Are free standing decks good?
A freestanding deck is a beautiful addition to your home's backyard landscape. This type of deck structure is self-supported and not directly attached to your home. It's often the most practical choice for homes with brick or stucco exterior walls, which can make installing ledger boards difficult.
Is a free standing deck better than an attached deck?
Free standing decks are not attached to the house. This saves a lot of finicky labor associated to attaching properly to the rim joist of the house and pleasing the local building inspector. The connection to the house becomes crucial to longevity and safety. A free standing deck completely avoids this problem.
Are floating decks a good idea?
A floating deck can be virtually any shape or size, and can easily be extended in the future. However, floating decks typically do not provide as high of a return on investment over fixed decks – if you think you might be selling your home in the near future, then you might want to reconsider.
What is the difference between freestanding and floating decks?
A floating deck, also known as a ground level or freestanding deck, is a deck that is not attached to any building or structure. It is a standalone structure that is built on top of the ground and is not anchored into the ground like a traditional deck.
What are the pros and cons of free standing decks?
PRO: You can build one anywhere in your yard. Its free-standing nature means you can place it next to a swimming pool, a garden, or other desirable location. CON: There is a possible extra cost because of the additional legs and footings. CON: There is a possible extra cost of bracing required to give it stability.
Do freestanding decks need footings?
Freestanding decks with a ledger board will need an additional beam and row of footings. Decks with many angles also need additional footings. A basic attached deck foundation of 12 feet by 12 feet requires three 12-inch diameter deck footings. It will need at least two more if you build attached stairs.
How much weight can a freestanding deck hold?
Generally speaking, a wooden deck made with high-quality construction and materials can hold up to 50 pounds per square foot.
How close should free standing deck be to house?
Lastly, be sure you keep 2 inches of air space between the deck and the house structure. You don't want debris to get wedged in this space that could cause water damage to the house.
How do you stabilize a free standing deck?
We recommend installing diagonal knee braces to help support decks that are over 10' high. Decks with an above grade pier footing type should have bracing installed to prevent the post base from acting as a pivot. Bracing comes in many forms but is always used to prevent racking and increase the frames stiffness.
What are the disadvantages of a floating deck?
One of the primary drawbacks of a floating deck is that it may not be as durable as a traditional deck that is attached to the house. Because it is not anchored to the ground, it may be more susceptible to damage from wind, rain, and other weather conditions.
What are the cons of a floating deck?
disadvantage. Potential lack of stability: Floating decks may not be as stable as traditional decks since they rely on smaller footings or blocks instead of direct attachment to a structure.
What is the downside of decking?
Stained, natural, and pressure-treated pine decks require regular maintenance to ensure the natural wood retains its high-quality look, but even with this - they are still susceptible to cracking, splintering, rotting, and warping as time goes by, which can be dangerous especially to homes with small children and ...
What is the maximum height for a freestanding deck?
Floating Deck Codes and Regulations
The deck takes up fewer than 200 square feet. The deck is not more than 30 inches above the ground. The deck is not attached to your house.
What is the best type of decking?
For a long-lasting and innovative decking option, choose composite decking.
What is the most economical deck?
Pressure treated wood is usually the least expensive option of all the decking materials, but other types of wood can be more costly, especially for large decks. Composite decking is usually more expensive per square foot than common types of wood because it's manufactured and long-lasting.
Is it better to have a deck or patio?
An investment in composite decking materials will simplify maintenance, but be more expensive upfront. Patios, on the other hand, tend to be low maintenance. Stone patios and gravel patios are extremely durable and require little care. They can last for decades while needing minimal cleaning.
Can a floating deck be next to a house?
You can put a floating deck anywhere except next to the house or another structure. Decks that are against a home absolutely need ledgers to be stable, and the building code will require ledgers and other supports as well.
What is the most maintenance free deck?
Capped Composite Decking is Free from Annual Maintenance. Really. Capped composite decking (such as Trex, Timbertech, and others) are significantly different than wood when it comes to fading colors, splintering wood grain, loose nails and screws, and the time and money needed for keeping a deck looking like new.
Can you attach a freestanding deck to a house?
In these cases, I often opt for a free-standing deck, which can be simpler to build and more cost-efficient when compared to the cost to cure a challenging ledger situation. Free-standing doesn't mean the deck can't be attached to the house, it just means that the deck frame must be self-supporting.
Can I build a deck without digging holes?
Option #2: Build a Deck Without Digging Holes Using Post Anchors. A post anchor is a bracket designed to hold a post with flanges underneath. Instead of digging, the flanges are driven into the ground by hammering on a bit inserted into the bracket with a sledge or a jackhammer.
Can deck posts sit on concrete?
In order for posts to properly resist varying degrees of weight, posts must rest on and be anchored to concrete footings. It's important to note that patios and pre-cast concrete piers do not qualify as proper footings for deck construction. To anchor posts to concrete footings, you need to use a post base connector.
How many footings do I need for a free standing deck?
How Many Footing Do You Need For Your Deck? The answer depends on the size and shape of your deck, the size of your footings, and the size of your beams. The larger the beam and footing size, the fewer footings that are required. For most situations, you will want to place footings and posts less than 8' apart.
Can my deck hold 1000 pounds?
According to Fortress Building Products, most decks that are built with traditional pressure-treated wood frames (or southern yellow pine) and decking boards can hold up to 50 pounds per square foot (PSF). So then, if your deck has 100 square feet, it'll support up to 5000 pounds.
Can a deck support a hot tub?
Yes, it is definitely possible to put a hot tub on your deck! However it does depend on the size and weight of the filled hot tub and the deck specifications, so make sure to consult a local engineering or construction expert.
Should I leave a gap between deck and house?
A proper connection would have a 1/2” to 3/4” gap between the deck construction and the house to allow rain and meltwater from snow to flush through; this prevents rot from forming in the deck timbers, and/or in the adjacent wood of the house framing.
Should deck be lower than floor?
Your deck should never be level with your home due to the risk of water damage. If your deck or patio sits at the same height as your home, it's easy for water to get inside and wreak havoc. We're not just talking about puddles in your entryway, either.
How do you square a freestanding deck?
One reason for a wobbly deck may be that the floor joists are spanning too great a distance. The easiest way to correct this problem is by installing a support beam and posts under the joists to cut the span in half.
Why does my deck shake when I walk on it?
If you're ready to start planning, there are two great options to build a deck without digging any holes: surface deck blocks and deck foot anchors. The cheapest foundations are deck blocks, which can be purchased for less than $12.00 a piece. Deck blocks sit on the ground, so proper planning is essential.
How do you build a free standing deck without digging holes?
If any of your deck boards wobble when you walk on them, the joists have likely pulled away from the ledger or the joists may have weakened over time. Don't let deck boards that wobble or squeak go unnoticed as weak deck boards can indicate a serious safety hazard.
Why does my deck wobble?
A floating deck can be virtually any shape or size, and can easily be extended in the future. However, floating decks typically do not provide as high of a return on investment over fixed decks – if you think you might be selling your home in the near future, then you might want to reconsider.
Are floating decks a good idea?
Concrete Patio: Concrete patios generally require less maintenance than timber decking, needing only occasional cleaning and resealing. However, they can be prone to cracking, staining, and damage from freeze-thaw cycles, which may result in costly repairs or replacement.
Is decking better than concrete?
A freestanding deck is a beautiful addition to your home's backyard landscape. This type of deck structure is self-supported and not directly attached to your home. It's often the most practical choice for homes with brick or stucco exterior walls, which can make installing ledger boards difficult.
What is a freestanding deck?
PRO: You can build one anywhere in your yard. Its free-standing nature means you can place it next to a swimming pool, a garden, or other desirable location. CON: There is a possible extra cost because of the additional legs and footings. CON: There is a possible extra cost of bracing required to give it stability.
What are the pros and cons of freestanding decks?
A floating deck, also known as a ground level or freestanding deck, is a deck that is not attached to any building or structure. It is a standalone structure that is built on top of the ground and is not anchored into the ground like a traditional deck.
What is the difference between freestanding and floating decks?
A deck does not need a handrail or stairs if its walking surface is under 30 inches above the ground. However, it's best to keep a floating deck as low as possible. Even a fall from a height of 12 inches, or so, can easily twist an ankle or cause more serious injury.
How far off the ground should a floating deck be?
Compared with what has been discussed already, some cheaper alternatives to wooden decking boards include rubber mats, wood chippings and pallet decking. These more budget-friendly options may not have the same aesthetic appeal as timber, composite or PVC decking - but they do come with their benefits.
What is better than decking?
Life Expectancy
Softwood decking will typically last between 10 to 15 years and will need to be regularly treated. Well-maintained hardwood decking can last for longer and, in some cases, can last for as long as 25 years. Regularly oiling, cleaning, and refinishing will be needed.
What is the average lifespan of decking?
Do Decks Add Value To A Home? Short answer – yes. Long answer: decks are a practical way to add livability (i.e. square footage) to your home in a cost-effective way. Research shows that homeowners recoup at least 76% of their investment which is one the highest returns of any home improvement project.
Are decks worth it?
Freestanding decks with a ledger board will need an additional beam and row of footings. Decks with many angles also need additional footings. A basic attached deck foundation of 12 feet by 12 feet requires three 12-inch diameter deck footings. It will need at least two more if you build attached stairs.
Do freestanding decks need footings?
Lastly, be sure you keep 2 inches of air space between the deck and the house structure. You don't want debris to get wedged in this space that could cause water damage to the house.
What is the gap between freestanding deck and house?
Generally speaking, a wooden deck made with high-quality construction and materials can hold up to 50 pounds per square foot.
How much weight can a freestanding deck hold?
Ipe wood is the longest-lasting deck material, but it's an endangered wood, meaning supplies will be limited and prices will be higher. Composite and synthetic decking are some of the best decking options for those looking for low maintenance requirements.
What type of deck lasts the longest?
Stained, natural, and pressure-treated pine decks require regular maintenance to ensure the natural wood retains its high-quality look, but even with this - they are still susceptible to cracking, splintering, rotting, and warping as time goes by, which can be dangerous especially to homes with small children and ...
What is the downside of decking?
When building a deck on a budget, wood is the cheaper choice. Make sure you choose pressure-treated lumber as using untreated wood is just asking for trouble. Being exposed to rain, snow, sun, and wind will do a number on wood that is not properly weatherproofed.
What is the cheapest way to put in a deck?
Decking of composite is the most weather-resistant material and requires nearly little maintenance. If you want to build a beautiful deck that will endure for a long time, composite decking is the best option, whether evaluated in terms of long-term investment expenses or time saved on maintenance.
What is the best kind of deck?
Decks and patios both add value to your home and to your life. But, generally speaking the patio adds more value over its life than a deck. Decks are built in the air and they weather and get dirty and break down from all directions at once.
What adds more value a deck or patio?
In general, it costs less to build a patio than a deck, according to Bob Vila. "Building a patio is often the more cost-effective option due to a variety of factors. Patios consist of more affordable materials like stamped concrete or stone as opposed to wood or bricks which are common for decks.
Is it cheaper to do a deck or patio?
One of the primary drawbacks of a floating deck is that it may not be as durable as a traditional deck that is attached to the house. Because it is not anchored to the ground, it may be more susceptible to damage from wind, rain, and other weather conditions.
What are the disadvantages of a floating deck?
disadvantage. Potential lack of stability: Floating decks may not be as stable as traditional decks since they rely on smaller footings or blocks instead of direct attachment to a structure.
What are the cons of a floating deck?
Aluminum decking is the most expensive out of the deck material and will last the longest with a lifespan of 30+ years. Steel decking can have a lifespan of 60+ years when correctly installed by a professional builder.
What decks last a lifetime?
You can typically expect a deck to last 10-30 years for untreated wood and 50 or more years for treated wood and composite. However, the lifespan of a deck also depends heavily on its materials and how you maintain and seal it over the years.
Can a deck last 40 years?
We recommend installing diagonal knee braces to help support decks that are over 10' high. Decks with an above grade pier footing type should have bracing installed to prevent the post base from acting as a pivot.
How do you stabilize a freestanding deck?
A typical height limit is around 6' which means that a huge portion of the residential deck market can be a candidate for free standing building techniques.
How high can a freestanding deck be?
Do you need a gap under decking?
Are standing chairs worth it?
Do you need drainage under decking?
How close should free standing deck be to house?
How much weight can a freestanding deck hold?
They don't do anything for your health
It's true that swapping some of your sitting time for standing is unlikely to result in noticeable weight loss or muscle gains. If this is your goal, you're better off kickstarting a workout regime and assessing your diet. Your sit-stand desk is not fitness equipment.
What is the downside of decking?
Lastly, be sure you keep 2 inches of air space between the deck and the house structure. You don't want debris to get wedged in this space that could cause water damage to the house.