Wood decks can last for many years and are often a great addition to your outdoor space. You can even build a deck directly on the ground with or without posts. Learn the basics in this instructional blog post.

You might be asking yourself: “How to build a wood deck on the ground, how to build a wood deck directly on the ground, how to build a backyard wood deck?” — And this is a very good question. A lot of people may think that it’s easier to build a deck on the ground, but I can assure you that this isn’t true.

How to build a wood deck on the ground

Building a wood deck directly on the ground is possible, but it can be tricky. The first thing to consider before you start building a wood deck directly on the ground is where you plan to place it. If your backyard is sloped, your deck will be as well. The easiest way to combat this issue is by building a box frame that sits on top of the ground, with legs that go into the ground at an angle to keep the frame level.

Building a wood deck directly on the ground is also a good option if you don’t want to spend any money on tools or materials. However, when building a wooden deck directly on the ground, you’ll need some basic carpentry skills and some materials from home improvement stores like lumber, screws and nails. You could also use treated lumber for durability in high-traffic areas like decks or patios.

You’ll also need a hammer drill or screw gun for drilling pilot holes for each screw and anchoring them into place. A power saw or miter saw will help cut your lumber accurately so everything fits together properly when you assemble your frame.

The first step is to build a level and sturdy foundation. The size of the base depends on the size of your deck. For example, a 10×10-foot deck would require a 12×12-foot base.

The next step is to lay down pressure-treated plywood sheets and screw them together to form a rectangle. This will be the base for your deck.

Next, cut 2x4s into 4-inch pieces and place them across the plywood sheets to create a frame. Then attach these pieces with screws or nails at every corner, making sure they are level with each other and spaced evenly apart.

Now you need to add joists to support the weight of the decking boards. Use 2×6 pressure treated lumber for this purpose as well as for adding strength to your deck’s structure. Cut these boards into 18-inch lengths and screw them onto the sides of your frame using 3 inch screws so that they rest on top of your 2 x 4s (the ones used for framing). Space these joists at least 16 inches apart from each other so that there’s enough room for you to walk between them comfortably when installing decking boards later on).

The easiest and most cost-effective way to build a deck is directly on the ground. This method is appropriate if you want a simple, small deck that won’t be used for entertaining or parties. It’s also a good option if you want a permanent, stationary structure in the yard.

Choosing the right wood for the job

For this project, use pressure-treated lumber. Pressure-treated lumber is more expensive than other types of wood, but it lasts longer and prevents rot. It’s also resistant to insect damage and fungal decay, so it won’t need to be replaced as often as other types of wood.

Building your deck

1. Measure and mark off where your deck will go using stakes or string lines and a builder’s level or laser level to ensure that it’s straight and level. Consider marking off the area with stakes so you can see how large the space needs to be before deciding on its exact placement. You may decide that having access from both sides of your home will make it easier for guests to get onto your deck without disturbing anyone inside their homes or apartments.

2. Clear away any obstructions in your marked area — such as trees, plants and rocks — so they don’t interfere with building

It’s possible to build a deck on the ground, but it requires some additional considerations. You’ll need to plan for the deck to be level, and you’ll also need to consider how you want to anchor the deck down.

You can either dig into the ground or build on top of concrete footings. Digging into the ground is more expensive because it requires excavation and building a support structure for the deck. Building on top of concrete footings is less expensive but requires more effort to install.

If you choose to dig into the ground, make sure that you have access to water and electric lines before beginning construction. If they’re buried too deep in your yard, they could pose safety hazards during construction and later when using your new deck.

If you’re planning on building directly on concrete footings, then check with your local building codes office for requirements about footing thickness and spacing before making any cuts or ordering materials for your project.

First, you need to find a level spot in your yard. It needs to be at least 10 feet wide and 10 feet deep, but it can be larger if you want to extend the deck across the entire area of your yard. You should also make sure that there aren’t any trees or other obstacles that would block your view of the sunset when you are sitting on your new deck.

Next, you need to decide how high up you want your deck to be off the ground. The higher it is, the harder it will be for people to climb up onto it, but lower decks are easier for people with mobility issues or young children who may not have enough strength to climb up onto a raised deck. If you have small children who love spending time outdoors but aren’t yet able to climb ladders or stairs unassisted, consider building your first deck at ground level so that they can easily access it from both sides at all times.

Once you have picked out a spot for your new deck and decided how high up off the ground it should be built, start digging! You’ll need an excavation contractor if you don’t want to do this part yourself (and even if you do).

How to build a wood deck directly on the ground

Building a deck directly on the ground is not only possible, but it can be a cost-effective way to add an outdoor living space. If you have the right tools and materials and some basic carpentry skills, you can build a deck without hiring a professional.

Materials

For this project, you’ll need:

A level spot to build your deck (at least 6 feet by 10 feet)

Pressure-treated lumber in 1-by-6-inch and 2-by-6-inch sizes

2×4 wood posts (cut to length based on your plans), pressure treated or cedar if you prefer

Plastic lattice strips, 1/2 inch thick by 3 inches wide (or use 3/8 inch thick by 4 inches wide if you do not have access to plastic lattice) – this will form the railing of your deck; buy enough for two rails plus one extra piece cut into two pieces for each end; also buy two 2x4s long enough to fit between posts as reinforcement where rails meet posts

To build a deck directly on the ground, you’ll need to prepare the site, frame the deck and install the decking. You can use pressure-treated lumber or cedar for the framing.

If you’re building a deck on concrete blocks, make sure that they’re level and that there’s enough space between them for drainage. If you don’t have access to a laser level, use a straight 2×4 as a guide for placing your footings.

What You’ll Need:

Pressure-treated lumber or cedar (at least 4×8 planks)

Concrete blocks (to elevate your deck off the ground)

Deck screws or nails

Screws or nails for attaching railings (optional)

How to Build a Wood Deck

Building a wood deck can be tricky, but it’s not as hard as you think. With the right tools and materials, you’ll be enjoying your new deck in no time.

Build a Deck on Ground Level

The first step to building a deck is choosing the right site. You’ll want to avoid areas that are prone to flooding or where water accumulates after rainstorms. If you live in an area with dry summers and wet winters, consider building your deck on a hillside or sloping lot so rainwater can drain away from the house.

You’ll also need to have room for all the materials needed for building your deck — including lumber, fasteners and nails — plus an area for storage while working on the project. If there isn’t enough space in your garage, consider renting a storage unit or setting up temporary storage near your work site.

When you’re building a deck for the first time, there are a lot of questions to answer. How big should it be? What kind of material should you use? How will you build it?

How to Build a Deck on Dirt or Grass

Start by measuring the area in which you want to build your deck. Create a rough sketch of where you want to place your deck and where you want the stairs to lead. Next, mark off where each joist will go using stakes and string. Place stakes every 6 feet along your marked line and use string to connect them together. This will help keep everything straight when it comes time to attach the joists.

Next, dig post holes at least 1 foot deep in each corner of your deck area. Place concrete blocks in each hole and fill them with concrete so they are level with the ground surface. Hammer metal rods through holes in metal posts into concrete blocks to secure them in place.

Now that all of your posts are secured, install joists on top of them using metal hangers (or small brackets) that connect each joist together on either side of post holes. Leave 3 inches between each joist so they don’t touch when installed properly

Step 1: Prepare Your Site

Before you begin building your deck, make sure you have everything you need on hand. You’ll need enough lumber to build your deck and enough hardware to fasten it together. Make sure you have a level surface on which to build. Also, check the weather forecast and make sure that it’s not going to rain for at least a few days after you finish building your deck so that the wood has time to dry out.

Step 2: Lay Out Your Lumber

If you’re building an octagon-shaped deck or some other shape that’s not square or rectangular, lay out your lumber on the ground first so that you can see how many pieces of each size will be needed for each section of your deck. Then use stakes and string lines to mark off each section so that it’s easier for you or someone else to cut it later.

Step 3: Cut Wood

Use a circular saw with an 80-tooth blade to cut all of your lumber into the proper lengths. For example, if you want 8-foot long 2x6s for joists, cut each piece in half lengthwise with two cuts spaced 12 inches apart (one in each direction).