Floating decks can be installed directly on the ground or, preferably, on a gravel base. However, it is preferable to support the deck using concrete blocks. This will keep the wood off the ground and away from dampness, keeping it drier and longer-lasting. You can buy customized deck support blocks or use regular solid concrete blocks, which are less expensive and give the deck a lower profile. If you need any further assistance, please feel free to contact us at https://decksforlife.ca/.
Table of Contents
Step1:
Remove any grass and other organic debris from the area where the deck will be placed. Rake the dirt to a flat surface, then tamp it down using your feet or a hand tamp tool. Next, lay down landscape fabric and, if desired, a layer of gravel to prevent weed growth beneath the deck.
Step 2:
Arrange four concrete blocks in a rectangle such that they are equally apart measured from the center of the blocks. To maintain proper spacing, place a block between each pair of corner blocks. If desired, place one or more blocks in the center of the rectangle. This might give the deck a more solid feel, but it isn’t required for inner joist support. Use a standard level and a straight 12-foot-long board to ensure that all blocks are level with one another. Add or remove gravel beneath the blocks as needed to level them.
Step 3:
Place the deck frame on the concrete blocks to center the frame sections on the blocks. Diagonally between opposing corners, take your measurement. As needed, square up the frame by pushing sideways from opposing corners.
Step 4:
Ascertain that the deck construction is level and has a solid grasp on each concrete block. Next, add or remove dirt or gravel beneath the blocks to adjust their height. Next, install the remaining standard joists following the layout lines. Remember to keep the standard joists flush with the tops of the end joists. This step ensures that the deck boards are perfectly flat.
Step 5:
Measure and trim all of the deck boards to be all the same distance apart. Then, along one long length of the deck frame, place one deck board flush with the outer face of the end joist. Alternatively, for a finished look, place the beginning and last boards so that they overhang the end joists by about 1 inch; keep in mind that you won’t have the same overhang at the frame’s sides.
