Introduction

• Building a ground level deck using treated lumber beams is a good alternative to using concrete. While treated lumber lasts quite a long time, it doesn't last as long as concrete, but it is quite durable for at least 10 years. Treated wood does not need paint or stain, yet painting or staining it increases its lifespan considerably. If you choose to leave the treated wood unpainted or unstained, its color matches with just about any outside landscaping décor.
  
  

Building the Deck

• Measure out the dimensions for the ground level deck. If you do not want any step up, dig down 6 inches. If you want a small step up, dig down 4 inches (this will give you a 2-inch step). If you wish to paint or stain the wood, do so now and allow it to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
  
  Dig a 2-foot post hole at each corner and every 4 feet between the corners. Set a 4 by 4-inch pressure treated post into each hole. Lay a 2 by 4-inch board across the top of the posts. Check the levelness with the level. When all of the posts are level, mix the cement and pour it in the holes to secure the posts. Make sure they are all level at the height you want, as this step is not easily reversed.
  
  

• Nail or screw 2 by 4-inch boards on the outside of the posts to make a frame. If the deck is longer than 8 feet, you will need an extra support posts. Floor joists will be placed every 2 feet apart (width-wise). Place a post at the half-way mark of the length of the deck every 2 feet. Screw the floor joists onto the new posts and into the ends of the frame.
  
  Lay out the 2 by 4-inch boards across the floor joists. Leave about a ¼-inch space between the boards. If the deck is wider than 8 feet, stagger the ends of the boards, so you do not have one line going down the top of the deck. If the deck is 8 feet wide, just lay out the boards---they will go from end to end.
  
  Check the levelness of the deck with the level. If the deck is not level, make adjustments to the joists by unscrewing them and moving them as needed. If all is level, screw the 2 by 4-inch boards into the floor joists.