I am going to attempt to start this next month. I am thinking about using Handi-Blocks for the base to try and alleviate the post hole digging and save some time. Aside from ground treated lumber, what else should I be prepared for? Have any of y'all successfully done this or have any tips?

I did one like this in 2008 on my old house.. framed it all w/ treated lumber and the top part was douglas fir S4S.. everything painted with a deck paint on all 4 sides..mine literally sat on the ground...

It is still at that house to this day, sprinkler system spray, rain and all ..

I would guess slightly elevated blocks would only help the longevity...

getting ready to do this myself, building floating decks (not attached to a structure).

If you use treated deck boards, expect shrinkage due to the high moisture content most are in when new. As they shrink, the gap between the boards will widen.

I did this at our old house in Helotes about 8 or 9 years ago. I used Deck Blocks from Home Depot. I'm guessing those are similar. It was very simple and ended up really solid.

If you have the money, trex boards are mighty nice.

Composite decking is really nice and gives you a wide range of color options. I can send you some more info on them if you like.

Good post as I am contemplating this as well.

One question I have is about the framing near the slab of the house. The last deck I built I used a ledger attached to the house framing. Since this will be a free floating deck basically at grade near the house, what's the best way to run the beams and attach to footing right near the house in place of using a ledger board?

I have built 2 floating decks using those 24-30" spikes you sledge hammer into the ground. Attach 4x4 stub columns and set your beams and joists. They were like $20 a piece so a little more than 2-3 bags of concrete and baseplate but both decks have held up well 5 and 8 years later.

Bob_Ag said:

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Good post as I am contemplating this as well.

One question I have is about the framing near the slab of the house. The last deck I built I used a ledger attached to the house framing. Since this will be a free floating deck basically at grade near the house, what's the best way to run the beams and attach to footing right near the house in place of using a ledger board?

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Use the precast footing blocks next to the house (bury them/add pavers underneath if you need to to get the height right) and then rip a deck board and screw it facing upward next to the house to act like a backsplash to catch leaves, etc. No ledger board, water can run down siding without rotting out (leave a 1/2" gap or so), and you can remove it later with no detriment to the structure.

I have been watching and thinking about this thread ever since it was posted and - yes, it's my opinion only, but having moved several times during my career and having looked at a myriad of houses - and designing a few - one of the biggest drawbacks to me and my wife is wooden decks - raised or on the ground or whatever...

Especially on the ground...
Why not do a flagstone (over a sand bed), or paver brick, tiles (various kinds) or plain old concrete - stamp it or color it or whatever - but once done, never have to seal it, or worry about warp, rot, stain, varmints underneath - whatever...

Wood is so expensive nowadays - and "treated" may or may not hold up over say, 10 years or more. Various woods such as redwood and cedar are $$ out of sight if available at all to resist problems... So are the fake planks - even though they look nice...

Just my opinion... but I believe wood decks are essentially "temporary" and will personally never buy or build another wood deck - maybe only if totally covered to keep from exposure, rain, sun, etc...but then, what's the point??

Granted, if a lot of fill and even a retaining wall is required because of sloping ground, etc., it may be the only economical solution... but only as a last resort after looking at more permanent options requiring less life cycle maintenance.

I will say the best option for a second story deck off a bedroom or something might be a wood deck - but it needs a cover/roof/awning or something to protect it...

And, the best other use I have seen that makes sense to me is extending the area around an outdoor swimming pool for various reasons.

SWCBonfire said:

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Bob_Ag said:

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Good post as I am contemplating this as well.

One question I have is about the framing near the slab of the house. The last deck I built I used a ledger attached to the house framing. Since this will be a free floating deck basically at grade near the house, what's the best way to run the beams and attach to footing right near the house in place of using a ledger board?

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Use the precast footing blocks next to the house (bury them/add pavers underneath if you need to to get the height right) and then rip a deck board and screw it facing upward next to the house to act like a backsplash to catch leaves, etc. No ledger board, water can run down siding without rotting out (leave a 1/2" gap or so), and you can remove it later with no detriment to the structure.

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Thanks to you and arch.ag for the advice.