Floating decks can be a great option for many homeowners. They are an easy and cost-effective way to add outdoor living space to your property without needing to do a lot of labor-intensive digging and framing.
Floating decks are built specifically to be detached from the house and not directly connected to the ground, providing a much more mobile and removable solution to adding extra space. The main benefits of floating decks are that they are easier and quicker to build than traditional or sunken decks, and they can provide you with a range of sizes and layouts that traditional decks cannot.
However, there are a few drawbacks to keep in mind when considering floating decks. For one, they are not as stable as traditional decks as they often lack posts and structural supports, which makes them more prone to swaying in windy conditions.
Also, they can be more vulnerable to water damage than traditional decks, so they need to be more carefully sealed and maintained. All in all, however, floating decks are definitely an option to look into if you’re looking to make some extra living space in your yard.
Can you build a floating deck?
Yes, it is possible to build a floating deck. A floating deck is one that is not attached to the house or any other stationary object. Instead, the deck is located on posts that are set in concrete footings and is then suspended over the ground.
This style of deck provides some advantages, such as not having to dig deep holes, saving on cost and time. When building a floating deck, it is important to use pressure treated wood, as it is more resistant to decay and insects, and to use the right fastening materials, like corrosion-resistant treated hardware, to ensure a long lasting and secure deck.
Building a floating deck also requires some handy skills such as cutting, measuring and building a frame, so it is best to consult with a professional if you feel unsure about the process.
Can a floating deck hold a pool?
Yes, a floating deck can hold a pool. A floating deck is a type of deck that is not attached to a building or a permanent structure; rather, it is supported by posts, piers, or pillars that are set into the ground.
This type of deck is especially useful for pools, as its design allows for more stability and flexibility in the surrounding layout of the pool area. A floating deck is most suitable for aboveground pools, as it provides more support than a traditional deck and has the ability to span a greater area.
When building a floating deck to hold a pool, it is important to use decking material that is strong, durable, and able to withstand extreme weather and wear and tear from pool chemicals, chlorine, and rust.
Additionally, it is important to have a solid foundation for the floating deck to ensure that it provides the necessary support to hold the pool. Care should also be taken to ensure that the deck is level and properly supported.
How high can a free floating deck be?
A free-floating deck is an elevated deck construction that is not connected to the building’s foundation and completely supported by the ground beneath it. Generally, the height of this type of deck is limited only by your imagination and budget.
However, most jurisdictions require that the height be limited to one story (usually 8-9ft) if it’s closer than 30 inches from the ground. If you’re building a large deck with multiple levels and staircases, you may require a building permit if the deck exceeds above 30 inches in height.
Ultimately, you should consult with your local building department to understand the necessary regulations for such a project.
Does a floating deck need footings?
Yes, a floating deck does need footings. While a floating deck might look like it is “floating” on top of the ground, it is actually anchored to the ground using footings. Footings help support the deck and provide stability, preventing the deck from shifting due to ground movement.
They also help protect the deck from moisture, frost, and potential subsidence by lifting it off the ground. Typical footings for a floating deck include piles, posts, or concrete footings. Piles are driven into the ground to support the deck, while posts are set in concrete that is poured around them.
Concrete footings typically consist of a foundation of gravel and sand with concrete poured around them to provide the necessary foundation and to help secure the posts. Regardless of the type of footing used, floating decks need to be securely attached to the ground to provide stability and long-term durability.
What is considered a floating deck?
A floating deck is a type of deck design that is not attached to a structure, such as a house or outbuilding. This type of design utilizes stilts and pier blocks, to support the deck without the need for structural reinforcement.
The deck is usually built on top of an area of your property that has been excavated to provide an even surface that is high enough off the ground to avoid periodic flooding. Floating decks provide an added outdoor space for leisure and recreation, offering an area for grilling, lounging, and socializing without the need for construction permits.
Floating decks are often built with composite deck boards, which have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance than traditional pressure treated wood boards.
Do I need a permit for a floating deck in Michigan?
Yes, you do need a permit for a floating deck in Michigan. The exact permit requirements vary from locality to locality so you will need to check with the local building authority for the specific requirements for your area.
Generally, you will need to have the plans for your deck approved by the local building inspector in order to get a permit. You may also need to provide proof of ownership or other documents to show that the deck is being built on your property.
Additionally, you should be prepared to pay any applicable permit fees that your locality may require. Also, be aware that you may need to have inspections performed during the construction of the deck to ensure that it is built in accordance with local regulations.
How much do floating decks cost?
The cost of a floating deck will vary depending on several factors, including the size of the deck, the materials used to construct it, and the complexity of the construction process. Generally speaking, smaller decks (less than 200 square feet) constructed of pressure-treated lumber can range from as little as $500 to upwards of $4,000, with the average being approximately $2,000.
Larger decks (greater than 200 square feet) can cost substantially more, with estimates ranging from $4,000 to upwards of $10,000. The materials used to construct a floating deck can also substantially affect the total cost.
Pressure-treated lumber is usually the least expensive option, but composite materials can also be used, resulting in a higher cost. The complexity of the project can also factor into the cost. Simple designs will cost less than more intricate designs and may be easier to install.
Additionally, if you hire a professional to install the deck for you, the cost could be higher than if you install it yourself.
Is floating deck cheaper than regular deck?
The answer to this question is that it depends on the type of deck you are building and the materials you are using. Generally, a floating deck is typically cheaper than a regular deck because the total cost involved in a regular deck is usually greater due to the additional support structure required.
When building a floating deck, you only need the decking material and a few posts to provide support. However, while a floating deck may typically be cheaper initially, it also typically requires a higher degree of maintenance and care in order to continue looking nice and functioning properly.
Therefore, the total cost of a floating deck is likely to be greater in the long term.
What are the disadvantages of a floating deck?
The main disadvantage of a floating deck is that the ground beneath it needs to be completely level in order for it to be properly supported. It is also important to ensure that the soil is well-compacted and can support the load of the deck.
Floating decks also require much more labor and work to assemble than a properly built deck on pillars or posts. Additionally, certain deck materials, like composite decking or pressure-treated lumber, may not suitable for use on a floating deck.
Without a substructure or frame, there is much more flexibility with floating decks so warping and twisting is more common. This can cause boards to come loose over time and may require additional maintenance to ensure structural integrity.
Finally, floating decks are known for being slightly less stable than other decks, as they lack the often necessary structural support of other decks. If you’re planning to build a large deck, a floating deck may not be the most ideal choice.
Do you need footings for a floating deck?
Yes, you will need to build footings for a floating deck. This is because a floating deck does not attach to the ground or house like a typical deck does. Instead, the frame of the deck is built on posts that are set above the ground and concrete blocks or footings are placed directly beneath them.
It is these footings that provide the necessary stability to the deck and prevent it from shifting or potentially collapsing. It is important to ensure that the footings are strong enough that they won’t move or sink.
Generally they should be deeper than the frost line and wider than the post. For larger decks, more support may be necessary, so it is important to make sure that the area has been engineered and inspected by a professional if in doubt.
Is a freestanding deck better?
It depends on your specific needs and likes. A freestanding deck is a deck that does not rely on the house for support and is instead completely self-supporting. The advantage of this type of deck is that it is easier to design and generally less expensive to build because it does not require the support of the house’s foundation.
They also do not need to adhere to building codes as closely as attached decks, making them simpler to construct. Furthermore, these decks can be moved more easily if the need arises, something an attached deck cannot do.
However, attached decks provide additional stability and a more finished look since they are affixed to the house. In general, they cost more than a freestanding deck and require more maintenance over time to ensure they remain secure, but they can be designed to better mesh with the existing architectural style of the house.
Ultimately, it comes down to preference and the specific situation. Carefully weigh the advantages, disadvantages, and costs of each before making a decision.
Is it cheaper to build a floating deck or concrete patio?
It really depends on a variety of factors such as the size of the space, type of materials being used, and the type of construction methods employed. Generally speaking, floating decks are typically less expensive than patios constructed with concrete.
This is because floating decks don’t require a lot of engineering or labor, so costs can be kept low. On the other hand, concrete patios require more materials, engineering, and labor, making them usually more expensive than floating decks.
However, keep in mind that if you’re looking for a durable and long lasting space, concrete patios are usually the better option, as floating decks may need to be repaired or replaced periodically. Ultimately, the best way to decide which is cheaper would be to consult a professional or get estimates for both floating decks and concrete patios.
How high should a floating deck be off the ground?
The height of your floating deck off the ground depends on several factors, including the type of soil in your yard, the amount of weight that the deck will support, and the requirements of your local building codes.
Generally, it is best to keep the deck slightly above the ground level; a height of 6-8 inches is usually preferable, although this may vary depending on the size and shape of the deck as well as your local ordinances.
However, if your yard is prone to flooding or other water-related issues, the deck should be higher off the ground, at least 12 inches or more. It is also important to ensure that your deck is properly secured to the ground, either with screws and washers or concrete supports.
Additionally, it is generally good practice to use treated lumber for the frame and high-grade plywood for the subflooring to ensure a safe and stable finished product.
Should a deck be attached to the house?
Whether or not a deck should be attached to the house ultimately depends on a number of factors that should be taken into consideration. This includes the size and weight of the deck, the house design and structure, the local climate and weather, and the layout of your yard.
For a start, if the deck is bigger and heavier than normal, you may need to build a structural ledger and secure it directly to the rim joist of the house. But if the deck is light, you may be able to attach a free-standing frame securely away from the house.
This can give you advantages such as easier maintenance access, better drainage and less potential for water damage to your home’s walls or foundation.
The house design and structure also play a big role in deciding whether or not the deck should be attached. For example, if your house has a crawl space, it may be better to keep the deck detached from the house to avoid wet soil around the house and keep critters from getting into your home.
The local climate and weather should also be taken into account. In areas with heavy rain and snow, it may be better to attach the deck to the house for additional stability and support.
Finally, consider the layout of your yard when deciding where to attach the deck. If you have an enclosed garden that you’d like to access from the deck, consider building an attached deck. If you have beautiful landscaping that you’d like to preserve, then a free-standing deck is the way to go.
All in all, whether or not a deck should be attached to the house is a highly individualized decision that should be made taking into account all of the determining factors.