Decks are a great addition to any home. They can be built on the ground level or raised off the ground using studs and joists.
In this post, Gresham Roofing and Construction — a trusted roofer and deck builder — shares tips on choosing between a raised and a ground-level deck.
Raised Decks
Raised decks are structures that are elevated and attached to your home. This type of deck can be as high as the second floor of the main building, with stairs usually leading to the yard below. Alternatively, it can be attached to your home’s ground floor and raised at least two feet high.
One advantage of a raised deck is that it makes your home feel larger, thanks to the additional floor space that you can use for entertaining guests.
Ground-Level or Unattached Decks
This type of deck is basically a box frame with floorboards on top. Since it is not attached to the main building, it can be built anywhere on your property that has level ground. An unattached deck can serve various functions. It’s a completely separate area that can be customized in many ways.
If your ground-level deck is below 18 inches, railings and permits may not be required by your local building department. But if it’s at least 36 inches high, you’ll likely need to install railings and secure a permit. Your contractor should be able to assist you with this.
Gresham Roofing and Construction is a family-owned roofing company that has been proudly serving the local area since 1968. We specialize in residential and commercial roofing, and we are also qualified to provide other construction services, such as siding and repairs, deck building and demolition work. Call us at (503) 205-9477 or fill out our contact form to request a roof estimate.
