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If you have decided to install a floating deck in New Zealand (NZ) then it is time to get started with your project. However, before you start building your deck, it is important to get the necessary information first. You should know the floating deck footing options that you can choose and the ones that are right for your plan. Read this article to the end to understand all the deck footing options that you can choose from for ground-level decks.

Ground-level decks meaning 

A floating deck or a ground-level deck is a deck that is not attached to a building or home. While a ground level deck may be next to a building, it can also be a standalone deck in the middle of your yard. A ground-level deck hugs the ground. The posts supporting the deck aren’t visible and this gives the deck its floating appearance.

Floating deck footing options 

Floating decks do not require you to get deeper than the frost line and this means that you have a lot of options when it comes to considering the type of deck footing to use. The relaxed restrictions allow for deck footings that can be cheaper or easier to install than standard deck footings. Here is a list of the options you can choose from when it comes to deck footings for your floating deck.

Deck blocks 

You can choose deck blocks because they are cheap and very easy to install. All your floating deck installers have to do is to position them in the right places, level them up and everything will be fine. This is why deck blocks are very popular among homeowners. With all that said, they have their limitations. They have a small footprint so you need to distribute the weight over numerous deck blocks to prevent them from sinking into the ground. You will require more footings than other options when you choose deck blocks.

Deck blocks only fit 4 by 4 posts so if you want to use 6 by 6 posts then you will need to use an alternate foundation. It is important to keep in mind that due to the height of these blocks, you will need to bury the blocks partially into the ground by digging footing holes if you are trying to create a deck that hides the framing. When you bury the blocks, you can build a deck minimum height that is the width of the joists plus your decking thickness.

Concrete blocks on gravel 

Just like deck blocks, concrete blocks represent a cheap and effective alternative for footing your floating deck. This method works by taking concrete blocks and placing them on a gravel bed. The footings are then levelled using a string line. You can then rest beams directly on the footings.

When installing your floating deck NZ with concrete blocks, the blocks require little site preparation. Concrete blocks on gravel work well for sites that aren’t evenly graded since the deck can be levelled by adding blocks for low area footings.

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