Ground Level DeckFirst, decide on the size of your ground level deck. The material you need to use will depend on your decision. For a small deck, say (2'X4', 2'x6', 2'x8'), you can get away with smaller material for construction, such as 2x4's. If you are going mid size, (4'x8'or 6'x8'), you need to upsize to 2x6's or better. Large ground level decks require more support. Now you need to go with 2x8 or 2x10's. It's pretty straight forward, the longer the span, the deeper the material needs to be to carry the load. With the minimal cost of upgrading to a bigger size material, it's better to over kill on material and make a heavier deck, than skimp and have a bouncy, cheap feeling one. You can use 4x4's or 6x6's for construction but this isn't always the best material to go with, due to the difficulty in fastening. The joists for a regular deck are placed 16" on center to give your deck good structure. This will also work out in 4' increments for plywood decking and or conventional lumber lengths. All ground level decks need to be constructed with treated lumber. It isn't worth building a deck and have it rot away from underneath, two years down the road.
ConstructionIf you were to build a 8'x 8' ground level deck, you would first cut the material for the outside to length. Always measure to ensure length accuracy. 2@96" and 2@93" (assuming you material is 1 1/2 " thick) "Crown" all your material by looking down the the length, on top of the board. There is usually a hump in the board. (this is the crown) Draw an arrow on the side, showing which way the "crown" points. This is now the top of your frame . Build your frame with 3 1/2" ACQ approved fasteners. (Screws being preferred) Square it up, by hooking your tape on the outside of a corner and measure to the opposite corner diagonal from it. Note the measurement and do the same with the other corners. Move the frame around until the measurements are the same diagonally both ways. Level your frame and then, double check the squareness. Measure across the front 15 1/4" and draw a line on the top of the board. Mark an x on the farthest side of the line from where you measured. This is the side of the line you'll place your joist on) Now, draw a line every 16" from your first marked line. Place x's on the same side as the first, next to each subsequent line.. This will align the center of your joists on 4' increments, from the side you measured from. Go to the back and do the same. Start from the same side you did on the front. Take your precut and "crowned" joists and fasten them in, on the proper side of each measurement mark, with the crown up. You shouild now have a deck frame with 6 joists fastened inside, that is level and square.
DeckingThere are many different types of decking. Most deck tops are composed of individual boards applied next to each other. You can use natural wood or deck boards made of composites. If you are installing a vinyl deck top, you'll need to apply 4x8' sheets of treated plywood. The choice is yours. Cost may be a determining factor for you but shouldn't be a factor in the ability to finish complete a nice looking deck. How to build a deck
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