How Do You Build a Low Deck Over Grass?

Deck in the backyard is a comfortable place for entertaining guests, sipping coffee, and having fun with family and friends.

In this article, I want to show you 10 steps on how you can easily build your own deck over grass without you have to break your bank account.

A floating deck in outer space offers us conducive environments to enjoy some quiet time.

Decks add beauty and value to the outer side of our home. A low deck is easy to construct and makes outdoor life easier.

Low decks or floating deck or platform deck are 30 inches above grade or less.   

Let’s get started. Here are the 10 steps listed below: 

Step 1: Planning Out The Design

The first thing is to figure out the part of your backyard you want to construct a deck on. 

After choose a particular area, measure the place to know the exact size of the deck you want to build.

Decide on the materials you wish to use, and what it will cost you to build a low deck over grass.  

The part of your backyard you want to deck, is a level ground or sloping? Level will be quite easy for you to frame, if you’re doing it by yourself.

But if it’s sloping you need to frame the deck structure very well to avoid one part higher than the other side.

Another reason for this, is to watch out for drainage route. Floating deck can be use to control drainage. So, if it’s drainage part it has to raise be raise a bit higher from the ground.

After this, watch out for drainage before you deck. Carry out a proper landscaping before you deck your backyard.

In addition, for a sloping ground ( water run-off area), construct a deck and give it good ventilation to enable it last long and to avoid being pulled out by erosion.  

Step 2: Place The Footing (Concrete Blocks) And Beams 

Now, begins the foundation and framing with minimal digging by setting concrete blocks on ground.

After this, use a rope take a level from high to low spots with a string level.

Remember you are building over grass — let the deck frame be 30 inches above the ground level. This will allow ventilation and flow of water, which will make it last long.

Frame a simple foundation with little digging by placing concrete blocks at each corner (e.g., rectangle shape) of the deck.

Take a level measurement from the high to low spots with a string level.

With this above, it simply means that your deck outline or frame is level, then you are ready to move on to the next level.

Step 3: Place The Beams

the next thing is to place the beams on top of the concrete block or the deck frame. At least let it be 30 inches above the ground level.

The beams are wood you use to create or build the deck frame.

Then, do a diagonally measure and tape the beams (take the beams) to ensure the beams are well lined up.  If its requires additional gravel to balance the work then, add it. 

Here is where you balance the deck’s frame, make it strong, and let it be on the same level. You can as well use gravel or blocks to balance it.

Step 4: Square The Beams

Get a measurement tape to measure diagonal of the beams both back and front to get a square and balance beams.

You might decide to use temporary stretchers to hold the beams to get the square out.

Step 5: Place Angle on The Beams

Don’t use nails on the joists but screw on the angle brackets because nails may weaken the joists and knock the beams out of square. 

Place the beams parallel to each other, exactly 9 ft apart from each other. Like I said before, don’t use nails but screw the stretchers across the ends of the beams and let all be at the same distance as overhanging them.

This will enable you to get a level frame — a well balanced frame.

Once you get it square out, then put the beams across the floating deck and square them to each other to get the same level.

Step 6: Attach / Joists

By now your beams are at the same level and balance, therefore attach angle brackets at the corners of the deck where joists and beams meet. 

It will become additional support at the corners of your ground level deck.

Step 7: Attach Inner Joists Of The Deck

At this point, use hidden fasteners or hangers to fasten the joint into the beams at the same measurement. Don’t give space in between,

When you follow the instruction here, you will see how beautiful your deck will look.

However, the deck looks nice when you use a hidden hanger, but it delays installation, though is the best way of attaching a deck board.

Once you’re done with attaching the deck board, remember to trim the deck boards.

Step 8: Lay The Decking

At this point, the beauty of your deck has started coming out and taking good shape. 

Put the first length of board and line with the edge outside so that it will be equal.

Finally, your decking is starting to take shape and resemble the structure you’ve envisioned.

Remember to put the board at interval spacing according to the manufacturer instruction to ensure proper ventilation. Create space for ventilation that will make the deck to last long.

Step 9: Put The Skirt Board And Screw 

When a putting the skirt boards, ensure it wraps properly, and drive it in by screws just below the surface to hold skirt boards to the frame properly.

At this stage you have done with building your deck. Remaining stair cases and this is optional.

Step 10: Add Steps

Attach skirt board to all the sides of the steps to the finished floating deck.

After this, measure and cut a riser board. Attach the measured riser board to the top of the steps. Use a hidden hanger to attach the board.

Cover the steps frame with a full board at one side. Ensure it aligns with the edge of the rim joist. After this trim the edges to get a fine outlook of the deck.

Maintain a certain space as you attach the board on the frame board. At this point, remove the rim joist for a nice look. Now the steps are ready with the entire floating deck. 

At this point your low deck over grass is ready to use. Get on and enjoy your deck.

Conclusion

In this article, I have established that building a low deck over grass is cheap, easy, and possible.

You can do it by yourself or you may wish to contact deck builders. 

Follow the steps outline here to build your low deck over grass. The benefits of having a low deck in your backyard outweigh the cost both in the short and long run.

Low decks constructed over low grass allow ventilation and control erosion because it’s 30 inches above the ground level.

Low deck in the garden is cost-effective and it’s easy to maintain. Therefore, spice up your backyard with a low deck. 

Decks in the backyard increase the functionality of the outer space and give the users a better view of the outdoors. 

 Low decks in the backyard give you a conducive environment for personal retreat and enjoy your solitude.

Go ahead to construct your low deck over grass in your backyard for a maximum use of your outer space.