Building a Raised Detached Deck

Introduction:

Rather than a deck attached to the house many homeowners prefer a detached deck.  A detached deck can be located anywhere in your back yard. A detached deck is a free standing deck that is not attached to any other structure. They are commonly used around a pool area or among flower gardens. Building a raised detached deck is a great way to add a useful item to what is an otherwise empty backyard.

Building a raised deck can be of any size you want that fits into your backyard decorating plan. The suggestions offered here is for a 12 x 12 foot square deck. Your deck design can be of any design of your choice.  

Materials and tools required:

·       8 precast concrete piers or cement blocks

·       2 x 6 or 2 x 8 inch pressure treated boards

·       Four inch composite planks for decking

·       2 x 10 inch pressure treated planks for the deck box (outer band)

·       joist hanger nails

·       joist hangers

·       3 inch galvanized framing nails

·       2½-inch composite deck screws

·       prefabricated stair risers

·       power saw

·       drill

·       chalk line

·       level

·       hammer

Building the detached raised deck:

1.    Mark the outline of the deck. Mark the location for where the concrete piers or concrete blocks will sit. They should be approximately 6 feet apart. Local codes may require that you use more than just piers or cement blocks.

2.    Once the piers are placed, lay out location of the outer band boards to form a box. Each corner should set on a pier or concrete block. Nail them together and lay out the floor joist at 16 inches on center and nail them in place.  Make sure all the joists are even by placing the level over the joist.

3.    Install the joist hangers to the joist and outer band box.

4.    Square the deck using the 3 - 4 – 5 triangle method.

5.    Once the deck is squared install the decking. Allow a1/8 inch space between each decking board. Screw the decking material to the joist. 

6.    Trim any overhanging deck boards. 

7.    Install the prefabricated stair risers and attach the stir treads.

Note: depending on the width of the deck a center beam may be required. If you are using 2 x 8 floor joist the deck width should be limited to 12 feet without the use of a center beam. In addition, if the deck is more than 12 inches above the finished ground a railing may be required. For specific requirements check with the local code officer. 

Related articles:

Building Deck Railing

Composite Wood Decking

Deck Construction Tips

Deck Maintenance

Deck Cleaning | Washing Deck

Dry Deck

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