Deck Building Advice

All knowing beeb, help me with this question. Building a small 12x12 deck but am unable to use traditional 4x4 post buried in the ground for support. I want to build a free standing deck no more than 10 inches above the ground. Has anyone ever put down a gravel base and compacted it and used this to directly set the framework onto?

 

Could you use concrete deck blocks?

 

Concrete piers ... if you want this to last for the long term.

 

I recently replaced a concrete patio that had cracked and settled 6” in the center with a 12’x8’ wood deck. It is sitting on cap blocks...

 

That's a small deck. Well, smaller than average. Be sure to trim your bushes back so it'll at least look bigger.

 

Just needs to be big enough for a picnic table and 4 chairs, we don’t entertain much.

 

I’m worried about those being stable enough to support the deck and keep it level in the long run.

 

Did you read the part about how I can’t do that?

 

if you use a decent width edge board and some cross bracing, those should be fine unless a tornado strikes. Those blocks don't provide much resistance to uplift.

 

You said you couldn't bury a 4x4. My suggestion has the 4x4 on top of a concrete pier.

If you are saying you cannot dig into the ground, my question to you is "why not?"

 

Yes, I’m saying I can’t dig into the ground. There’s underground electrical lines running to the garage as well as a French drain system running through the area making it impossible to dig holes.

 

Those piers don't go into the ground - they just sit on top of it. They're by far your best option, I think. Shouldn't even need to lay gravel (which, during compaction, would probably negatively affect your french drain).

 

anything built on grade is not gona be all that stable. Are you able to attach it to the house?? What kind of foundation?

 

You're actually better off NOT attaching to the house in this case. Since the deck won't have frost protection (and the house presumably does), keep them close but separate.
O.P., would a patio work for you?

 

Just build it well, it will be heavy enough to just sit on the ground and be fairly secure.

 

No, there’s a window well, electrical outlet, and a water spigot in the way. Plus you’d have to get a permit which can’t be done at this time.

 

A patio would be several thousand dollars and therefore not cost effective.