You did a nice job, even by the moon-light! I am encouraged I can do this. My husband was a woodworker. He died of Cancer 5 years ago. so I am trying to finish the project list by myself. so far so good.
Linda. Truly sorry for your loss. Let me leave this “Hug of Support” for you right here in case you ever need one. I have 100% faith in you that you will complete that list. You got this! Be well and thank you for the kind words.
You'll never need to worry about cutting the wrong size, spin in circles or waste time trying to figure out what goes where... With ryan's detailed shed plans ruclips.net/user/postUgkxb2mhCug-GkCWrq69Ce2I0nM0D4QpxAqu , it makes building sheds a breeze - just like putting lego bricks together! You'll be able to create the kind of shed, your neighbors and other woodworkers will secretly envy (while mumbling nice job under their breath).
Off the top of my head, the ones you assemble yourself. Size and materials used will then increase the base price of the shed. Pre-made sheds delivered to your location will be the more expensive, but ultimately it all depends on what features you need and how secure you want the shed. Hope that helps. Be well!
Great video Sam. I pretty much did the same building a small deck/porch for my manufactured home. 10 years later it is still level but the wife talked me into replacing the decking with composite, adding an awning, and adding a larger ground level deck with room for a few chairs. It is still in progress and I am learning things as I go. I've had to replace a few old 2x6's as they were damaged by sun and rain over the years. Overall though I am pleased with the progress and look. I've learned a bit more over the years, especially planning it out first. Thanks again!
Shawn Adger Thanks for the kind words, Shawn. Also, “Basic with a few nice touches.” would summarize most humans. So well done on the metaphysical level, too.
I love seeing first time builds...i have built MANY decks so i can see whats right and whats wrong with a first time build or a 50th time builds. You had a few things i would've done differently, but it came out nice. Good job Sam!.
Great presentation. Was looking examples to install portable car port using deck blocks no digging as im renting the house. Finally, found your video after been browsing for more than 20 vids. Thank you!
Hey Stephen! Tuffblocks are pretty cool. I used them recently for a platform I built from the deck to a pool I installed last year. They worked great. I hope your build goes well.
Thank you Sam, you did a great job. Your video is exactly what I was looking for. My backyard is on a slop also and I was not sure how to manage the build. Thanks again for posting.
OK. Well this was your first deck and I'm not going to pick you apart... much.. LOL.. But you did A LOT of needless work. Way too many blocks and the they look like they were placed haphazardly. You can use solid concrete blocks and attach a 4X4 post base to them with concrete screws. Then place a 2 ft long 4X4 post to the post bracket. Place a block about every 8 ft around the perimeter and at each corner of the recess part.. Probably about 10 total I would guess. From the highest point, use a line level to mark the other posts. Trim posts the posts using these marks. Place a double 2X10 beam on top of the posts using a post cap bracket, around the perimeter. Place 2X10 joists across the "short side" of the deck (pointing toward the fire pit). 2X10 joists can span about 13 feet without supports. Place the deck boards tight together while they're wet. If you lay them out to dry, they'll warp. Let them run long and leave a 1/2" overhang on the ends by snapping a chalk like and cutting them after they're attached. If the deck is more than 30" off the ground, you should have railings. Your railing posts should evenly spaced. Not placed in random spots.. BOOMCHAKALAKA!!
Michael Ott Thanks for sharing the information, Michael. The more to share the better. If it saves someone time or from one of my mistakes then good. Like working with wet wood. So many Old Timers told me to let them dry. But maybe that’s wrong. As for me doing a lot of unnecessary work, next you’ll be telling me I overthink things! :)
LOL!! Sam. The important thing is that you made a safe deck. I had an "old timer" neighbor who busted my chops like a drill sergeant!! But I learned a lot from him. I built a 38' X 14' deck on the back of my house, It took a long time, but it came out great. I bought a lot of DVDs from www.hometime.com.. They had every project you can imagine. They talk you through every step they're doing and make it easy to understand and do without special tools.. But installing the deck boards wet and tight together was advice from my neighbor. All the experts were saying to let them dry out and space them 1/8" apart when installing.. I've tried both.. Wet and tight is best..... In more ways than one!! LOL!!
Careful, Michael. You know full well there are only two things FORBIDDEN on the internet. 1. Swearing. (So far so good.) 2. Salacious humor. You’re going to get booted off the interwebs! Ha! Seriously, that’s a great site. Checked it out. I was like, “Oh yeah! That show!” Never knew about the site. I bookmarked it. Thanks for letting everyone know so they can use it too. And I thank you for bringing up safety. My goal was “level and strong”, which it is in spades just like yours, I’m sure. Our friend and family use them, right? Final note, here’s to the Old Timers! May they live long and be wise because one day that’s what we’ll all hopefully be!
Boards will most likely warp while drying if not fastened. if they were fastened down before drying out it would have helped keep them from warping as bad.
Fadi Noir That’s good advice, Fadi. Thanks. I have been told both sides so often that next time I am going to fasten them before they dry. I lean towards that now. Be well!
Alot of times things are spaced on 12, 16, or 24 in. Centers because they all end on an 8' center. And alot of things like plywood, gypsum come in 8' sections. So reduces cutting.
This is glorious, I have been researching "how to build a foundation for a storage shed" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you heard people talk about - Damkietor Nonpareil Dominion - (should be on google have a look ) ? It is an awesome one off product for building better sheds and woodworking minus the headache. Ive heard some great things about it and my cousin got amazing success with it.
Brian Flynn That’s good advice to share. Thank you. It never occurred to me to do that. I leveled the ground under every footer by hand, then double checked the footer itself after placement. I wonder about me sometimes....
Are you glad you went with the cement blocks as a base rather than pouring cement holes below the frost line? That's a decision I've gotta make before the weekend. Not too cold here. I like those blocks a lot. Good job! Nice shape
Thanks, Adam (Bomb. nice one.) They have been great. No issues with frost heaving so far despite living in the hinterlands of Upstate New York. And the flexibility they allow for changes on the fly is a plus. I wish you clarity and wisdom for your decision.
Thanks for making this! Great video and humor was on point. With that voice I kinda feel like you should be narrating audiobooks instead of home improvement videos though.
Wow. Thank you! If you want to risk lowering your opinion of my narration then please check out my video "The Teeny Tiny Monster Who Was Almost Too Small". It is a reading of one of my short stories. :)
Excellent video and you have given me some great ideals. I do have a question, by this. Being a floating deck and not actually in the ground, would a permit be required?
Howdy. Thanks and excellent question! Totally depends on the local codes. You could need one. And that is legally all I can say about that. :) Be well!
Awesome video and well done, brother. I'm a professional engineer and have no issues with over-engineering anything where my loved ones will be sitting or standing on it. What's the next project?
Neel McClain Kind words, Neel. Thank you. I am grateful to the RUclips builder/maker community for all their amazing work. They get the credit. They inspired me to build this. And to over-engineer it! Next? Finishing up a Thanos damaged Captain America shield. Be well. Stay well!
Fun stuff...I will be doing this very, very soon like in the next week or two. This will be going under a pergola that I put in last year (2019) that was a huge project itself.
David Rawe That sounds really nice. Been thinking about capping the deck with a pergola for some shade. Tell me how it turns out. Have fun and be well!
Hi Lynn. You don't connect them to the blocks. The tops are molded with a space on the top for the 4x4 post to fit into. Most of the time the fit is pretty good and level. Any gaps on the sides can be filled nicely with plastic shims. When selecting them in the store, perhaps bring a small piece of 4x4 or see if the store has one to check each block before you bring it home. Hope that helps. Be well, stay well.
Thanks, Sam. This is just the video/advice that I need as I build my deck. Do you mind telling me what state of agricultural zone you live in? I’m in zone 5a/5b and my uncle is worried that a floating deck will settle too much as the earth freezes and unfreezes
Hey, Antoinette! What an interesting question. Per the USDA website, we also are in a 5a/5b zone. BUT! If you go by the plants we buy that live or die we are in a 4a/4b. We have had very minor settling over the years, and I attribute most of that to the fill used when the house was built by the previous owners. It was a bit sandy. Not uncommon in the area given it was all under a 1+ mile ice sheet at one time. What a great question. Thank you for asking it.
@ranzamaceanruig Thanks for the kind words. I prepared the ground by first convincing it that its longtime martial arts instructor Tanaka had sent it an invitation to compete in the secretive Kumite. There, it became fast friends with Jackson who was brutally injured by the reigning Kumite champion Chong Li. That’s when the preparations happened via an intense training MONTAGE. Then, and only then, was I able to ensure a flat surface beneath each block. I‘d dig away the grass, place the block, put a level on it, then level the ground beneath it by strategically removing/adding more dirt before tamping the soil. Eventually the ground defeated the cheating Chong Li in the final round! And there was much rejoicing. Hope this helps! Stay well.
@@hauntinghouse Well, I was gonna try to copy your method until you mentioned all of the required martial arts prerequisites . Unfortunately I don't know any martial arts, and I certainly don't know anyone named "Jackson". Thanks anyway.
@@ranzamaceanruig Bummer. Maybe you could just level the ground like I mentioned but without the proper training I don’t know what will happen. I had to defeat an entire ninja clan before the local Lowe’s would even sell me shims. You don’t want to know what I had to do to buy the lumber.
@@hauntinghouse Man, I'm glad I don't have to prove myself like that at my Lowe's. Even on my best day I would have a hard time with just one ninja. Those guys freak me out to begin with and I'm not as young as I used to be. But you know what? I'm just gonna throw caution to the wind and try it WITHOUT proper ground prep other than leveling and all. I mean, heck, this is still AMERICA, right? Land of hopes and dreams? My pioneer ancestors carved-out a living without even knowing what a ninja was, or probably even who Jackson is. I'm in! Thanks Sam, you ROCK!
@@ranzamaceanruig By God and in the holy name of Harry S Truman, you are right! I should be thanking YOU! Your rousing speech on the fortitude and industrious resilience of your forebears has ignited a red, white, and blue fire in my soul! No more will I accept side quests from large retail chains in order to purchase common goods and wares. No longer will I suffer the pointy tips of shuriken to simply mow my lawn. Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no! I declare my independence from grueling training sessions with crude ropes, old men with sticks, and heavy rocks next to a river in the mountains. From this day on I will remember there is a little bit of Jackson in all of us that binds and unites humanity as one. So help me Jack Burton. My eternal thanks, gentle internet stranger. You have made the world a better place.
I've been working on an office outbuilding over uneven with a base designed like an over-engineered free floating deck. And, like you, I'm kind of a novice at this stuff. This was a good source of ideas for my design, much appreciated! Question for you; after having lived with the deck for a while do you think you needed the weed barrier under the entire deck? At this point I just have weed barrier under my footings to separate the gravel from the ground, but am debating whether I should put it down under the whole base. Thanks!
Hey Jackson! Thanks for the comment, and best of luck on your own design. Short answer: yes. Ease of access. Ascetics. And the local wildlife uses the open space for shelter during the winter, giving us lots of enjoyment from watching them fly or scurry beneath it. Win-Win in our eyes. Be well!
I used bolts with brackets on the back. Initially a single bolt to hold the 2x6's in place when level, then I went back and added bolts and brackets. Hope this helps, John. Be well!
Love the Video. Dynamite. Took charge and made it Happen. The rope "railings" reminded me of Stampede Wrestling in Canada. Waiting to see " The Cuban Assassin, Bad News Allan and Archie Goldie on the deckwith Ed Whalen, Hosting. .... Great work Brudda
Adam Osborn Thanks Adam. Through a small miscalculation on my part it ended up costing $453,127.34 so I REALLY NEED those likes and shares and subs. Never thought about noting the cost. Good question. It cost $1631 for all the materials, footers to ropes.
M Geez thanks for sharing the info with everyone. I am unfamiliar with that so I will look it for future reference. If you know a good source please share it.
The posts simply sit in the square opening in the top of the blocks. They are made to hold 4x4’s and worked pretty well. There are only a few blocks I put shims in to make sure the fit was snug. Never had a problem.
Adding small cut 2x6 between each joist would have been the correct build instead of attaching 4x4 to bottom of joists. The joists still have the possibility of warping. Not likely but possible.
Your shed looks great! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us! I built an 8x10 shed for my kids in my backyard earlier this year using plans I got from *WoodBlueprints. Com* Clear directions and an accurate materials list...It was great for a novice builder like myself!
andynascimento11 I would say no, to be on the safe side, as I didn’t design it for that much weight. Any plans on a hot tub I’ve considered have always placed one next to the deck, not on it. Be well!
Good question, Ty. Let me go look. (walkwalkwalk...walkwalkwalk) I'm back. The lags you see on the outside are Spax brand 5/16 x 4 w/hex head. On the inside I largely used Simpson brand Strong-Tie's 2 1/2" hex screws with the Simpson framing angles.
Great video! I hoped you would show how you figured out how long to cut each vertical 4 x 4 that made the joists level... I have a slope and uneven rules the day :(
Great question. When I made it to the first corner (at 1:48) I made the wise choice of asking my wife "Hey! How tall do you want the posts?" She stood next to the 4 x 4 and said "About this tall. This is good." I then measured it from the top of the existing boards (the frame) for a height of 36". Then, as I kept building, I would place a 4 x 4 with supports from the ground (like at 2:07), temporarily attach a board to it after making sure all level. Then I drew a line on the 4 x 4 where the top of the board was and a second line 36" above that. That way, all the posts were even from the top of the boards regardless of there overall length. Did I explain that well?
Thanks, David. And I must say this is a real honor having a comment from one of the greatest directors of all time, and the co-creator of Twin Peaks. We all owe you a great debt for your work.
Sophia Hernandez That’s a great question. I know it is because MY WIFE WON’T STOP ASKING IT! True story. But seriously, let me think about how to formulate my answer using the video. Part of me thinks it may easier with a pool in the center as it is a fixed reference point but I need to think about how to explain it better (unless that makes sense) and expand upon it. Stay tuned.
Okay. At the 2:27 mark you can see what the outline of the frame is Now picture your pool (which is presumably already level) in the center. The top of the pool edge then becomes the reference point. No matter how you anchor the supports in or on the ground, the supports will stop at the top of the pool edge. You then shape the deck (partially or completely around the pool) however you wish. Once that's done you can copy the techniques for most any pool deck build you like as you have your leveled base to work with. RUclips has a lot of good deck build videos to pick from. Hope I am explaining that well. Good luck!
Mark Yetman It is low, Mark. Guilty as charged. Been working on the RUclips learning curve since. Still, thanks for stopping by. Be well. Stay healthy!
Thank you Ryan for releasing a great product as this [ Check Details Here?> *WoodBlueprints. Com* ]. Most of the plans I have imagined in my mind are put down on your woodworking plans. This is more like a genius job. I love it!?
Thank you Shantay for letting me/us know about the woodworking site Woodprix. Looks like a good resource for plans and info. Now if only I could figure out why your comment is in my notifications but not visible in the actual comments. Hmmm....
That's really not a floating deck because it's supposed to go with the contour of the land; useing 4x4 landscape timber right on ground : start putting decking in it! Looks better then having those large concrete post holders! What's the point if you're using a level??
Howdy. I didn’t use fasteners. The 4x4’s fit pretty well in the concrete footers, as long as you make sure the footers aren’t banged up before you leave the store. I used shims fill any gaps I did discover. I tried plastic footers for a small platform I made between the deck and a pool I installed the high side. They worked pretty well, FYI. Hope this helps! Have fun with your build!
With a setup like that on blocks. How high would you be comfortable with running those posts? I'm soon building something similar mine will have a very light roof on it.
Hey! Good question. I don’t feel qualified to give an answer, as I haven’t put a roof on the deck. There are lots of good building tutorials on RUclips, however, so I am sure someone out there has your answer just ready to go. Good luck!!
Lynn Phan Hi and thanks. You don’t nail them in. They should fit snuggly in the footer top, with the weight of the deck keeping them in place. I had a few footers that had some wiggle room but plastic shims filled the gaps just fine. Hope that helps. Be well.
all that work and we are happy with beer & pizza at the end...very humble and much appreciated inspiration...i’m about to start my 1st deck as well...guess i’ll keep the beer & pizza tradition going...thank you
Tyler M Ha! If you’re referring to the channel I think you are, it would have been the most tactical deck in the world. A deck you could comfortably wear and yet conceal.
Sam Girdich That’s the one. Also, thanks to you I went out and bought a long pry-bar for tearing out my brothers deck instead of just using his little crowbar that he offered.
Still no idea if any blocks themselves are level with any others - and if so, HOW. The more of these videos i watch, the more confused i am. So it goes ;-> My yard slopes in 2 directions.
Howdy. My blocks are not level to each other. The 4x4's resting in the blocks (to which the boards connect) are different lengths. See 2:18 for example. The blocks and the 4x4's are placed/cut to ensure the boards above them are level. It's not building from the ground up, per se, but rather from the deck downward. Picture your deck hovering in space exactly where you want to plant it. Now picture blocks beneath it. With slopes in two directions, your leveled blocks will all be different, yet readily measurable, distances from the bottom of the deck. Then you cut your supports to match each of those differences. That’s why I started from the corner closest to the ground and built the frame from there. The deck was my guide once I pictured where it was going. Feel like I should have some sort of “free the sculpture from the stone” inspirational quote here or something because that kind of applies. I hope that makes sense and helps. You got this!
I have built my concrete pier floating deck on uneven ground 5 years ago. The deck is 18' x 24'. It's 1 foot off the ground on one end and about 4 feet at the other side. The spacing of the piers is only about 3' apart, so I used way more piers than the plans called for. I did not put any cross bracing in, I am thinking maybe it would have been a good idea. If you look at the 4x4 posts they are starting to slant a bit but the deck remains level. I hope the whole thing doesn't just collapse one day. The ground seems to be eroding a bit due to the incline of the back yard.
Hey Michael. Sounds like you overcame a number of hurdles to get it built. I'm sure you can address any current issues. Are you planning to shore up the ground with a small retaining wall or something similar to combat the erosion?
Looks like a good place to Rock n Roll. I'm gonna build a smaller version. Kinda seems like lincoln logs and wooden building blocks, the deluxe version.
David Gravalese Hi, David. It cost me $1631 for everything. Footers to ropes. The swearing when making a mistake was absolutely free, thankfully. Be well!
Robot Robot Nah. You’re fine. We even saved you some (insert your fav drink/food here). Pull up a chair. The posts are not connected. All I did was check the footer tops at the store to make sure they were not damaged for a good fit. If there was a gap discovered afterwards, I used a plastic shim to snug the fit. So far no issues. Thanks and be well, stay well.
I tried public shaming at first. I threatened to share their internet history of Space: 1999 binge watching, retro toy reviews, and video game lore. They pointed out I was actually looking at my own internet history. So instead I used Adjustable L Angles behind them. We never spoke of it again....
L Neptune Yeah. Audio was not so hot. Agreed. I yelled at the potato as loud as I could but it didn’t help. Fresher potato next time? Thank you and please be well, stay well! 😀
R B I used lag bolts as I was framing the main box. Then I went back and used corner brackets on the inside. Did the same for all the posts on the footers. Commenters have shared their knowledge and experience (thank you all!) so skimming the comments should yield other methods, if memory serves. Thanks for the question. Be well.
Daniel Kidder That had better not be some incredible timesaver that I never knew existed. Because I have no idea what it is or that it existed. And know I will go look it up. Please share what you will as no one has mentioned one here before. Thanks and be well.
Good question and thanks for the comment. I planned on using a lot of footers (29 in total) to spread the weight is spread around and not risk one part of the deck throwing the rest off. I can use shims for small changes, or remove a few supports if needed (as everything is screwed in) and adjust as needed with new 4x4's. Ultimately, it would depend on why it is out of balance.
Your statement that one board is still progress is very encouraging, and not just for deck building!
Gimme Cornbread much appreciated. :)
You did a nice job, even by the moon-light! I am encouraged I can do this. My husband was a woodworker. He died of Cancer 5 years ago. so I am trying to finish the project list by myself. so far so good.
Linda. Truly sorry for your loss. Let me leave this “Hug of Support” for you right here in case you ever need one. I have 100% faith in you that you will complete that list. You got this! Be well and thank you for the kind words.
You'll never need to worry about cutting the wrong size, spin in circles or waste time trying to figure out what goes where... With ryan's detailed shed plans ruclips.net/user/postUgkxb2mhCug-GkCWrq69Ce2I0nM0D4QpxAqu , it makes building sheds a breeze - just like putting lego bricks together! You'll be able to create the kind of shed, your neighbors and other woodworkers will secretly envy (while mumbling nice job under their breath).
Off the top of my head, the ones you assemble yourself. Size and materials used will then increase the base price of the shed. Pre-made sheds delivered to your location will be the more expensive, but ultimately it all depends on what features you need and how secure you want the shed. Hope that helps. Be well!
Great video Sam. I pretty much did the same building a small deck/porch for my manufactured home. 10 years later it is still level but the wife talked me into replacing the decking with composite, adding an awning, and adding a larger ground level deck with room for a few chairs. It is still in progress and I am learning things as I go. I've had to replace a few old 2x6's as they were damaged by sun and rain over the years. Overall though I am pleased with the progress and look. I've learned a bit more over the years, especially planning it out first.
Thanks again!
Jeff Roseborough Thanks for the kind words, Jeff. Sounds like a great build with good bones to keep it strong and growing. Well done, sir!
I am starting my 12x12 floating deck tomorrow morning and found your video. Awesome job!!!
Nverinder716 Thanks for the kind words and have fun with your build! That’s awesome. I bet it will be great. Be well!
Nice job buddy...good balance between basic and a few nice touches
Shawn Adger Thanks for the kind words, Shawn. Also, “Basic with a few nice touches.” would summarize most humans. So well done on the metaphysical level, too.
I love seeing first time builds...i have built MANY decks so i can see whats right and whats wrong with a first time build or a 50th time builds. You had a few things i would've done differently, but it came out nice. Good job Sam!.
Google Reviewer Thanks for the kind words. What’s one piece of your experience to pass on to other builders? Be well!
Great presentation. Was looking examples to install portable car port using deck blocks no digging as im renting the house. Finally, found your video after been browsing for more than 20 vids. Thank you!
Awesome! Cool. Thanks for sharing and here’s to your port project going great.
How did you attach your posts to the blocks? I'm gonna build a porch on my manufactured home and don't understand how it attaches
Hi Sam, I was planning to build a similar deck as well but I will be using tuffblocks instead of concrete blocks. Thank you for this. Cheers!
Hey Stephen! Tuffblocks are pretty cool. I used them recently for a platform I built from the deck to a pool I installed last year. They worked great. I hope your build goes well.
Thank you Sam, you did a great job. Your video is exactly what I was looking for. My backyard is on a slop also and I was not sure how to manage the build. Thanks again for posting.
Ivory. Cool! I wish you a great build and lots of good memories. Thanks for the kind words! Be well. 😀
I'm planning on building a deck, and I've been watching lots of videos, but this was the most entertaining. I need an alien cemetary! Lol
You sound very likable, nice job, I'm doing my first deck too :)
Good luck on your build! I bet it comes out great. And thanks for the kind words. Most appreciated.
OK. Well this was your first deck and I'm not going to pick you apart... much.. LOL.. But you did A LOT of needless work. Way too many blocks and the they look like they were placed haphazardly. You can use solid concrete blocks and attach a 4X4 post base to them with concrete screws. Then place a 2 ft long 4X4 post to the post bracket. Place a block about every 8 ft around the perimeter and at each corner of the recess part.. Probably about 10 total I would guess. From the highest point, use a line level to mark the other posts. Trim posts the posts using these marks. Place a double 2X10 beam on top of the posts using a post cap bracket, around the perimeter. Place 2X10 joists across the "short side" of the deck (pointing toward the fire pit). 2X10 joists can span about 13 feet without supports. Place the deck boards tight together while they're wet. If you lay them out to dry, they'll warp. Let them run long and leave a 1/2" overhang on the ends by snapping a chalk like and cutting them after they're attached. If the deck is more than 30" off the ground, you should have railings. Your railing posts should evenly spaced. Not placed in random spots.. BOOMCHAKALAKA!!
Michael Ott Thanks for sharing the information, Michael. The more to share the better. If it saves someone time or from one of my mistakes then good. Like working with wet wood. So many Old Timers told me to let them dry. But maybe that’s wrong. As for me doing a lot of unnecessary work, next you’ll be telling me I overthink things! :)
LOL!! Sam. The important thing is that you made a safe deck. I had an "old timer" neighbor who busted my chops like a drill sergeant!! But I learned a lot from him. I built a 38' X 14' deck on the back of my house, It took a long time, but it came out great. I bought a lot of DVDs from www.hometime.com.. They had every project you can imagine. They talk you through every step they're doing and make it easy to understand and do without special tools.. But installing the deck boards wet and tight together was advice from my neighbor. All the experts were saying to let them dry out and space them 1/8" apart when installing.. I've tried both.. Wet and tight is best..... In more ways than one!! LOL!!
Careful, Michael. You know full well there are only two things FORBIDDEN on the internet. 1. Swearing. (So far so good.) 2. Salacious humor. You’re going to get booted off the interwebs! Ha! Seriously, that’s a great site. Checked it out. I was like, “Oh yeah! That show!” Never knew about the site. I bookmarked it. Thanks for letting everyone know so they can use it too. And I thank you for bringing up safety. My goal was “level and strong”, which it is in spades just like yours, I’m sure. Our friend and family use them, right? Final note, here’s to the Old Timers! May they live long and be wise because one day that’s what we’ll all hopefully be!
Boards will most likely warp while drying if not fastened. if they were fastened down before drying out it would have helped keep them from warping as bad.
Fadi Noir That’s good advice, Fadi. Thanks. I have been told both sides so often that next time I am going to fasten them before they dry. I lean towards that now. Be well!
thanx 4 the vid sam my project is outdoor kitchen under some massive oaks will build it on this deck to stay above all the roots
An outdoor kitchen under the cool shade of tall oaks sounds really nice. Ken. Please let me know how it goes.
Alot of times things are spaced on 12, 16, or 24 in. Centers because they all end on an 8' center. And alot of things like plywood, gypsum come in 8' sections. So reduces cutting.
I did not know that, Luke. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
19 5/8 also ends at 8 ft
This is glorious, I have been researching "how to build a foundation for a storage shed" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you heard people talk about - Damkietor Nonpareil Dominion - (should be on google have a look ) ? It is an awesome one off product for building better sheds and woodworking minus the headache. Ive heard some great things about it and my cousin got amazing success with it.
Seems good but why not first put some gravel under the concrete footings and compact? What if the ground is uneven?
Brian Flynn That’s good advice to share. Thank you. It never occurred to me to do that. I leveled the ground under every footer by hand, then double checked the footer itself after placement. I wonder about me sometimes....
Are you glad you went with the cement blocks as a base rather than pouring cement holes below the frost line? That's a decision I've gotta make before the weekend. Not too cold here. I like those blocks a lot. Good job! Nice shape
Thanks, Adam (Bomb. nice one.) They have been great. No issues with frost heaving so far despite living in the hinterlands of Upstate New York. And the flexibility they allow for changes on the fly is a plus. I wish you clarity and wisdom for your decision.
Block it is! Thanks!!! Enjoy those camp fires this summer~
Much appreciated and I wish you a pleasantly uneventful build you will enjoy for years to come! Be well.
Awesome
💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯
Thanks. I hope you are doing well!
Yes we are stay Healthy
🤙🤙🤙
3 OF A KIND HACEESA 🙂🙂🙂
Thanks for making this! Great video and humor was on point. With that voice I kinda feel like you should be narrating audiobooks instead of home improvement videos though.
Wow. Thank you! If you want to risk lowering your opinion of my narration then please check out my video "The Teeny Tiny Monster Who Was Almost Too Small". It is a reading of one of my short stories. :)
Lol..funny guy👏👍 looks great
Thanks for the kind words. Be well!
Excellent video and you have given me some great ideals. I do have a question, by this. Being a floating deck and not actually in the ground, would a permit be required?
Howdy. Thanks and excellent question! Totally depends on the local codes. You could need one. And that is legally all I can say about that. :) Be well!
@@hauntinghouse Thanks for responding, buddy.
Good luck on your ideas!
Thanks for the video. Im researching for my next home protect.
Robert Staton You’re most welcome. Hope the vid and our awesome comment section were of help. Be well.
I love it!!!! It looks comfy to me.
The calm way home Thank you. It is. Props to my wife for that. Be well!
Awesome video and well done, brother. I'm a professional engineer and have no issues with over-engineering anything where my loved ones will be sitting or standing on it. What's the next project?
Neel McClain Kind words, Neel. Thank you. I am grateful to the RUclips builder/maker community for all their amazing work. They get the credit. They inspired me to build this. And to over-engineer it! Next? Finishing up a Thanos damaged Captain America shield. Be well. Stay well!
Yeah, over engineer it's the way for yourself
@@kravchan Yupper. Be well!
Fun stuff...I will be doing this very, very soon like in the next week or two. This will be going under a pergola that I put in last year (2019) that was a huge project itself.
David Rawe That sounds really nice. Been thinking about capping the deck with a pergola for some shade. Tell me how it turns out. Have fun and be well!
I'm in the same boat - are you going to hoist/move the pergola as-is, or do some disassembly and reassembly once the deck is in place?
Thanks for great video but how you nail 4x4 post to concrete block? Pls .Thanks
Hi Lynn. You don't connect them to the blocks. The tops are molded with a space on the top for the 4x4 post to fit into. Most of the time the fit is pretty good and level. Any gaps on the sides can be filled nicely with plastic shims. When selecting them in the store, perhaps bring a small piece of 4x4 or see if the store has one to check each block before you bring it home. Hope that helps. Be well, stay well.
Thanks, Sam. This is just the video/advice that I need as I build my deck. Do you mind telling me what state of agricultural zone you live in? I’m in zone 5a/5b and my uncle is worried that a floating deck will settle too much as the earth freezes and unfreezes
Hey, Antoinette! What an interesting question. Per the USDA website, we also are in a 5a/5b zone. BUT! If you go by the plants we buy that live or die we are in a 4a/4b. We have had very minor settling over the years, and I attribute most of that to the fill used when the house was built by the previous owners. It was a bit sandy. Not uncommon in the area given it was all under a 1+ mile ice sheet at one time. What a great question. Thank you for asking it.
super cool design man
Thanks. All the wifey’s idea. She gets the credit. Be well!
Hi Sam, nice job! Can you tell me if you prepared the ground under the blocks, and what you did? Thanks.
@ranzamaceanruig Thanks for the kind words. I prepared the ground by first convincing it that its longtime martial arts instructor Tanaka had sent it an invitation to compete in the secretive Kumite. There, it became fast friends with Jackson who was brutally injured by the reigning Kumite champion Chong Li. That’s when the preparations happened via an intense training MONTAGE. Then, and only then, was I able to ensure a flat surface beneath each block. I‘d dig away the grass, place the block, put a level on it, then level the ground beneath it by strategically removing/adding more dirt before tamping the soil. Eventually the ground defeated the cheating Chong Li in the final round! And there was much rejoicing. Hope this helps! Stay well.
@@hauntinghouse Well, I was gonna try to copy your method until you mentioned all of the required martial arts prerequisites . Unfortunately I don't know any martial arts, and I certainly don't know anyone named "Jackson". Thanks anyway.
@@ranzamaceanruig Bummer. Maybe you could just level the ground like I mentioned but without the proper training I don’t know what will happen. I had to defeat an entire ninja clan before the local Lowe’s would even sell me shims. You don’t want to know what I had to do to buy the lumber.
@@hauntinghouse Man, I'm glad I don't have to prove myself like that at my Lowe's. Even on my best day I would have a hard time with just one ninja. Those guys freak me out to begin with and I'm not as young as I used to be. But you know what? I'm just gonna throw caution to the wind and try it WITHOUT proper ground prep other than leveling and all. I mean, heck, this is still AMERICA, right? Land of hopes and dreams? My pioneer ancestors carved-out a living without even knowing what a ninja was, or probably even who Jackson is. I'm in! Thanks Sam, you ROCK!
@@ranzamaceanruig By God and in the holy name of Harry S Truman, you are right! I should be thanking YOU! Your rousing speech on the fortitude and industrious resilience of your forebears has ignited a red, white, and blue fire in my soul! No more will I accept side quests from large retail chains in order to purchase common goods and wares. No longer will I suffer the pointy tips of shuriken to simply mow my lawn. Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no! I declare my independence from grueling training sessions with crude ropes, old men with sticks, and heavy rocks next to a river in the mountains. From this day on I will remember there is a little bit of Jackson in all of us that binds and unites humanity as one. So help me Jack Burton. My eternal thanks, gentle internet stranger. You have made the world a better place.
I've been working on an office outbuilding over uneven with a base designed like an over-engineered free floating deck. And, like you, I'm kind of a novice at this stuff. This was a good source of ideas for my design, much appreciated! Question for you; after having lived with the deck for a while do you think you needed the weed barrier under the entire deck? At this point I just have weed barrier under my footings to separate the gravel from the ground, but am debating whether I should put it down under the whole base. Thanks!
Hey Jackson! Thanks for the comment, and best of luck on your own design. Short answer: yes. Ease of access. Ascetics. And the local wildlife uses the open space for shelter during the winter, giving us lots of enjoyment from watching them fly or scurry beneath it. Win-Win in our eyes. Be well!
Humor and DIY. Awesome
Thanks!
How did you attach the 2x6’s (?) to the 4x4’s? Did you notch the 4x4 or just bolt on?
I used bolts with brackets on the back. Initially a single bolt to hold the 2x6's in place when level, then I went back and added bolts and brackets. Hope this helps, John. Be well!
Love the Video. Dynamite. Took charge and made it Happen. The rope "railings" reminded me of Stampede Wrestling in Canada. Waiting to see " The Cuban Assassin, Bad News Allan and Archie Goldie on the deckwith Ed Whalen, Hosting. .... Great work Brudda
Hey looks good!!
Thanks Andy.
Great video! May have skipped the part but how much was the cost thanks
Adam Osborn Thanks Adam. Through a small miscalculation on my part it ended up costing $453,127.34 so I REALLY NEED those likes and shares and subs. Never thought about noting the cost. Good question. It cost $1631 for all the materials, footers to ropes.
How much did it cost to do yourself? Really co suffering my land is also pretty uneven just like this!
Allison Wunderbread $1631 for everything, footers to ropes. Be well and stay healthy!
Nice job!
Bob's Home Services LLC Much appreciated. Be well!
Good Job
there is a method of using pea gravel under piers to help level them also using 4 x 4 in middle of pier and cut these to level
M Geez thanks for sharing the info with everyone. I am unfamiliar with that so I will look it for future reference. If you know a good source please share it.
thanks for the video, i did find it funny and informative!
Awesome!
what hold the posts to the cement anchor blocks?
The posts simply sit in the square opening in the top of the blocks. They are made to hold 4x4’s and worked pretty well. There are only a few blocks I put shims in to make sure the fit was snug. Never had a problem.
Adding small cut 2x6 between each joist would have been the correct build instead of attaching 4x4 to bottom of joists. The joists still have the possibility of warping. Not likely but possible.
Jerry Darnell Good point. Thanks for sharing.
Looks great good job!
jk08 Thanks! Much appreciated.
thanks for sharing
Thanks for the video and laughs.
Kind words. Thanks. Be well!
Your shed looks great! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us! I built an 8x10 shed for my kids in my backyard earlier this year using plans I got from *WoodBlueprints. Com* Clear directions and an accurate materials list...It was great for a novice builder like myself!
Thanks! I’m pretty proud of how the shed turned out.
Would this hold up a hot tub that weights 2 tons when full?
andynascimento11 I would say no, to be on the safe side, as I didn’t design it for that much weight. Any plans on a hot tub I’ve considered have always placed one next to the deck, not on it. Be well!
Millennium Man That...makes total sense. Good advice. Thank you and thank you for sharing. Be well!
Did you remove the sod before putting down the weed barrier?
I did not. My hope was the barrier and the shade from the deck would be 100% enough. It's been 93% enough, truth be told.
Helpful vid thanks. What did you attached the outside wooden frame to the post with? Like what size screw or was it soothing else.
Good question, Ty. Let me go look. (walkwalkwalk...walkwalkwalk) I'm back. The lags you see on the outside are Spax brand 5/16 x 4 w/hex head. On the inside I largely used Simpson brand Strong-Tie's 2 1/2" hex screws with the Simpson framing angles.
Above and beyond man. Appreciate you taking the time to reply. Many thanks.
Ty Smith my pleasure
Great video! I hoped you would show how you figured out how long to cut each vertical 4 x 4 that made the joists level... I have a slope and uneven rules the day :(
Great question. When I made it to the first corner (at 1:48) I made the wise choice of asking my wife "Hey! How tall do you want the posts?" She stood next to the 4 x 4 and said "About this tall. This is good." I then measured it from the top of the existing boards (the frame) for a height of 36". Then, as I kept building, I would place a 4 x 4 with supports from the ground (like at 2:07), temporarily attach a board to it after making sure all level. Then I drew a line on the 4 x 4 where the top of the board was and a second line 36" above that. That way, all the posts were even from the top of the boards regardless of there overall length. Did I explain that well?
Well..... I'm sure you explained it very well. I'm so visually oriented though it was like reading greek where I only understood every 3rd word :)
Good job buddy 😀
Thanks, David. And I must say this is a real honor having a comment from one of the greatest directors of all time, and the co-creator of Twin Peaks. We all owe you a great debt for your work.
Do you have anymore of the chairs used in the beginning of the video? I collect those old chairs and would like to make you an offer on them.
Hey Joseph. You what now? Yes. I have them. They are well used, and definitely not antiques or anything like that. Late 90’s? 2000, maybe?
@@hauntinghouse what's your email address?
Ha! Okay. strongarmlabs@gmail.com
I throat kicked a like🤣
An alien cemetary 😂😂😂
Connor Gibson What’s so funny? It looked like other every alien cemetery I’ve ever seen. Am I missing something. ;)
What are those grey blocks that the deck is on called ?
They are concrete precast footers. I've seen them called deck blocks or deck piers.
no volume on video....thought i was in a back alley whispering
Doug Dileo “pssst....hey, hey you....come here...wanna build a deck?” (Yeah. Audio is low. Guilty)
How can you do a floating deck for around an above ground pool?
Sophia Hernandez That’s a great question. I know it is because MY WIFE WON’T STOP ASKING IT! True story. But seriously, let me think about how to formulate my answer using the video. Part of me thinks it may easier with a pool in the center as it is a fixed reference point but I need to think about how to explain it better (unless that makes sense) and expand upon it. Stay tuned.
Okay. At the 2:27 mark you can see what the outline of the frame is Now picture your pool (which is presumably already level) in the center. The top of the pool edge then becomes the reference point. No matter how you anchor the supports in or on the ground, the supports will stop at the top of the pool edge. You then shape the deck (partially or completely around the pool) however you wish. Once that's done you can copy the techniques for most any pool deck build you like as you have your leveled base to work with. RUclips has a lot of good deck build videos to pick from. Hope I am explaining that well. Good luck!
sorry, sound is too low.
Mark Yetman It is low, Mark. Guilty as charged. Been working on the RUclips learning curve since. Still, thanks for stopping by. Be well. Stay healthy!
Thank you Ryan for releasing a great product as this [ Check Details Here?> *WoodBlueprints. Com* ]. Most of the plans I have imagined in my mind are put down on your woodworking plans. This is more like a genius job. I love it!?
NO U
Thank you Shantay for letting me/us know about the woodworking site Woodprix. Looks like a good resource for plans and info. Now if only I could figure out why your comment is in my notifications but not visible in the actual comments. Hmmm....
How to level a deck in 7 minutes. Lol.
That's really not a floating deck because it's supposed to go with the contour of the land; useing 4x4 landscape timber right on ground : start putting decking in it! Looks better then having those large concrete post holders! What's the point if you're using a level??
Nice video, planning to build one using decking blocks, so no need to put any fasteners to the block? Just put the 4x4 post?
Howdy. I didn’t use fasteners. The 4x4’s fit pretty well in the concrete footers, as long as you make sure the footers aren’t banged up before you leave the store. I used shims fill any gaps I did discover. I tried plastic footers for a small platform I made between the deck and a pool I installed the high side. They worked pretty well, FYI. Hope this helps! Have fun with your build!
@@hauntinghouse thanks! 👌👍
I have a HUGE DECK
blackl1steddrums Finally! 110k views and no one had yet made that joke. My faith in the internet is restored
@@hauntinghouse just doing the lords work
With a setup like that on blocks. How high would you be comfortable with running those posts? I'm soon building something similar mine will have a very light roof on it.
Sorry, what was your answer?
Hey! Good question. I don’t feel qualified to give an answer, as I haven’t put a roof on the deck. There are lots of good building tutorials on RUclips, however, so I am sure someone out there has your answer just ready to go. Good luck!!
@hauntinghouse you could've thrown out a quick guess though. Dang
Thanks for great video but how you nail 4x4 post to concrete block? Pls .Thanks
Lynn Phan Hi and thanks. You don’t nail them in. They should fit snuggly in the footer top, with the weight of the deck keeping them in place. I had a few footers that had some wiggle room but plastic shims filled the gaps just fine. Hope that helps. Be well.
This was a great video. My kind of humor for sure. Thanks for this!
Thanks for the kind words. Much appreciated.
all that work and we are happy with beer & pizza at the end...very humble and much appreciated inspiration...i’m about to start my 1st deck as well...guess i’ll keep the beer & pizza tradition going...thank you
Very kind words. Thank you. I hope your build goes great! The question is this: with what toppings will you carry on the tradition?
Sam Girdich lol...all of them! 😂😂
@@pharaohacura3618 Excellent! As it should be!
Here I thought Garand Thumb teaching me how to build a deck
Tyler M Ha! If you’re referring to the channel I think you are, it would have been the most tactical deck in the world. A deck you could comfortably wear and yet conceal.
Sam Girdich That’s the one. Also, thanks to you I went out and bought a long pry-bar for tearing out my brothers deck instead of just using his little crowbar that he offered.
Tyler M Oh? Cool. Not sure how I did that but I hope it worked well.
Still no idea if any blocks themselves are level with any others - and if so, HOW.
The more of these videos i watch, the more confused i am.
So it goes ;->
My yard slopes in 2 directions.
Howdy. My blocks are not level to each other. The 4x4's resting in the blocks (to which the boards connect) are different lengths. See 2:18 for example. The blocks and the 4x4's are placed/cut to ensure the boards above them are level. It's not building from the ground up, per se, but rather from the deck downward. Picture your deck hovering in space exactly where you want to plant it. Now picture blocks beneath it. With slopes in two directions, your leveled blocks will all be different, yet readily measurable, distances from the bottom of the deck. Then you cut your supports to match each of those differences. That’s why I started from the corner closest to the ground and built the frame from there. The deck was my guide once I pictured where it was going. Feel like I should have some sort of “free the sculpture from the stone” inspirational quote here or something because that kind of applies. I hope that makes sense and helps. You got this!
vid full vol, computer full vol, can't hear 90%. Was the idea I was looking for I guess, doesn't fit my app but thats ok. Looks cool
marlon Wood sorry for the sound problems. I didn’t build the video as well as the deck.
I have built my concrete pier floating deck on uneven ground 5 years ago. The deck is 18' x 24'. It's 1 foot off the ground on one end and about 4 feet at the other side. The spacing of the piers is only about 3' apart, so I used way more piers than the plans called for. I did not put any cross bracing in, I am thinking maybe it would have been a good idea. If you look at the 4x4 posts they are starting to slant a bit but the deck remains level. I hope the whole thing doesn't just collapse one day. The ground seems to be eroding a bit due to the incline of the back yard.
Hey Michael. Sounds like you overcame a number of hurdles to get it built. I'm sure you can address any current issues. Are you planning to shore up the ground with a small retaining wall or something similar to combat the erosion?
Your footers look like a graveyard.
Makes you wonder if I built a deck or hid a graveyard. Hmmm....
Looks like a good place to Rock n Roll. I'm gonna build a smaller version. Kinda seems like lincoln logs and wooden building blocks, the deluxe version.
Adam De Larozza Thanks, Adam. Lincoln Logs would have been easier, I think. And cooler. Be well!
Love this video! Great info and great humour. Thank you.
TheGrooveStation Thanks for the kind words!
Very nice. Thinking of doing this. Can you give us an idea of cost for all your materials?
David Gravalese Hi, David. It cost me $1631 for everything. Footers to ropes. The swearing when making a mistake was absolutely free, thankfully. Be well!
Hi. I’m late to the party but did you attach the 4x4 posts to the deck blocks in any way?
Robot Robot Nah. You’re fine. We even saved you some (insert your fav drink/food here). Pull up a chair. The posts are not connected. All I did was check the footer tops at the store to make sure they were not damaged for a good fit. If there was a gap discovered afterwards, I used a plastic shim to snug the fit. So far no issues. Thanks and be well, stay well.
“Alien cemetery” 😂😂😂
It looks good. I hope I can do that good a job.
Mike, you got this!
how did you attatch the angles in the front of the deck??
I tried public shaming at first. I threatened to share their internet history of Space: 1999 binge watching, retro toy reviews, and video game lore. They pointed out I was actually looking at my own internet history. So instead I used Adjustable L Angles behind them. We never spoke of it again....
That was helpful and funny!
Thanks. Be well!
You need a better mic. Volume is so low. Good job otherwise
L Neptune Yeah. Audio was not so hot. Agreed. I yelled at the potato as loud as I could but it didn’t help. Fresher potato next time? Thank you and please be well, stay well! 😀
Great job
Thanks for great video but how you nail 4x4 post to concrete block? Pls . Thanks
What did you use for post to beam connectors? Thanks
R B I used lag bolts as I was framing the main box. Then I went back and used corner brackets on the inside. Did the same for all the posts on the footers. Commenters have shared their knowledge and experience (thank you all!) so skimming the comments should yield other methods, if memory serves. Thanks for the question. Be well.
Thanks a lot man.!!
Thank you for stopping by! Be well.
turn up the volume
Super LUFFY The audio was recorded on a potato. Guilty as charged. This is good advice, for real. Be well!
I guess you haven't heard about a water level?
Daniel Kidder That had better not be some incredible timesaver that I never knew existed. Because I have no idea what it is or that it existed. And know I will go look it up. Please share what you will as no one has mentioned one here before. Thanks and be well.
Daniel Kidder That is pretty 😎. Just looked it up. Thanks for sharing, Daniel. Much appreciated.
That start was hilarious! I thought "Episode IV?" What have I missed so started looking for the others first....well played, Sir!
Ha! Don’t tell George I copied him. Glad you enjoyed the intro. Be well!
Nice job & jokes!!! 😁
LGnLA Thanks!
Good job
Wat if start going uneven
Good question and thanks for the comment. I planned on using a lot of footers (29 in total) to spread the weight is spread around and not risk one part of the deck throwing the rest off. I can use shims for small changes, or remove a few supports if needed (as everything is screwed in) and adjust as needed with new 4x4's. Ultimately, it would depend on why it is out of balance.
Always double frame the border. 😊
L1A1 That is SOLID advice. Get it? Anyone? I’ll show myself out...