Prepare the Deck Base with Stone and Fabric
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The EASIEST Way To Build A Ground Level Deck - NO FOOTINGS!
What happens here
Excavate the ground to a depth of 6 3/4 inches below the existing pool deck level. This specific depth is crucial to accommodate the 6-inch layer of stone base and a 3/4-inch geotextile fabric. Use the Kubota mini-excavator for initial excavation, and shovels for fine-tuning. Once excavated, use a plate compactor to compact the subgrade thoroughly, creating a stable foundation. Lay down a geotextile fabric to act as a soil separator and to add strength to the base. Finally, fill the excavated area with 6 inches of 3/4-inch clean stone (no fines) to form the base of the deck. This type of stone allows for free drainage, preventing moisture buildup and issues with freezing, making it ideal for year-round construction.
Goal: Create a stable, free-draining base for the ground-level deck.
Tools and materials
- Kubota KX040-4 Mini-Excavator Kubota — Initial ground excavation
- Plate Compactor Wacker Neuson — Compacting the subgrade and stone layers
- Shovels — Fine-tuning excavation and spreading stone
- 3/4-inch Clean Stone — Creating the free-draining deck base
- Geotextile Fabric — Soil separation and base reinforcement