Adding Extras

Spas and Hot Tubs

Can a Floating Foundation Deck support the weight of my Hot Tub or Spa?

Yes, the Floating Foundation Deck System can support the weight of a hot tub or spa.

If you are planning on placing a hot tub on top of your Floating Foundation Deck System, you will need to make one modification. At the location where the hot tub will sit, add one additional Dek-Block® pier per support board below the hot tub. If the hot tub is 8'x8' and will rest on 5 support boards, add 5 additional Dek-Block® piers (one per support board). For more information

Do you have any deck plans that wrap around a Hot Tub or Spa?

We do not have any specific plans for wrapping around a hot tub or spa. With a little modification, almost any of our plans could be used to accommodate a hot tub. For more information on these types of modifications, Click Here. However, you may want to check with you manufacturer before you begin. Some warranties are voided if a deck is built around a hot tub.

Stairs and Steps

Do you have any plans for stairs?

Since every staircase is slightly different in height and width, we do not have specific plans or material lists for stairs. We do have very detailed step-by-step instructions for building a stair case. We have information on two types of stair methods: staircases with stringers and box steps. The type of staircase to use for your deck will depend mostly on the height of your deck. For deck heights over 21 inches, staircases with stringers are recommended. For shorter distances, box steps work just fine. Click Here for instructions on building stairs for your deck.

Should I put something under the stair if it will rest on the ground?

If your stairs go directly to the ground, it is recommended that you place concrete patio stones on a 2-4 inch base of sand or crushed rock. Then place the stringer on top of the patio stones. This will help minimize the moisture on the ground from wicking into the lumber.

Can I attach stairs from an existing deck (with footing or attached to the house) to a Floating Foundation Deck?

Staircases can be built from a conventionally built deck to a floating deck. However, you do need to be aware of the fact that the floating deck will shift vertically each year depending on your local seasonal frost conditions. (For more information on Frost Heave Click Here.) Over time, this may cause strain on the top connection point of the stairs.This connection should be checked every spring for structural stability.

If there is only a few feet difference in height between the floating deck and the conventionally built deck, one may consider building a couple of box steps on the floating deck. This eliminates any strain or shift on the stairs. The box steps will only be attached to the the floating deck and not to the conventional deck. For more information on box steps Click Here.

Wheel Chair Ramps

Can I build a Wheel Chair Ramp and attach it to a Floating Foundation Deck?

There is no problem with using the Floating Foundation Deck System for building a wheel chair ramp. Every city/county/state has very specific building code requirements regarding wheel chair ramps. Check with your local building department for specifications. We do not have any plans specifically for wheel chair ramps.

Here are a couple of websites for reference:
http://www.wheelchairramp.org - (Construction Article)
http://www.wheelchairramps.com - (Resources Page)
http://www.ada.gov

Handrails

Do you have plans for Handrails?

Currently we do not have plans and material lists for handrails. There are numerous designs and methods for building a handrail.. We do however, provide detailed information and step-by-step instructions on how to build a handrail.

How do I attach the handrails on the Splash Pool Deck design?

Your notched handrail post will attach at the junction of the Splash Deck Frames. This is where the two support boards are doubled up. Use 4 1/2" galvanized lag screws to secure it to the Splash Deck frame.

Can I extend the 4"x4" posts from the Dek-Block pier through the deck for the handrail?

You can, but there are some issues with this method:

1. You will need to attach the support boards to the SIDE of the 4"x4"s with two 1/2" galv. lag bolts.
2. The 4"x4" posts are not always located in the best position for the handrail. And, the desired locations for the handrail posts are not always in the necessary location of the 4"x4" post.

It is easier to build the deck first. Then attach the handrail posts to the frame of the deck.

A good example of placing the posts on the inside of the frame, but not extending to the blocks, can be seen on the Wangsness Deck Project.

The How-to instructions refer to "pre-notch" handrail. Where can I find these?

Most home centers carry or can order pre-notched posts. Getting the post pre-notch is easier and much faster than trying to build them yourself.

I cannot find the pre-notched posts. How can I make these?

For instructions on how to notch a 4"x4" handrail post Click Here.

Are there specifications or code requirements for handrails?

Yes. There are local codes and covenants that must be followed. Each city/county can be different. Check with your local building inspector or local official for more information.

Typical requirements are:

1. A sphere with a diameter greater than 4 inches shall not pass between any opening along the railing.
2. Rail height is most commonly 36 inches.

Fences

Can I attach a privacy fence to a Floating Foundation Deck System?

We do not recommend it. Attaching a privacy fence to the Floating Foundation Deck System, similar to how a handrail is attached, is not a good idea. Privacy fences create a large amount of wind load due to their greater height and solid construction. This is more wind load than a couple of lag bolts can handle when attached to a 2"x6".

The best solution is to have the fence separate from the deck. Run it along the outside of the deck and use concrete footings for the support posts.

Can I use the Dek-Block piers to build a fence?

No. Fences are linear and the posts do not secure to Dek-Block® piers. It would fall over with the slightest of winds.

Roof

Can I attach a roof or shade structure to a Floating Foundation Deck System?

No. A roof structure is an open structure. It acts like an umbrella. Wind can get up and under the roof. Roofs/arbors/pergolas/gazebos use heavy posts to support the weight of the roof. These posts need to be fixed securely on both ends to prevent any lateral movement. There is no way to make the required fixed connection to the 2"x6" support board. We recommend that you place the posts for these structures into concrete frost footings and build the deck around the posts. Keep the two structures independent of each other, since one structure will be frost protected and the other will not.

Can I attach an Arbor / Pergola to the deck?

No. You can build an arbor adjacent to a Floating Foundation Deck System, but it still needs to be separate from the deck, using conventional construction methods.

For an example of a deck constructed with an adjacent arbor:

Gene Mann
Handyman Magazine Article

Why can I place a shed on the Floating Foundation Deck System but not an Arbor?

A shed is not considered a habitable or occupiable structure. The solid walls of a small garden shed can be securely attached to the deck with no large up-lift loads. Arbor's can create up-lift loads and should not be used with this system.

Can I use the Floating Foundation Deck System for a screened in porch?

No. We recommend using conventional construction methods for this type of project.

Can I use the Floating Foundation Deck System for a Gazebo?

No. We recommend using conventional construction methods for this type of project.