they wanted to switch to a deck. They have a pretty narrow lot and there was not a lot of room to easily get equipment back to remove all of the bad stamped concrete. So we left the patio and just cut out 2'x 2' squares out the patio to install the four post hole footings that are about 5'6" off the house. The other four post hole footings are outside of the old patio so there was no extra work needed to install them.

A big factor in low to the ground decks is cross ventilation, so the underside of the deck can get some air movement to dry out any moisture on the underside of the decking or framing.


Another factor is having room for the framing so that it avoids ground contact.


 Let's get to some pictures to help explain this project. Here in the first couple of pictures we pick up in progress framing this deck project.






You can see the carpenters installing the deck joist. Notice the existing old stamped concrete patio underneath the deck. We have already cut out the concrete and installed the post hole footings, the 4x6 treated posts, and the double 2x10 beams. Notice there is not much clearance below the joists, certainly not enough to have drop beam under the joist how most decks are built. If you look at the outside beam it is under the joists because it is outside of the patio.

Middle rim joist deck beam



Standard (dropped) deck beam
So the only choice here for the middle beam is to have it at the joist height. It is done the exact same way as a drop beam only the joist are all supported by joist hangers. This middle beam works only because we have a ledger attachment everywhere except where the fireplace chimney is located. We have engineered plans that allows us to attach to a cantilevered bay and through a brick veneer for spans under 6'
Here above is a picture of the proper way to flash the cantilevered bay. The siding and trim has to be removed and the deck ledger must be attached to the bay not as much for loading but for lateral support and so you flash the ledger. We use a pre-formed plastic ledger flashing that runs about 3" behind the siding and over the ledger. I cannot tell of how many times I have seen deck ledger installed over house siding where water debris will just sit and promote decay and rot. It is not that much more work to do it right even if you not attaching the ledger to the house as the saying goes water wins that is why there is a grand canyon.

 Another point on this job is we have a fireplace chimney in our deck area that the code requires us to leave a 1" gap between the deck framing and the masonry fireplace chimney. Here we beamed around the fireplace because there is not any way to attached to a fireplace on this side is supported by the dual joist, and the other side there is a 4x6 support post. 




I will have another update on this project in a few days.



Thanks for reading ... I hope we can help inspire you with your outdoor living construction projects !

20 comments:


  1. Excellent Greg. Good, practical stuff. I just floated your article around my network. Keep up the good work.

    deck flooring supplier in india

    ReplyDelete
  2. Among those posts I've seen, this is the most particular one, and I think the blogger must have spent lots of time on it, thank you so much!

    deck flooring supplier in india

    ReplyDelete
  3. Allow me to introduce the LE-MERIDIAN FINANCING SERVICES. the loan company that grant me loan of 5,000,000.00 USD When other loan investors has neglect my offer but Le_Meridian Funding Service grant me success loan.they are into directly in loan financing and project  in terms of investment. they provide financing solutions to companies and individuals seeking access to capital markets funds, they can helped you fund your project or expand your business.. Email Contact:::: lfdsloans@lemeridianfds.com Also  lfdsloans@outlook.com or Write on whatsapp Number  on    1-(989-394-3740)Good Intend,

    ReplyDelete
  4. I will recommend anyone looking for Business loan to Le_Meridian they helped me with Four Million USD loan to startup my Quilting business and it's was fast When obtaining a loan from them it was surprising at how easy they were to work with. They can finance up to the amount of $500,000.000.00 (Five Hundred Million Dollars) in any region of the world as long as there 1.9% ROI can be guaranteed on the projects.The process was fast and secure. It was definitely a positive experience.Avoid scammers on here and contact Le_Meridian Funding Service On. lfdsloans@lemeridianfds.com / lfdsloans@outlook.com. WhatsApp...+ 19893943740. if you looking for business loan.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Nice tips on how to build low to ground deck. fence and deck repainting tips are also spot on, thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Amazingly described! The topic is about how to build a low to the ground deck. The big factor in low to the ground deck is cross ventilation, so the underside of the deck can get some air movement to dry out any moisture on the underside of the decking. I got more information from it. Thank you. They offer same information here Wigginsbuildingsolutions.co.nz, one must check them also.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Your content is fair enough it shares a box of description on construction which truly satisfy a person in terms of starting level which is obviously building a ground and a very significant thing after reading it I am quite knowledgeable now. Thanks for the blog it was helpful. I have also found this resource Dashbuildnz.com useful and its related to what you are mentioning.

    ReplyDelete
  8. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Really an informative article you have written and I had enhanced my knowledge from this. Thanks for this article. Really the blogging is spreading its wings rapidly. Your write up is a fine example of it. Excellent post from your side which helps me a lot.

    ReplyDelete
  10. In this article we come to know about how to build low to ground deck. We come to know that how it helps during selection. So, anyone searching for same topic may find their shelter over here. Thanks for this wonderful content. You must also check out Thermalvision.nz it has some great insights too.

    ReplyDelete

  11. The Loan Fund worked extensively with me to help me anticipate some of the issues that my business may face. Not many lenders would go to that length. They’ve been extremely supportive and a great resource.
    Working with Mr Pedro helped me develop my business plan, ideas and brand before getting started, so I was prepared to open a successful business when I received my loan from Mr Pedro, a loan officer with a huge heart of honesty.
    Contact Mr Pedro on pedroloanss@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Really i appreciate the effort you made to share the knowledge.Patio Pavers Boca Raton The topic here i found was really effective to the topic which i was researching for a long time

    ReplyDelete
  13. Deck building DMV A very awesome blog post. We are really grateful for your blog post. You will find a lot of approaches after visiting your post.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Meeting various household chores and other miscellaneous activities can be done only with the help of cash. Your income is limited and the demands are unlimited. A major portion gets almost finished by the middle of the month. An abrupt emergence of any unfamiliar situation can complicate all your financial calculations. To enable you tackle these delicate matters or meeting your regular expenses, pedro loans offer can be really helpful. To find an affordable loan rate at 2% ROI Individual loans or entitled loans should contact Mr Pedro Email Address: pedroloanss@gmail.com & whatsapp text: +18632310632

    ReplyDelete

  15. شركة نقل عفش بالقصيم
    تعد شركة نقل اثاث
    من اكبر الشركات الرائدة والمتخصصة في مجال نقل العفش والاثاث علي مستوي الشرق الاوسط حيث توفر افضل وارقي الخدمات المطلوبة
    ...
    شركة نقل عفش بالاحساء
    شركة نقل عفش بالجبيل
    شركة نقل عفش بالقصيم
    شركة نقل عفش بالخرج
    شركة نقل عفش بنجران
    شركة نقل عفش بجيزان
    شركة نقل عفش بتبوك
    شركة نقل عفش بأبها

    ReplyDelete
  16. Well description about a new deck building. As a professional "deck builder," you did a amazing job. Keep posting.

    ReplyDelete
  17. This article provides a helpful guide on building a low-to-ground deck, offering practical tips and step-by-step instructions for a manageable and visually appealing DIY project. See Concrete Contractor Augusta

    ReplyDelete