[djdemers1]

Hey! I'm looking to build a ground-level deck, same dimensions as the canopy pictured, to replace the existing pebble surface (see photo). There are just a few things I'd like to clear up with your assistance...

1. In the photo you can see that my yard slopes downward. I would like for the high side to be about even with the top of the deck, so the frame facing that end would be underground.

In this case is it ok to use a treated 2x6 as the face of the deck in contact with the soil? (I'm thinking about potential rot and any pressure from the sloping yard). Alternatives?

2. Any preference for the direction of laying the deck surface? I'm leaning toward laying them vertically.

3. The canopy frame has screw holes along each corner. Any suggestions for mounting and supporting the canopy sufficiently without damaging the deck surface?

Thank you!

 

[Bondo]

1. In the photo you can see that my yard slopes downward. I would like for the high side to be about even with the top of the deck, so the frame facing that end would be underground.

In this case is it ok to use a treated 2x6 as the face of the deck in contact with the soil? (I'm thinking about potential rot and any pressure from the sloping yard). Alternatives?

Ayuh,...... I'd do All of the framin' with ground contact rated P/T lumber,.....

2. Any preference for the direction of laying the deck surface? I'm leaning toward laying them vertically.

I prefer to lay the boards in the direction the water flows,.....

3. The canopy frame has screw holes along each corner. Any suggestions for mounting and supporting the canopy sufficiently without damaging the deck surface?

The screw holes will be under the canopy's feet, well hidden, so what's the problem,..??

 

[djdemers1]

Thanks for your input... I will definitely use treated wood for everything, but just wanted to be sure that it's sufficient. It's not quite a retaining wall, but it is up against a slope.

With mounting the canopy, I am more concerned about best practices for framing and supporting the corners to consistently hold the weight, strain when the wind blows, etc.

 

[Nealtw]

How much does it slope. There is treated wood and ground contact treated wood, two different products.

 

[u2slow]

You could further rest the PT lumber on compacted gravel, or buried concrete blocks/piers.

 

[dj3]

- As mentioned, pick PT wood rated for earth contact.
- You don't just lay the boards on the dirt and call it a day. The lowest side of the deck should be resting on posts in concrete and beam.
How many posts, what size beam and how to do it depend on the slope and deck size.
You also have to consider drainage.
Post pictures when you finish.

 

[ratherbefishing]

If you can stand a step up, I'd get the whole thing off the ground. I'd put the highest corner on a concrete deck block, then level the rest of it with 4x4 posts to deck blocks. From experience in my own yard, the framing on the uphill side will catch run off and debris and gradually get lower and lower, relative to the grade. Give it enough height so water and debris has an easy path under the deck, rather than creating a dam for it to accumulate.