How To Build A Ground Hugging Deck

What is a ground hugging deck?

Ground hugging deck is the term used for decks that are designed to hug the ground, and not have a lot of clearance from the surface on which they sit. Ground hugging decks are often used in areas where there is no room for a conventional deck or patio. They can be built with either wood or concrete blocks. If you live in an area where it’s difficult to get concrete blocks, then you may want to consider using wooden planks instead.

The advantage of building your own ground hugging deck is that you will know exactly what type of material you are going to use, and how much of it you need. You also don’t have to worry about getting the right size materials because you can always cut them down if needed.

The steps in the process of building a ground hugging deck are-

1. Determine the location of the deck. –

This step involves finding out whether you can place the deck directly on the ground, or whether you will have to dig up some soil first. In most cases, the best option would be to put the deck directly on the grass so that you do not have to disturb the roots of any plants. However, if this is not possible, you should still try to find a spot where the ground is relatively flat.

2. Dig the hole for the deck –

In order to make sure that the deck sits firmly on the ground, you need to dig a deep enough hole for the base of the deck. This means digging at least 3 feet deep, but preferably 4-6 feet deep. Make sure that the hole is large enough to accommodate all the materials that you need to construct the deck.

It is important to remember that the depth of the hole needs to be deeper than the height of the deck itself, otherwise you will end up having to fill the hole back up again when you install the deck.

3. Build the frame –

Once you have dug the hole, you need to start building the frame of the deck. A good way to do this is by starting with one side of the hole, and making a straight line across the entire length of the hole. Then, add another line perpendicular to the first line, and continue adding lines until you reach the opposite side of the hole.

When you have done this, you should have a rectangle shape with four sides. Now, you just need to connect these two opposing corners together to form the rectangular shape.

4. Install the posts –

Once you have connected the opposing corners together, you need to install the posts. These posts will help support the weight of the deck, as well as provide stability against windy conditions. To do this, simply drive each post into the ground, and secure it with a washer and nut. Once you have installed all the posts, you can begin installing the cross beams.

5. Connect the cross beams –

After you have finished installing all the posts, you need to connect the cross beams to them. Cross beams are usually made of metal, and they are placed perpendicularly to the other beams. Each beam has holes through which screws can be inserted, and once all the beams are attached to the posts, you can attach the top rails to the cross beams.

6. Finish off the deck –

When you finish constructing the deck, you need to cover the gaps between the boards with a waterproof membrane, such as polyethylene sheeting. This will keep water away from the underside of the deck, and prevent moisture from accumulating under the deck.

After you have covered the gap, you can apply a protective coating over the surface of the deck. The protective coatings come in different types, depending on what material the deck is constructed from. For example, decks made from wood require a clear sealant, while those made from composite material require an opaque sealant.

7. Enjoy your new deck! –

Now that you have built your own deck, you can enjoy spending time outside without worrying about getting wet. You can also use your new deck for various outdoor activities, including grilling food or entertaining guests.

What are the advantages of building a ground hugging deck?

1. Ground hugging decks look great –

A ground hugging deck looks amazing because it allows you to spend more time outdoors instead of inside. Since the deck sits directly on the ground, there is no chance of the deck moving around due to high winds. Instead, the deck remains stable, allowing you to relax and enjoy yourself.

2. They are easy to maintain –

Ground hugging decks are very simple to maintain. All you need to do is sweep the dirt away, and then mop the floor. If you want to remove any stains or spills from the floor, you can easily clean it up using soap and warm water.

3. They are cost effective –

Building a ground hugging deck doesn’t require much money, so you don’t need to worry about having to pay a lot of money to get a professional to construct the deck. In addition, since you can build the deck yourself, you won’t have to hire anyone else to complete the project either.

4. They last for years –

Since ground hugging decks are designed to sit flat on the ground, they don’t require any special maintenance. As long as you regularly sweep the dirt away, you should be able to extend the life of the deck by many years.

5. They are environmentally friendly –

Since ground hugging decks are designed not to move around when exposed to strong winds, they don’ t contribute to global warming. In fact, ground hugging decks actually help reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere.

6. They are safe –

Because ground hugging decks are designed specifically for outdoor use, they are extremely safe. Unlike traditional decks, where people often fall off of them, ground hugging decks are designed so that people cannot fall through the deck.

7. They are versatile –

If you want to add some extra features to your ground hugging deck, you can always do so. For example, if you want to install a hot tub, you can simply buy one online. However, if you want a smaller version, you can just cut out a small section of the deck.

8. They provide privacy –

Although most ground hugging decks are designed for outdoor use, they still provide excellent levels of privacy. Because the deck is designed to sit flat on top of the ground, it provides a barrier between you and other people who may be walking past.

Conclusion

As we can see ground hugging decks are feasible to install. Not only that, there are various advantages of building it yourself. So if you are looking to build a ground hugging deck, this article will show you how to go about doing it. Therefore, before you decide to purchase an expensive deck, consider installing a ground hugging deck first.