Photo: Brett Sayles

Can I build a deck directly on the ground?

Yes, you can build a deck directly on the ground. There are many reasons to want a very low deck, including that at certain heights the deck may not require stairs or guardrails.

sbcbuild.com - Can a Deck be Built Directly on the Ground? - Soto Bay Construction

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Yes, you can build a deck directly on the ground. There are many reasons to want a very low deck, including that at certain heights the deck may not require stairs or guardrails. However, building a deck so low requires unique design and installation as direct contact with the ground changes the environmental stresses on the deck’s material and changes the way that the deck will bear weight. We’ll walk you through some of the things you should consider when building your deck directly on the ground.

Your Building Codes

As with all home improvement projects, it is wise to look into your local building codes before you start. In this case, it is wise to look into it for two reasons. The first is to determine what your code considers a “ground-level deck” and whether you are allowed to build it. In California, it is most likely that your building code considers any deck built until 24 inches to be a ground-level deck. You should see whether these are allowed, especially if there are stipulations for decks under eight inches high, which is usually what homeowners mean when they want a ground-level deck. Then, determine if your ground-level deck needs stairs and railings, as per the building code. It may also include other stipulations about low decks. Wood reacts differently to the moisture in the ground than it does to the moisture in rain or the air. Being in contact with the ground can speed up the natural decay process of the wood. Wood is considered to be in contact with the ground if it is within six inches of the ground. This wood will need to be specially treated for ground contact. Most pressure-treated lumber at your average local store will not fit the bill. You need to purchase a specialty wood or composite material for this purpose. If you do not want to make the whole deck structure out of this material, you can raise the deck up so that there are more than six inches between the beams (floorboards) and the ground. Then, you can use a typical deck material. However, the support wood that is in the ground should still be made of ground contact material.

Other Design Considerations

A “floating” deck without footings that is resting on the ground is simple to build and provides other design benefits. If the deck is not more than eight inches off the ground, your building codes may allow you to not add stairs. They also should not need guard rails and handrails. This can make them very modern and also more convenient for smaller backyards where these features seem to cut off the space. However, when not built correctly these decks are the most at risk of rotting or shifting with the weather. In order to get a deck that can last and that won’t be a safety issue moving forward, we recommend you work with the professional builders in San Leandro to design and build your deck.

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Can I turn my shed into a tiny house?

Often used for storing lawnmowers and other home and garden tools, your tiny shed may also be an innovative living space. The popularity of transforming backyard sheds into little homes has grown over the last few years.

housedigest.com - How To Turn Your Backyard Shed Into A Tiny Home - House Digest

How To Turn Your Backyard Shed Into A Tiny Home

Do you dream of renovating your backyard shed into a tiny home? Or maybe you need a livable add-on to your property? There are many reasons why you might consider converting your shed into a more functional living space such as a guest house, man cave, she shed, classroom, or playhouse. In the past, small additional houses, like English follies, were often used by the wealthy as representations of ancient ruins or landmarks instead of being used for storage. Today, sheds serve a practical purpose, as they are commonly utilized to store tools, garden supplies, lawn equipment, or other domestic items that require larger accommodation. It's important to establish whether you're going to renovate your existing structure or build a new one. According to The Tiny House, purchasing a shed may be cheaper and more efficient in quality compared to purchasing a pre-built shell. Other important factors are to determine your budget and timeline. Is this a practical project or a mandatory change? Depending on the size, materials, labor, and installation, the cost of turning your backyard shed into a tiny home may range from $1,500 to $30,000, per Budget Dumpster. Whether it's a conversion or a brand-new structure, how you plan to transform your backyard shed will ultimately depend on the style and materials chosen. Read on to learn more about how to turn your backyard into a new living space!