Raised Vs. On-Grade Deck Construction

Deck construction has been one of the top exterior remodeling contractor services for years and for good reason. Decks give homeowners the freedom to utilize their outdoors, essentially extending their living space without the cost of expensive additions. Decks are typically raised from the ground, however, on-grade decks are not unheard of.

Let our expert remodelers at Timberland Exteriors show you the pros and cons of these two types of deck construction so you can choose the right one for your home.

Raised Decks

A majority of the load from raised decks are supported by pier foundations drilled a few feet below grade. The floor area is built on horizontal joists that also function as a support system for the deck’s water drainage. It’s rare to see decks be included in a residential roofing service, as they are often covered by other types of protection from the elements like shade sails. Homes built on a foundation will usually attach their decks at the same level of their first floor, which means the deck will have to be raised from the ground. This allows for a seamless transition between a home’s interior and exterior living space.

Grade-Level Decks

It’s more common to see grade-level or on-grade decks detached from the main structure of a home, even if the house is on a raised foundation. Grade-level decks are simply planks of flooring resting on the ground on joists. The lack of foundational support does make them more affordable than their raised counterparts, but this is mostly a matter of preference. Of course, homes in areas prone to flooding may not want to choose this specific type of deck construction.

Get superior deck construction at Timberland Exteriors, your trusted local general construction company. We are the leaders in exterior home renovations and hail storm damage restoration services. Give us a call at (218) 366-9433 to set up an appointment with our skilled team. You could also fill out our online contact form and request a free estimate today. We serve homeowners in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.