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A floating deck in New Zealand (NZ) is a great way to reduce construction work and cost. One of the common drawbacks of a floating deck is movement. A floating deck can move. The movement of a floating deck is typically connected to seasonal thawing and freezing. It can also be caused by other factors.

The stability of the ground under the floating deck is the most crucial contributor to the movement of a floating deck. Followed by management of water under the base of the deck. If a floating deck has enough support, it will have very little movement. Stability and drainage are the two most important factors that can reduce the movement of a floating deck. If the base of the deck rains away moisture from the deck block, it will reduce the opportunities for water to freeze.

The stability of the base under the floating deck is also important; not sinking under the weight of the deck or absorbing water. This is the largest source of failure of floating decks when the ground below gives way to the sinking deck.

Can you attach a floating deck to a house? 

Both by construction practices and by code, you cannot attach a floating deck to a house. It doesn’t matter how well you build your deck. It also doesn’t matter if there is zero deck movement. You cannot connect a floating deck to the house. A floating deck can be constructed beside the house but you cannot connect it to the house. NZ floating deck installers have other ways of minimizing floating deck movements.

Stable deck base 

All decks must be built on stable ground regardless of height or size. Without a stable base under the deck, the deck will move. It is therefore important to choose the right material under the deck block.

Compacted base material 

Even if you are installing frost footings, this is still a requirement. A compacted ground is usually required in all foundations, from skyscrapers to houses to decks. The base should be compacted enough to support the deck’s weight and the people on the deck.

You should start by ensuring that the ground under the block has settled. If there has been an evacuation recently, it is important to be extra careful when compacting the soil. You can give your yard a few years of thawing and freezing to compress the ground.

You should never build your deck on organic material since this is one of the most unstable bases you can ever build your deck. Topsoil or loam is excellent for plants and is known to be great at holding moisture but it is not good for decks. It will definitely cause movement.

If you want to install a floating deck in NZ, it is best to replace the unstable topsoil with compact material. Both sand and gravel have higher bearing capacity compared to clay and are better than loam which has none. You can minimise movement by compacting sand or gravel under your deck.

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