How I Built My Floating Deck on Uneven Ground.

In which I, an unwashed novice in the ancient arts of Deck Building, built a level freestanding/floating one. Huzzah! I hope this helps with your own build. I didn't re-invent the wheel, but I made damn sure it was level.

Be well.

[lindalober]

You did a nice job, even by the moon-light! I am encouraged I can do this. My husband was a woodworker. He died of Cancer 5 years ago. so I am trying to finish the project list by myself. so far so good.

[Gimme_Cornbread]

Your statement that one board is still progress is very encouraging, and not just for deck building!

[WinterTires-uvmr]

Great presentation. Was looking examples to install portable car port using deck blocks no digging as im renting the house. Finally, found your video after been browsing for more than 20 vids. Thank you!

[jeffroseborough]

Great video Sam. I pretty much did the same building a small deck/porch for my manufactured home. 10 years later it is still level but the wife talked me into replacing the decking with composite, adding an awning, and adding a larger ground level deck with room for a few chairs. It is still in progress and I am learning things as I go. I've had to replace a few old 2x6's as they were damaged by sun and rain over the years. Overall though I am pleased with the progress and look. I've learned a bit more over the years, especially planning it out first.
Thanks again!

[pharaohacura]

all that work and we are happy with beer & pizza at the end...very humble and much appreciated inspiration...i’m about to start my 1st deck as well...guess i’ll keep the beer & pizza tradition going...thank you

[hankflapper]

I have built my concrete pier floating deck on uneven ground 5 years ago. The deck is 18' x 24'. It's 1 foot off the ground on one end and about 4 feet at the other side. The spacing of the piers is only about 3' apart, so I used way more piers than the plans called for. I did not put any cross bracing in, I am thinking maybe it would have been a good idea. If you look at the 4x4 posts they are starting to slant a bit but the deck remains level. I hope the whole thing doesn't just collapse one day. The ground seems to be eroding a bit due to the incline of the back yard.

[Nverinder]

I am starting my 12x12 floating deck tomorrow morning and found your video. Awesome job!!!

[shawnjhan]

Nice job buddy...good balance between basic and a few nice touches

[mahtay]

That start was hilarious! I thought "Episode IV?" What have I missed so started looking for the others first....well played, Sir!

[stephenjacobs]

Hi Sam, I was planning to build a similar deck as well but I will be using tuffblocks instead of concrete blocks. Thank you for this. Cheers!

[ivorygilyard]

Thank you Sam, you did a great job. Your video is exactly what I was looking for. My backyard is on a slop also and I was not sure how to manage the build. Thanks again for posting.

[michaelott]

OK. Well this was your first deck and I'm not going to pick you apart... much.. LOL.. But you did  A LOT  of needless work. Way too many blocks and the they look like they were placed haphazardly. You can use solid concrete blocks and attach a 4X4 post base to them with concrete screws. Then place a 2 ft long  4X4 post to the post bracket.  Place a block about every 8 ft around the perimeter and at each corner of the recess part.. Probably about 10 total I would guess. From the highest point,   use a line level to mark the other posts. Trim posts the posts using these marks. Place a double 2X10 beam on top of the posts using a post cap bracket,  around the perimeter. Place 2X10 joists  across the  "short side" of the deck (pointing toward the fire pit). 2X10 joists can span about 13 feet without supports.  Place the deck boards tight together while they're wet. If you lay them out to dry, they'll warp. Let them run long and leave a 1/2" overhang on the ends by snapping a chalk like and cutting them after they're attached. If the deck is more than 30" off the ground, you should have railings. Your railing posts should evenly spaced. Not  placed in random spots.. BOOMCHAKALAKA!!

[AEnthusiast]

I'm planning on building a deck, and I've been watching lots of videos, but this was the most entertaining. I need an alien cemetary! Lol

[xaznxeclipsex]

Love the deck and love the design! Can you tell me the width and length without fireplace bumpout?

[MDTAR]

I love seeing first time builds...i have built MANY decks so i can see whats right and whats wrong with a first time build or a 50th time builds. You had a few things i would've done differently, but it came out nice. Good job Sam!.

[josephmiller]

Do you have anymore of the chairs used in the beginning of the video? I collect those old chairs and would like to make you an offer on them.

[lukes]

Alot of times things are spaced on 12, 16, or 24 in. Centers because they all end on an 8' center. And alot of things like plywood, gypsum come in 8' sections. So reduces cutting.

[fadinoir]

Boards will most likely warp while drying if not fastened. if they were fastened down before drying out it would have helped keep them from warping as bad.

[kenjones]

thanx 4 the vid sam my project is outdoor kitchen under some massive oaks will build it on this deck to stay above all the roots

[adamdelarozza]

Looks like a good place to Rock n Roll. I'm gonna build a smaller version. Kinda seems like lincoln logs and wooden building blocks, the deluxe version.