Building a raised platform garden is a great way to bring more color and green to your outdoor space. The following steps will walk you through how to get started:
1. Decide on a clear spot for your garden. You’ll want a spot that receives adequate sunlight, has good drainage, and is set back from any pathways or other activity areas.
2. Start by building your frame. You might use boards and stakes, or pre-made raised beds. The size of the frame will depend on the size of your garden. Make sure you have solid and level support all the way around.
3. Mix your soil. A combination of good quality compost and potting soil is a great start. You also want to make sure that your soil is well-draining, so consider adding more sand or pine bark where necessary.
4. Add plants. Depending on what types of plants you want, you may need to start with seedlings. Follow directions on how to plant each one and make sure you provide enough space between seedlings.
5. Water your garden. Aim for 1-2 inches of water per week, and make sure you’re watering both the soil and the plant itself.
6. Regularly tend to your garden. Be sure to pull weeds, prune plants and add more soil when needed. With proper care and attention, you’ll be able to reap the benefits of your raised platform garden for years to come.
What do you put in the bottom of a raised garden bed?
When creating a raised garden bed, it is important to consider the materials used at the base as they will provide the structural stability of the bed and also protect the plant roots, soil and water from damaging elements.
It is best to start by laying a weed guard barrier down at the bottom of the bed, such as fabric or black plastic. This barrier will help to keep weed growth out while also preventing the soil from eroding away.
Once the barrier is added, start adding a few inches of soil and mix in slow-release fertilizer or compost to help promote better plant growth. Stones and gravel can also be added to help create drainage and to help promote air circulation within the bed.
Finally, add a layer of organic matter on top for nutrients and to help promote soil biodiversity and healthy plants.
Is it cheaper to build your own raised garden bed?
Yes, it can be cheaper to build your own raised garden bed, depending on the materials you choose and the size bed you need. Building the bed yourself can save you money in material costs because you can select quality, long-lasting materials that are best for your needs.
You can also construct the bed to the exact size and depth that you need, instead of having to settle for pre-made sizes. If you select the right materials, your bed will last several years and be a worthwhile, cost-saving investment.
However, keep in mind that building on your own may require an up-front investment of time and effort, and supplies may be difficult to source if you do not have access to local gardening stores.
Is it OK to use treated lumber for raised garden beds?
In most cases, it is ok to use treated lumber for raised garden beds. Treatment chemicals may be absorbed into the soil and surrounding plants, but the levels of these chemicals are usually very low and will not generally cause any long-term damage to the soil or plants.
Pressure-treated lumber has been treated with chemicals that protect it from decay and insect damage, making it a long-lasting and cost-effective choice for raised garden beds. In some cases, using treated lumber is even required by building codes.
It is important to keep in mind that some treatments use chemicals that can be damaging to the environment, so be sure to check what type of treatment your lumber has received before using it in your raised bed.
If it has been treated with a chemical such as CCA (chromated copper arsenate), it is best to avoid using it in your garden.
In most cases, treated lumber is a safe option and can provide years of use in your raised garden bed. However, it is best to take steps to limit direct contact with the soil, such as lining the wood with a protective barrier like plastic or a weed barrier.
This will help to ensure that any potential chemicals present in the wood won’t leach into the soil or be absorbed by the surrounding plants.
How deep do raised garden beds need to be?
Raised garden beds need to be at least 6-8 inches deep for most vegetables, herbs, and flowers. However, if you plan on planting root vegetables or plants that need a larger root area to grow, you may need to make your garden beds as deep as 12-15 inches.
Factors like soil type, crop selection, and climate should all be taken into consideration when deciding how deep your raised garden beds should be. Depending on what you plan to grow and the structure of your garden bed, you may need to take extra steps such as adding layers of the soil or making sure your bedding is deep enough to accommodate larger root systems.
When in doubt, it’s best to consult with a local gardener or agricultural technician to determine what planting depth will be best for your growing environment.
Can you build a deck directly on the ground?
Yes, you can build a deck directly on the ground, although the ground must be flat and level, and the area free of vegetation, roots, stumps, and rocks for the deck to be properly constructed. You should also ensure the ground below is compacted and not subject to flooding or erosion.
If you choose to build a deck directly on the ground, you should make sure to treat the wood with a non-toxic preservative to protect against weather and pests. Additionally, it is important to note that decks built directly on the ground will typically have shorter lifespans than those constructed from above-ground support beams.
If you are looking for an alternative to building a deck directly on the ground, you could consider a raised platform, which is one of the easiest, most cost-effective alternatives you can use. A raised platform is typically framed with deck boards, beams, and posts and should measure at least 18 inches above the ground to provide stability.
Do freestanding decks need footings?
Yes, freestanding decks do need footings. Footings are an important structural element of any deck, providing stability and support for the entire structure. Without properly installed footings, decks can be prone to shifting and sinking into the ground, potentially leading to structural collapse and injury.
If a deck is freestanding and not attached to the house, it is essential that the footings are suitable for the project and soil conditions at the building site, and are deep enough and wide enough to properly support the deck.
The materials used for footings must also be compatible with the decking and other materials used in the construction. In addition, all footings must comply with local building codes and regulations, so it is important to check and understand any local code requirements before beginning a project.
How do I keep my freestanding deck from swaying?
For a freestanding deck that is swaying, there are a few steps you can take to minimize the movement. Start by inspecting the foundation supporting the deck. Make sure all posts, footings and beams are properly installed and securely fastened.
If the deck is built on soil, check to see if footings are properly set in place and deep enough to provide adequate support.
Next, ensure that your deck joists are properly sized and securely attached to the ledger board and the posts that support the deck. Make sure that joist hangers are used and there are no gaps between joists and beams.
You may also consider adding a lateral support such as a cable, beam or other type of support to the deck to reduce the amount of sway it experiences. If you are installing a railing on your deck, using steel posts instead of wood posts is a good way to add additional bracing and reduce movement.
Additionally, make sure that the posts, railings and decking material are all securely fastened together.
Finally, try to create a uniform load on the deck by evenly distributing furniture, hot tubs and other items. If the deck is loaded unevenly, it can cause it to start to move or sway.
Regularly inspecting the deck and making sure everything is in proper working order can help extend its life and reduce swaying.
What is a deck called that just sits on the ground?
A deck that sits on the ground without being supported by posts, piers, or foundation walls is called a freestanding deck. It is sometimes referred to as a floating deck, although technically the deck could be placed on pads (concrete or brick paver pads) that create a slightly elevated foundation, which would make the deck remain independent of other structures as well.
A freestanding deck is a great option if you’re looking to add an outdoor space that can be built without attaching it to other structures and is relatively inexpensive. As long as it is built correctly and safely, including having the right spacing and support for the joists, it can be a great addition for entertaining or for just having a place to relax outdoors.
What are the parts of a deck called?
The parts of a deck are the following:
1. Boards: These are the horizontal wooden or composite boards that make up the main surface of the deck. Boards are typically fastened together with screws, nails, or hidden fasteners.
2. Posts: These are the vertical elements used to support the deck structure, typically placed in the corners or in the middle of the deck. Posts are used to support the beam and joists.
3. Beams: These are the horizontal members that span the width of the deck and connect the posts to provide support for the deck surface.
4. Joists: These are the horizontal members that span the length of the deck and support the deck surface by connecting the beams.
5. Ledger: This is the horizontal member that is fastened to the house, providing support for one end of the deck.
6. Footings: These are the posts placed in the ground connected to the ledger board, providing additional support for the deck and preventing the deck from shifting.
7. Stair Stringers: These are the supports that run vertically along the stairs and are connected to the stair treads.
8. Stair Treads: These are the horizontal members that run along the stairs creating the walking surface.
9. Fascia: This is the trim that runs around the outside of the deck and is used to cover the ends of the boards, giving the deck a finished look.
10. Railings: These are the vertical elements that run along the sides of the deck and provide users with a sense of safety and stability when walking on the deck.
What is deck fascia?
Deck fascia is the material that is located at the edge of a deck or porch. It provides an attractive finish to the deck and can come in a variety of colors and styles to coordinate with the overall look of the deck.
The fascia covers the outer edges of decking materials and is usually recommended for decks with a two foot or wider gap between the deck boards. Fascia boards can be made from a variety of materials such as wood, composite, or vinyl.
Fascia boards can serve a structural purpose for the deck’s support system, and may help to prevent moisture from entering into the deck structure. They can also provide a way to hide the ends of deck boards, creating a cleaner and more appealing overall look.
Additionally, many people opt for fascia boards that allow for easy access of electrical, plumbing, and other sundry items within the deck structure.
When selecting fascia boards, there are many different materials, shapes, and sizes available. Homeowners should consider the overall design of their deck and choose a fascia board that will provide a seamless and attractive finishing feature while providing support and protection to the edges of their deck.
What is a deck ledger?
A deck ledger is a type of ledger used by structural engineers during the deck building process. It’s typically a supportive beam or metal frame which connects the deck to the house, providing lateral support for the joists that form the floor of the deck.
These ledgers are typically attached to the house’s framing members or into the existing band joist. Deck ledgers are vital components of the deck structure and are designed to withstand the heavy weight of guests and furniture.
Additionally, they are used to attach stairs and railings, as well as to secure the deck posts. The deck ledger must be constructed in accordance with local building ordinances and code requirements, including material selection and fastening schedule.
A properly installed ledger is essential for the safety of the deck and should be inspected periodically to ensure its structural integrity.
Does a deck have to have a ledger board?
No, a deck does not necessarily need to have a ledger board. However, the choice to include one is dependent on the location of the deck and the construction materials used to build it. For decks that are attached to a house, a ledger board is typically used to provide support and stability.
When constructing a freestanding deck, a ledger board is not typically required as the weight of the deck is distributed by posts and other foundations placed underneath. If a ledger board is used with a freestanding deck, it is often used to make the connection to other structures such as stairways, railings, and additional footings that may be needed to provide stability.