Lower Your Deck to the Ground: A Step-by-Step Guide

Lowering a deck to the ground can significantly enhance your outdoor living space, making it more accessible and functional. This process, often referred to as "deck skirting" or "decking down," involves raising the deck slightly off the ground and adding a skirt or enclosure around the perimeter. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to lower a deck to the ground, ensuring safety, accessibility, and aesthetic appeal.

Before you start, it's crucial to understand that lowering a deck requires careful planning and execution. You'll need to consider factors like the deck's structure, local building codes, and the terrain. This guide will walk you through the process, from preparation to completion, with detailed steps and expert tips.

Assessing Your Deck's Structure and Foundation

Before you begin, it's essential to evaluate your deck's current structure and foundation. This step ensures that your deck is sturdy enough to withstand the changes and that the ground beneath it is stable and level.

Inspect your deck for any signs of wear, rot, or damage. Check the ledger board, joists, and beams for any issues. If you find any, address them before proceeding. Also, ensure that your deck's footings are deep enough and that they're set in stable, undisturbed soil.

Checking Local Building Codes

Next, familiarize yourself with your local building codes and regulations. Some areas have specific requirements for deck height, railings, and accessibility. For instance, decks that are less than 30 inches above the ground may not require railings, but those higher than 30 inches typically do.

Additionally, some areas may have restrictions on how close a deck can be to property lines or other structures. Always consult your local building department to ensure your project complies with all relevant codes and regulations.

Preparing the Site

Once you've assessed your deck's structure and checked local codes, it's time to prepare the site. If your deck is currently sitting on concrete blocks or other temporary supports, you'll need to remove these and replace them with proper footings.

Mark out the perimeter of your deck using stakes and strings. This will serve as a guide for your new footings. Dig holes at least 8 inches in diameter and 12 inches deep. Fill these holes with concrete, ensuring that the top of the footing is level with the ground. Allow the concrete to cure for at least 72 hours before proceeding.

Lowering the Deck Structure

Now that your footings are in place, it's time to lower your deck structure. This process involves cutting the existing posts and adding new ones to support the lower deck.

Start by measuring and marking the new height of your deck on each post. Typically, decks are lowered to around 24-30 inches above the ground. Cut the posts at these marks using a circular saw or reciprocating saw.

Installing New Posts

After cutting the posts, install new ones to support the lower deck. These new posts should be pressure-treated lumber to resist rot and decay. Set them in the concrete footings you've prepared, ensuring they're plumb and level.

Brace the new posts temporarily using 2x4s or 2x6s. This will help keep them stable while you finish the rest of the work. Once you've installed all the new posts, you can remove the temporary braces.

Reattaching the Deck Boards

With the new posts in place, it's time to reattach the deck boards. Start by removing the old boards, if necessary. Then, attach the new boards to the joists using galvanized or stainless steel screws. Ensure that the boards are spaced evenly and that they overhang the posts by at least 1 inch.

If your deck has stairs, you'll need to rebuild them to match the new height. Ensure that the risers are no more than 7 inches high and that the treads are at least 10 inches deep. Also, consider adding a landing if your deck is more than 30 inches above the ground.

Finishing Touches and Accessibility

With the deck structure lowered, it's time to add the finishing touches and ensure accessibility.

If your deck is less than 30 inches above the ground, you may not need railings. However, if it's higher, you'll need to install them for safety. Ensure that the railings are at least 36 inches high and that they have balusters spaced no more than 4 inches apart.

Adding a Skirt or Enclosure

Adding a skirt or enclosure around the perimeter of your deck can enhance its appearance and provide additional storage space. This can be as simple as attaching lattice panels to the bottom of the deck or as complex as building a fully enclosed room beneath the deck.

When choosing a skirt or enclosure, consider factors like aesthetics, functionality, and cost. Also, ensure that any enclosures are properly ventilated to prevent moisture buildup.

Ensuring Accessibility

Lowering your deck to the ground can significantly improve its accessibility. However, there are a few additional steps you can take to ensure that it's accessible to everyone.

Consider adding a ramp instead of stairs for wheelchair access. Ensure that the ramp is at least 36 inches wide and has a slope no steeper than 1:12. Also, consider adding grab bars or handrails to help people with mobility issues.

Lowering a deck to the ground can be a complex project, but with careful planning and execution, it can significantly enhance your outdoor living space. By following this guide, you can ensure that your deck is safe, accessible, and aesthetically pleasing. So, grab your tools and get started on your project today!