How to Build a Ventilated Low Deck

Decks serve a variety of purposes. One of the main reasons for building a deck is to add an outdoor structure that covers the yard and provides a hard surface for setting out patio furniture and maybe some potted plants. A deck adds the finishing touch to a home. Sometimes a deck must be built low. When a deck is built close to the ground ventilation must be placed somewhere around the deck to allow water vapor a place to escape. If the low deck isn't properly ventilated the moisture can cause mildew and water rot, requiring your deck to be torn down and rebuilt.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• 21 - Pre-made concrete footings
• 12 - 2 x 6 boards
• 2 1/2 inch screws
• 2 1/2 inch deck screws
• 30 - 1- by 16-inch deck boards
• Drill motor

Instructions

1. Measure the area with a tape measure to acquire the exact dimensions of your desired deck. Decide how low you want your deck.

2. Place a pre-formed concrete footing, called a deck pier, at each corner. The footings are 6 inches tall. If your deck will be lower, you will have to dig holes below the footings.

3. Check that the first four footings are level and then continue placing footings in rows next to each other until you have three rows of footings. These will run perpendicular to the 2-by-6 boards.

4. Build the frame using 2-by-6 boards. Screw together the front, back and side boards. Place 2-by-6 boards in the concrete pier slots. Attach these boards to the frame also with 2 1/2 inch wood screws.

5. Begin laying out 1- by 16-inch deck boards across the frame and screw them in place. You will use a lot of 2 1/2 inch deck screws, so make sure your drill gun batteries are charged.

6. Make sure the deck sits high enough on the concrete piers to create a gap between the deck and ground for ventilation.

Tips & Warnings

• You can build your own ventilated low deck anywhere. It can attach to a house or it can be a free-standing structure.

• When using power tools wear protective gear. Gloves, goggles and even a mask provide protection.