Final Assembly and Bearing Check
At 22:33 in
The EASIEST Way To Build A Ground Level Deck - NO FOOTINGS!
What happens here
After all framed sections are in place and leveled, securely fasten them together using structural lag screws and hurricane ties. This ensures the entire deck acts as a single, unified structure. The final step is to ensure that all joists have full bearing on the 3/4-inch clean stone base. Any remaining areas where joists are slightly floating should be filled with additional stone and compacted until completely solid. This meticulous attention to full bearing is critical for the long-term stability and longevity of the ground-level deck. The presenter emphasizes the importance of a unified structure and proper drainage to prevent issues with movement or moisture buildup.
Goal: Ensure the entire deck frame is a stable, unified, and fully supported structure.
Tools and materials
- Cordless Drill DeWalt — Driving structural screws
- Sledgehammer Estwing — Tapping sections for final adjustment and compaction
- 3/4-inch Clean Stone — Filling gaps under joists for full bearing
- Hurricane Ties — Reinforcing connections between framed sections
- Structural Lag Screws — Connecting framed sections together