How to Build a Ground-Level Deck

Since you are building a freestanding deck that is not attached to your home, the cost can be significantly lower. According to HomeAdvisor, an attached deck will run you about $7,413. Depending on the size you decide on and what tools you already own, a freestanding platform deck will cost about $1,200-$1,500. You can check your local home improvement stores to rent the above tools if you don’t want to purchase your own.

Keep in mind that extra features you add such as built-in benches, planters or shade structures can add an additional cost per square foot.

Planning is key before starting any type of DIY project. If you have an existing wood deck that has seen better days, you will need to tear it down and dispose of the debris before starting this job. A few additional deck building tips to keep in mind before you start this project include:

• Plan to keep your deck at least 4 feet back from your property line.
• If all or part of your deck is more than 30 inches off the ground, you may need a building permit, and your structure will need railings.
• Check for underground utilities if you are planning to dig ground-level deck footings by calling 811.

Start by removing grass from the area that your deck will be built on. Rake the ground so it’s level and smooth before laying your landscape fabric and gravel. This will help control moisture and keep weeds from growing up under your deck. Have a lot of yard waste to get rid of? Learn how to dispose of your landscaping debris.

Create seven rows of three concrete blocks. Space the corner blocks to be 10 feet apart on the long sides and 8 feet apart along the short sides. Use your level and one of the 10-foot boards to make sure the remaining blocks are equally spaced between the corner ones.

This step can be done on a flat area of your lawn, in the driveway or on top of your concrete blocks. Start with your seven 2×6 boards, and use your circular saw to cut each board to be 93 inches long. These will be your standard joists.

Next, take your two 2×6 10-foot boards and ensure they are exactly 120 inches (10 feet) long. These will be your end joists. Put the two end joists over the ends of two of the standard joists to create a 96-inch by 120-inch rectangle.

Using your cordless drill, attach the pieces with three 3 1/2-inch deck screws at each corner. From the inside of one corner of the frame, measure and make a mark every 19 ½-inches along one of the 10-foot end joists. Repeat on the other end joist.

Lay a standard joist so it is centered on each pair of lines and the tops of the joists are flush. Drill pilot holes, and fasten through the end joist into the standard joist, securing them with three 3 1/2-inch screws at each end.

The next step in building your deck is to position the frame onto the concrete blocks so the frame rests over the centers of each block. Use your framing square and check the corners to confirm they’re at 90-degree angles. Grab someone to help you square up the frame by pushing diagonally from opposite corners. Make sure your frame is totally square.

Place one 10-foot deck board along one long side of the deck frame so it is flush with the outside face of the end joist. Drill holes to align with each standard joist, with one hole in the end joist and one in the standard. Using 2 ½-inch deck screws, secure the deck boards to each joist.

Install the next 10-foot board using two screws in each standard joist. Make sure you are spacing the boards out so they are about ¼-inch apart. Use the same technique for the remaining deck boards, making sure to space them apart evenly, which will help with water drainage.