Building a deck on a slope is a great way to make the most of your yard. It can be done in many different ways, but it’s important to be aware of the different types of slopes, and how they affect your deck.
A standard deck can be built on any type of slope. However, there are some things you should consider before starting construction. You should check with an architect or contractor if you want to build an angled deck or if you want to build a multi-level one. The size, shape, and length of your deck all need to be considered when building on a slope because they can affect both the stability and design of the deck itself.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Deck? Types of Decks
Building a deck offers a homeowner more options for where and how to design an outdoor living space compared to a patio. While a patio is generally adjacent to a house, a deck can be placed almost anywhere. It can also include multiple levels or be built off the ground completely. Each variation creates complexity and affects the overall costs.
Floating or Detached
Floating decks cost on average $20 to $60 per square foot and can be built anywhere on the property without being attached to an existing structure like a home. They sit low to the ground and require additional supports to suspend the decking safely long term. Detached decks are appealing to homeowners who don’t have space available next to their home.
Platform
This is the traditional deck style many homeowners choose, as it’s generally a low-level deck that’s attached to the house. The ground is usually level near the house, so it doesn’t require a complex foundation or construction. Platform decks are often an inexpensive option with an average cost of $10 to $20 per square foot.
Raised
Raised decks are often built adjacent to a house, but they’re specifically designed to create a level space over uneven terrain. Sometimes raised decks also include multiple levels. Raised decks will also require additional stairs and sturdy railings, all of which will increase the overall price.
Two-Story
For homes with a second level or built on a mountainside, homeowners can add a balcony-style deck for upper rooms. A deck installer can help identify the best footings and supports needed to design a safe two-story deck. This option includes a full set of stairs, adding complexity and cost to the project with an average cost of $40 to $50 per square foot.
Multilevel
For larger spaces or for decks on uneven ground, a multilevel deck might be an appealing option for homeowners. If a steep terrain in the backyard prevents the space from being usable, creating a wide deck with multiple levels can offer plenty of flat space for entertaining and playing. With a solid foundation, additional railings, and stairs, costs for a multilevel deck average 50 to 100 percent higher than a traditional platform deck.
Covered
In regions that receive more rain than others, it’s worth considering building a covered deck so you can enjoy it throughout the year. Decks can be partially enclosed or roofed to protect from the elements. On average, the cost to enclose or cover a deck ranges between $6,000 and $26,000, depending on size and materials.
Do I Need to Build a Deck?
Decks are a popular outdoor accessory for homeowners who enjoy spending time outdoors grilling, entertaining, and relaxing. Financially, they’re a great investment since they help boost the property value. Old decks should be repaired or replaced to prevent accidents and to increase the total value of the house.
Damaged, Unsafe, or Unstable Deck
Decks that were built without a solid or proper foundation become unstable over time. If the deck wasn’t properly maintained, the wood may have rotted, nails may be exposed, and joists may be loose. All of these are safety concerns that can quickly be assessed to determine whether the deck needs to be repaired or if it should be demolished and then replaced.
Increased Property Value
Building a deck is a much simpler task than building a home, yet it gives homeowners a higher rate of return on their investment—up to 80 percent. For homeowners who plan to sell their house, adding a deck is a great investment to appeal to potential buyers. Be aware that damaged or severely weathered decks can decrease the overall value of a home.
Improved Aesthetics
Deck designs are completely customizable and so are the accessories selected by you or future homeowners. This flexibility is appealing to potential home buyers and homeowners alike since each can use the same space to create a comfortable outdoor area that suits their unique styles.
More Storage
Some homeowners appreciate the ability to store outdoor items on their deck, whether it’s enclosed or not. Rather than setting equipment or storage bins on uneven ground where moisture can seep in, a flat deck provides a stable surface to keep extra items in an orderly manner. You might even keep your lawn mower on the deck to avoid having to build a storage shed.
Less Landscaping Maintenance
With more yard space taken up by a beautiful deck, homeowners can worry less about landscaping and yard maintenance. Composite decks are low maintenance compared to mowing and weeding a yard.
More Entertainment Space
A primary benefit of building a new deck is the additional space available for entertaining friends and family for summer barbecues and birthday parties. For homes with a smaller kitchen and dining area, adding a large deck off the kitchen entry can quickly expand the footprint needed for large gatherings.
Building a deck on a slope can seem like a daunting task. However, if you take the time to plan things out and get all of the materials in place before starting construction, it will be easier than you think. The key is to make sure that your deck is level with your house so that it doesn’t look off-center and doesn’t cause anyone who walks around underneath it to trip over uneven boards or support beams.
Can you build decking on a slope?
Can you build a deck on a slope? The answer is yes, but only if you use special techniques to ensure it’s safe. You have to check with your local building codes and consult with a professional before you start any work.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
- You will need thicker joists and posts than normal so they can support the extra weight of the sloping ground on one side of them. These will be more expensive than standard ones, so plan carefully before deciding how many boards or beams are needed for your project.
- Sloped decks tend not to be level, so keep this in mind when determining where each piece should go—you won’t want anyone falling off their bench.
How do you build a ground-level deck on a slope?
You can build a ground-level deck on a slope by using a level, laser level, or spirit level.
- Use the slope as an opportunity to create an interesting design element for your deck by building the deck up on the slope and leaving space for a patio below.
- Build the deck down on the slope so that you have access from both sides of your property. This will allow you to entertain guests while they are both inside and out of doors, making it easy for them to move between areas of your home without having to go through doors or navigate stairs unnecessarily.
- Build up on one side only if you want all of your outdoor space in one place (for example: if there is not enough room for two decks).
Does a deck add value to your home?
While building a deck can be expensive, it’s an excellent investment that adds value to your home and will increase in value over time. Decks are a great way to entertain guests, which makes them an attractive feature for most homeowners. Finally, decks are a great way of adding space or increasing the size of your home without paying a lot more money for land.
What do you put under a deck on a slope?
You can put a concrete pad under the deck. This is the best option for most people and it’s also the most expensive. The footprint of the deck should be larger than your patio or driveway so that there is room for drainage, but not so large that it will look bulky in an otherwise small yard. You can install pavers or wood chips under a small deck for looks, but these materials are more likely to crack with foot traffic and won’t hold up well to weathering over time. Gravel is another option if you have enough space and want something inexpensive that won’t require much maintenance in terms of cleaning out weeds or removing debris from underneath.
Location of the Deck
The location of the deck is an important factor to consider when estimating costs. It can affect safety, ease of use, and aesthetic appeal.
- The location will also have a significant impact on cost because it affects how many materials are needed to complete the project.
- If you’re building a deck on a slope or hillside, it’s particularly important to carefully choose where you’ll be building it so that water doesn’t pool around your structure and cause damage.
Size of the Deck
In addition to the size of your yard and how many people will use it, you’ll need to consider how much money you want to spend on your deck. Don’t worry. We’ve got plenty of options for every budget.
For a basic, no-frills deck that will fit any budget, we suggest starting with an 8×10-foot project. This is big enough to host a few guests and small enough not to cause sticker shock when it comes time for maintenance.
If you’re looking for something even more minimalistic than an 8×10-foot deck but still want some extra space for entertaining guests or grilling out a good meal then take a look at our 6×8 option:
Type of Decking
Choosing the right decking material is just as important as choosing the right contractor. There are many factors to consider, including cost, durability and maintenance.
Wood decking is the most common choice for homeowners due to its durability and low maintenance costs. Wood can be stained or painted to match any style of home and comes in a variety of colors and textures. In addition to wood, composite decking is also an option for homeowners who want a more durable surface that will last longer than pressure-treated lumber. Composite materials are made from recycled plastics and usually have some sort of colored coating which adds extra protection against sun damage over time
Other Materials Required
The other materials required are:
- Ground level decking – this is the material that you’ll put on top of your ground level foundation. It can be made from different types of woods, such as cedar or pine, and it’s perfect for keeping your home protected against moisture and insects.
- Foundation – every deck needs one. This will support all the weight that comes with a deck. But remember: if you have a sloping lot (or house), then you need to make sure that your foundation is able to support everything properly.
- Wooden beams – these are placed inside the ground floor so they can help support your new wooden decking boards. The beams should also be sturdy enough so they don’t break over time–so make sure they’re thick enough before purchasing them. If possible try finding a supplier who sells pre-cut wood pieces so there’s no cutting involved later down the line either – which means less hassle overall too (and hopefully less $$ spent).
The cost to build a deck on a slope varies based on different factors.
The cost to build a deck on a slope varies based on different factors. The most important consideration is the size of your deck. If you are going to have an average size deck, then you should expect to pay anywhere from $8 – $12 per square foot for labor and materials. If you want something bigger than that, then it can cost up to $15 – 20 per square foot.
If the site has very difficult conditions such as steep slopes or soil issues like clay or soft rock, then this will increase your labor costs by at least 20%. In addition, if there are posts involved in the design of your deck (this is less likely but still possible), those will add an additional $500 – 1000 onto your project budget depending on how many posts need to be installed and where they are positioned within each section of flooring material.
In conclusion,
We hope this article has given you some insight into how much it will cost to build a deck on a slope. It can definitely be done but you need to do your homework first and consider all of the factors that go into building one. We have found that there are many different options for building decks, especially ones where you have difficult ground conditions like an uneven terrain or a steep incline.
