Ground Level Deck

Transforming outdoor spaces with a deck doesn’t have to involve building three to five feet off the ground. In this case, replacing an uneven backyard paver patio with a ground-level deck, or wood patio, resulted in a finished elevation of less than a foot.

The customer requested two estimates, one for a deck built level with the main floor of the home, and one that would be constructed at ground level to cover the an old patio area between a small landing outside the back door and a storage shed behind the house. Requirements for footings, additional framing, railings and other material meant a smaller main-floor-level deck would be significantly more than a larger ground-level option. Upgrading the area over the old patio won out, which would create an expansive, level area with easier access to the storage shed.

Once the old pavers were removed, the ground was prepared for placement of about 50 concrete deck blocks that would serve as the base for deck joists. This process also involved removal of more than a few wheel barrows-full of soil. I used a laser level for setting the blocks at a consistent height on paver base material, which once complete, were ready for the joists.

The finished “L” shaped deck covers about 240 sq. ft., with ample room for outdoor furniture and a grill. With the deck set just below the floor level of the storage shed, movement of equipment and tools in and out of the structure is much easier, as is use of the entire area. See more photos of the project here.