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Posted by Jan on January 27, 2007, 1:51 pm
I would like to get some input on a deck that I am thinking about
building. First of all , I am a 64 yr old lady who will be building
this thing myself, if I go thru with it. I have limited skills, but
am sure I could build a box like deck. My question is, would it be
fesible to do it.
I want to build a 6' x 16' box like deck directly on the ground,,
(think of a pallet like structure only bigger). I feel like I can do
it, but am wondering about how long the wood would last placed
directly on the ground in Tennessee. I would hate to go to the
trouble of building this thing, just to have it rot in 5 yrs or so.
Any observations, pros and cons, would be appreciated...
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Posted by Don Phillipson on January 27, 2007, 2:00 pm
> I want to build a 6' x 16' box like deck directly on the ground,,
> (think of a pallet like structure only bigger). I feel like I can do
> it, but am wondering about how long the wood would last placed
> directly on the ground in Tennessee. I would hate to go to the
> trouble of building this thing, just to have it rot in 5 yrs or so.
Every deck needs a foundation, even if only concrete pads
under each corner to lift it off the damp ground. These are
sold by building suppliers, who can probably tell you how
many to use (probably 6 or 8, one at each corner and
one or two under the long edges.)
--
Don Phillipson
Carlsbad Springs
(Ottawa, Canada)
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Posted by SteveF on January 27, 2007, 2:07 pm
>I would like to get some input on a deck that I am thinking about
> building. First of all , I am a 64 yr old lady who will be building
> this thing myself, if I go thru with it. I have limited skills, but
> am sure I could build a box like deck. My question is, would it be
> fesible to do it.
>
> I want to build a 6' x 16' box like deck directly on the ground,,
> (think of a pallet like structure only bigger). I feel like I can do
> it, but am wondering about how long the wood would last placed
> directly on the ground in Tennessee. I would hate to go to the
> trouble of building this thing, just to have it rot in 5 yrs or so.
>
> Any observations, pros and cons, would be appreciated...
>
A deck made out of good, pressure treated lumber is probably going to last
longer than you will. I would keep it off the ground on some concrete post
holders (the blocks that look like pyramids with the top flat and grooves
for lumber) if possible.
Steve.
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Posted by Edwin Pawlowski on January 27, 2007, 2:15 pm
> I want to build a 6' x 16' box like deck directly on the ground,,
> (think of a pallet like structure only bigger). I feel like I can do
> it, but am wondering about how long the wood would last placed
> directly on the ground in Tennessee. I would hate to go to the
> trouble of building this thing, just to have it rot in 5 yrs or so.
>
> Any observations, pros and cons, would be appreciated...
>
First step, ask yourself, "why a deck?". Perhaps a patio of concrete or
flagstone that never needs maintenance is better. The deck is a good hiding
place for rodents, while a patio is a nice solid mass.
If you still insist on a deck, mark off the area, get some concrete deck
supports and level them out. Then put down some screening inside the deck
frame that may lessen the chance of skunks or raccoons burrowing under for a
nest. Make the outer frame, then the inner supports etc.
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Posted by Jan on January 27, 2007, 2:49 pm
Wow, fast great answers,, thanks guys.. could someone tell me how tall
concrete deck supports are?
This thing needs to be almost ground level.
The reason I can't do a concrete or flagstone patio is no 1: money.
No 2 is I am going to have to do this myself and I think lifting bags
of concrete is beyond what I am able to do.
thanks again...
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