floating or fixed deck for house?

Question

Hi , I am designing a deck for my home is there any advantage to building a floating deck as opposed to a deck with a cement foundation and post holes? I know it would be moveable if it was floating , which is better?

Answer 1

I personnelly prefer a deck that is not attached to the house. Most decks I have seen are improperly flashed when attached to the house, over time this causes rot. To repair in years to come is very expensive.



A floating deck is free standing structure on your property. It isnt, something you build and throw on the ground and walk on.

Answer 2

If you are in a warm climate where the ground does not freeze a floating deck support system is fine.

If you are in colder climate (winter freezing), go with deck post in auger holes with concrete bottom and around sides of posts.

In colder climates ground freezes and sometimes heaves upward which would make your deck also heave up. The moisture in the soil freezes and causes this, and the ground seldom goes back down when it thaws.

I prefer the posts in concrete, even in warmer climates. We build decks with one pc. posts that start in the hole, then come up to support deck platform, then keep coming up to form supports for railing system. I think this is much stronger than bolting on posts for your handrail.And using the precast concrete floating deck pads you have to set them right on the money at level, that can be a little frustrating.

Answer 3

a floating deck really means that the deck is in no way attached to the house. It is very close up against it,,,but is not glued,screwed or bolted to the house.

And a deck is very heavy,,,you are not going to move it around

Answer 4

The 1st thing I would do would be ,to go to your town building

department and ask them what of these two options affects your property taxes.This will help you make the proper decission...GOOD LUCK