Minimum deck height above grade

Eds_tls · 06-05-2012, 07:55 PM

Hello everyone!

I plan on replacing our beat up paver patio with a deck next summer. The problem is trying to figure how low i can make the deck.

Most every framing diagram i find shows the beams resting on the posts, and then the joists resting on the beams. But that would make the minimum height of the deck around 18" above grade. I really need to be no more than 10" or so above grade, (mainly because im tying into an existing screened in porch).

Can i have the joists resting right on the posts, and skip the beams altogether? That would get me pretty close to the 10" max height i need. But i think this might be too bouncy.

I searched and searched for a framing diagram that was close to what i need, but can't find anything

Any thoughts???

Joe Carola · 06-05-2012, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eds_tls

Hello everyone!

I plan on replacing our beat up paver patio with a deck next summer. The problem is trying to figure how low i can make the deck.

Most every framing diagram i find shows the beams resting on the posts, and then the joists resting on the beams. But that would make the minimum height of the deck around 18" above grade. I really need to be no more than 10" or so above grade, (mainly because im tying into an existing screened in porch).

Can i have the joists resting right on the posts, and skip the beams altogether? That would get me pretty close to the 10" max height i need. But i think this might be too bouncy.

I searched and searched for a framing diagram that was close to what i need, but can't find anything

Any thoughts???

You install a flush.beam and nail the joist in then put hangers on them.

robertcdf · 06-05-2012, 08:27 PM

It's called a flush beam application, the joists HANG (in joist hangers) from the beam much like they hang from a ledger.

robertcdf · 06-05-2012, 08:29 PM

Joe types faster than I...

Yoyizit · 06-05-2012, 08:29 PM

Rest the deck on sleepers?

hand drive · 06-05-2012, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eds_tls

Hello everyone!

I plan on replacing our beat up paver patio with a deck next summer. The problem is trying to figure how low i can make the deck.

Most every framing diagram i find shows the beams resting on the posts, and then the joists resting on the beams. But that would make the minimum height of the deck around 18" above grade. I really need to be no more than 10" or so above grade, (mainly because im tying into an existing screened in porch).

Can i have the joists resting right on the posts, and skip the beams altogether? That would get me pretty close to the 10" max height i need. But i think this might be too bouncy.

I searched and searched for a framing diagram that was close to what i need, but can't find anything

Any thoughts???

http://www.awc.org/Publications/DCA/DCA6/DCA6-09.pdf

dbldee20 · 06-05-2012, 09:47 PM

http://forum.canadianwoodworking.com...feedback/page2

I think the 2nd image down (software drawing) on that link is what you're thinking. You could use short posts or shorter concrete pillars

mae-ling · 06-06-2012, 12:46 AM

http://www.google.ca/search?sugexp=c...und+level+deck
A google search on "Ground Level Deck" lots of info

Eds_tls · 06-06-2012, 09:14 PM

Thanks everyone. That answers a ton of questions!

**Gary in WA** · 06-08-2012, 12:31 AM

Be sure to check the decking material clearance to ground airspace under the joists per manufacturer. Many composite man's require 8" on 3 sides to reduce mold from forming on the surface.

Gary