How to Build a Ground-Level Deck
Build a freestanding ground level deck that sits close to grade. This guide focuses on a 12 ft by 16 ft pressure treated deck with simple beams and posts. It covers layout, footings, framing, deck boards, and basic finishing. No ledger is used, and no guardrail is required if the deck stays under 30 in above grade.
Confirm rules and plan the size
Check local permit rules and setbacks for a ground level deck. Many areas still require a permit based on size or attachment to the home. Call 811 at least 3 business days before digging so utilities are marked. Sketch a simple plan and pick a target size, such as 12 ft by 16 ft. Keep the finished surface under 30 in above grade if you want to avoid guardrail requirements.
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If a permit is required, ask which inspections are needed and schedule the footing inspection early.
Lay out the footprint with batter boards
Batter boards let you keep the layout while digging. Set them about 2 ft outside the deck corners. Run string lines for the outer edges and set the height to the finished deck level. Square the layout using the 3-4-5 method or by checking both diagonals. Drop a plumb bob at each corner to mark the footing centers.
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Do not place batter boards at the corners where you will dig.
Dig footing holes and add gravel
Dig footing holes to the local frost depth or as required by your permit. For a 12 ft by 16 ft deck, 8 footings at 4 ft centers is common. Keep the bottoms flat and level. Add about 6 in of pea gravel to each hole for drainage.
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Call for a footing inspection before you pour concrete.
Pour concrete and set post bases
Set tube forms so the tops sit 2 to 3 in above finished grade. Pour concrete in lifts and tamp each lift to remove air pockets. While the mix is wet, set a J bolt centered on each footing and aligned to the string lines. Let the concrete cure at least 24 hours before loading.
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Check J bolt alignment with a plumb bob before the concrete sets.
Set posts and build beams
Install 4x4 posts in standoff bases and plumb them in both directions. Brace each post with temporary 2x4 kickers. Build the beam by fastening two 2x10 boards together and set it on the post caps. Check for level along the beam.
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Crown beam boards up before fastening.
Frame the perimeter with rim joists
Attach rim joists to the beam and posts to form the perimeter. Crown each board up. Check both diagonals and adjust until they match. Fasten with structural screws at about 12 in on center.
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Square the frame before you install any interior joists.
Hang interior joists and blocking
Mark the rim and beam at 16 in on center. Install joist hangers and set each joist. Add hurricane ties at the beam end. Install blocking at mid span if your joists are long or if required by code.
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Fill every hanger hole with the correct nails.
Apply joist tape
Apply butyl joist tape to the top of every joist and rim board. This slows water intrusion and reduces rot.
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Press tape tight at seams and trim flush.
Install deck boards
Lay deck boards starting at one edge and work across. Use a 1/8 in spacer unless boards are very wet. Drive two deck screws per joist or use hidden fasteners. Snap a chalk line every few boards to stay straight. Cut the overhang in one continuous pass and seal every cut end.
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Seal cut ends within 30 minutes of cutting.
Add fascia and finish
Install fascia on exposed rim boards if desired. Sand sharp edges. Schedule a final inspection if required. Let pressure treated lumber dry for 6 to 12 months before staining.
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If the deck ends up over 30 in above grade, add a code compliant guardrail.
Materials Required
| Product | Qty |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
🪵Deck Boards1 item | $573.12 | ||
 2-in x 6-in x 16-ft Above Ground Pressure-Treated Deck Board (UC3B) | 24boards | $23.88 | View |
📐Framing Lumber3 items | $268.84 | ||
 2-in x 8-in x 12-ft Ground Contact Pressure-Treated Joist (UC4A) ⚠ 2x8x12 UC4A (Ground Contact) — interior joists at 16" o.c.; GC required ≤ 6" from grade | 13boards | $20.68 | View |
🔩 2-in x 8-in x 16-ft Ground Contact Pressure-Treated Joist / Rim (UC4A) ⚠ 2x8x16 UC4A (Ground Contact) — rim joists ×2 + header boards ×2 | 4boards | — | — |
🔩 2-in x 10-in x 12-ft Ground Contact Pressure-Treated Beam (UC4A) ⚠ 2x10x12 UC4A (Ground Contact) — doubled beam; 2 plies per side = 4 boards total | 4boards | — | — |
🏗️Posts1 item | $152.64 | ||
 4-in x 4-in x 8-ft Ground Contact Pressure-Treated Post (UC4A) ⚠ 4x4x8 UC4A (Ground Contact) — trim to height on site; DO NOT use Above Ground rated posts | 8posts | $19.08 | View |
🔗Structural Hardware4 items | |||
🔩 4x4 Post Cap ZMAX AC4Z Simpson Strong-Tie ⚠ 4x4 post cap ZMAX AC4Z — post-to-beam connection at each post | 8each | — | — |
🔩 Hurricane Tie ZMAX H2.5AZ (10-Pack) Simpson Strong-Tie ⚠ Hurricane tie H2.5AZ — 1 per joist end where joist meets beam/rim | 26each | — | — |
 Single 2x8 Joist Hanger ZMAX LUS28Z (10-Pack) Simpson Strong-Tie ⚠ Single 2x8 joist hanger ZMAX LUS28Z — 1 pack (10) per side = 2 packs | 2packs | View | View |
 4-in Standoff Post Base ZMAX ABA44Z Simpson Strong-Tie ⚠ 4" standoff post base ZMAX ABA44Z — 1 per post; never let PT contact concrete | 8each | View | View |
🔩Fasteners5 items | |||
 Deck Elite Wood Deck Screw #9 x 2-1/2-in Star Drive Bugle Head (400-Pack) GRK Fasteners ⚠ GRK Deck Elite 2-1/2" — face-screwing deck boards; Zip-Tip + reverse thread prevents mushrooming around screw head | 2boxes | View | View |
 Deck Elite Wood Deck Screw #9 x 3-in Star Drive Bugle Head (350-Pack) GRK Fasteners ⚠ GRK Deck Elite 3" — framing connections, rim joists, blocking; Climatek coating REQUIRED for ACQ/CA-C lumber | 2boxes | View | View |
🔩 HCR-X Structural Screw 3-in (100-Pack) Spax ⚠ Spax HCR-X 3" structural screw — framing connections (not exposed decking) | 2boxes | — | — |
 Strong-Drive 10d x 1-1/2 in. SCN Smooth-Shank Connector Nail Hot-Dip Galvanized (5 lb.) Simpson Strong-Tie ⚠ 10d hot-dip galvanized hanger nails — ALL nail holes in hangers must be filled | 2boxes | — | — |
 Exterior Hidden Deck Fastener 1-7/8-in (100-Pack) Camo ⚠ CAMO hidden fastener 100-pk — use instead of face-screwing deck boards; 2 packs = 200 fasteners covers 192 sq ft | 2packs | View | View |
🪨Footings & Concrete4 items | $99.84 | ||
🔩 Tube Form Concrete Column 10-in x 48-in Quikrete ⚠ Tube form 10"x48" — sets footing diameter and keeps sides clean | 8each | — | — |
🔩 Post Anchor J-Bolt Kit with Nut & Washer (4-Pack) Simpson ABU44 ⚠ J-bolt post anchor kit — set in wet concrete; allows post base attachment | 8each | — | — |
🔩 Pea Gravel 0.5 cu ft Bag ⚠ Pea gravel 0.5 cu ft — 6" drainage base at bottom of each footing hole | 8bags | — | — |
 Concrete Mix 80 lb Quikrete ⚠ Quikrete 80 lb — 2 bags per footing x 8 footings | 16bags | $6.24 | View |
🌧️Weatherproofing2 items | |||
 Black Butyl Joist Tape 1-5/8-in x 50-ft ProWood ⚠ ProWood black butyl joist tape 50 ft — apply to top of ALL joists before decking; 4 rolls = 200 ft covers 15 joists × 12 ft = 180 ft + waste | 4rolls | View | View |
🔩 Wood Preservative End-Cut Solution 1 qt Copper Green ⚠ End-cut wood preservative — apply to all cut ends of PT lumber within 30 min | 1qt | — | — |
🎨Fascia & Trim1 item | $517.44 | ||
 Composite Fascia Board 1-in x 8-in x 12-ft (Toasted Sand) Trex Enhance ⚠ Trex Enhance composite fascia 1x8x12 (Toasted Sand) — covers rim joists; 6 boards x 12 ft covers perimeter with joints; match deck board colour | 6boards | $86.24 | View |
🖌️Finishing1 item | |||
🔩 Exterior Wood Stain & Sealer Natural Cedar 5 gal Ready Seal ⚠ Ready Seal stain & sealer 5 gal — apply after 6 months once PT lumber dries out | 1can | — | — |
| Estimated Total | $1,611.88 | — | |
2-in x 6-in x 16-ft Above Ground Pressure-Treated Deck Board (UC3B)
24 boards
2-in x 8-in x 12-ft Ground Contact Pressure-Treated Joist (UC4A)
13 boards
⚠ 2x8x12 UC4A (Ground Contact) — interior joists at 16" o.c.; GC required ≤ 6" from grade
2-in x 8-in x 16-ft Ground Contact Pressure-Treated Joist / Rim (UC4A)
4 boards
⚠ 2x8x16 UC4A (Ground Contact) — rim joists ×2 + header boards ×2
2-in x 10-in x 12-ft Ground Contact Pressure-Treated Beam (UC4A)
4 boards
⚠ 2x10x12 UC4A (Ground Contact) — doubled beam; 2 plies per side = 4 boards total
4-in x 4-in x 8-ft Ground Contact Pressure-Treated Post (UC4A)
8 posts
⚠ 4x4x8 UC4A (Ground Contact) — trim to height on site; DO NOT use Above Ground rated posts
4x4 Post Cap ZMAX AC4Z
Simpson Strong-Tie
8 each
⚠ 4x4 post cap ZMAX AC4Z — post-to-beam connection at each post
Hurricane Tie ZMAX H2.5AZ (10-Pack)
Simpson Strong-Tie
26 each
⚠ Hurricane tie H2.5AZ — 1 per joist end where joist meets beam/rim
Single 2x8 Joist Hanger ZMAX LUS28Z (10-Pack)
Simpson Strong-Tie
2 packs
⚠ Single 2x8 joist hanger ZMAX LUS28Z — 1 pack (10) per side = 2 packs
4-in Standoff Post Base ZMAX ABA44Z
Simpson Strong-Tie
8 each
⚠ 4" standoff post base ZMAX ABA44Z — 1 per post; never let PT contact concrete
Deck Elite Wood Deck Screw #9 x 2-1/2-in Star Drive Bugle Head (400-Pack)
GRK Fasteners
2 boxes
⚠ GRK Deck Elite 2-1/2" — face-screwing deck boards; Zip-Tip + reverse thread prevents mushrooming around screw head
Deck Elite Wood Deck Screw #9 x 3-in Star Drive Bugle Head (350-Pack)
GRK Fasteners
2 boxes
⚠ GRK Deck Elite 3" — framing connections, rim joists, blocking; Climatek coating REQUIRED for ACQ/CA-C lumber
HCR-X Structural Screw 3-in (100-Pack)
Spax
2 boxes
⚠ Spax HCR-X 3" structural screw — framing connections (not exposed decking)
Strong-Drive 10d x 1-1/2 in. SCN Smooth-Shank Connector Nail Hot-Dip Galvanized (5 lb.)
Simpson Strong-Tie
2 boxes
⚠ 10d hot-dip galvanized hanger nails — ALL nail holes in hangers must be filled
Exterior Hidden Deck Fastener 1-7/8-in (100-Pack)
Camo
2 packs
⚠ CAMO hidden fastener 100-pk — use instead of face-screwing deck boards; 2 packs = 200 fasteners covers 192 sq ft
Tube Form Concrete Column 10-in x 48-in
Quikrete
8 each
⚠ Tube form 10"x48" — sets footing diameter and keeps sides clean
Post Anchor J-Bolt Kit with Nut & Washer (4-Pack)
Simpson ABU44
8 each
⚠ J-bolt post anchor kit — set in wet concrete; allows post base attachment
Pea Gravel 0.5 cu ft Bag
8 bags
⚠ Pea gravel 0.5 cu ft — 6" drainage base at bottom of each footing hole
Concrete Mix 80 lb
Quikrete
16 bags
⚠ Quikrete 80 lb — 2 bags per footing x 8 footings
Black Butyl Joist Tape 1-5/8-in x 50-ft
ProWood
4 rolls
⚠ ProWood black butyl joist tape 50 ft — apply to top of ALL joists before decking; 4 rolls = 200 ft covers 15 joists × 12 ft = 180 ft + waste
Wood Preservative End-Cut Solution 1 qt
Copper Green
1 qt
⚠ End-cut wood preservative — apply to all cut ends of PT lumber within 30 min
Composite Fascia Board 1-in x 8-in x 12-ft (Toasted Sand)
Trex Enhance
6 boards
⚠ Trex Enhance composite fascia 1x8x12 (Toasted Sand) — covers rim joists; 6 boards x 12 ft covers perimeter with joints; match deck board colour
Exterior Wood Stain & Sealer Natural Cedar 5 gal
Ready Seal
1 can
⚠ Ready Seal stain & sealer 5 gal — apply after 6 months once PT lumber dries out
Estimated Total
$1,611.88* Prices are estimates and may vary. Always verify at checkout.
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Safety & Legal Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional engineering, architectural, or contractor advice. Building codes vary by jurisdiction — always verify local requirements, obtain all required permits, and consult a licensed contractor or structural engineer before beginning any construction project. Aribuilds makes no warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information for any particular project. Use of this guide is at your own risk. Aribuilds accepts no liability for personal injury, property damage, structural failure, or code violations.
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