Question on constructing deck in back yard?

In my town in Ontario (near northern New York state), the bylaws indicate that if you are putting up a deck, it can be free-floating, or attached to the house via a ledger board. But if attached to the house, the supports for the deck must go below the frost level.

So my family selected to create a free-floating deck That way no digging holes 4-6 feet into the ground. It sits on cement deck posts (see photo), and we are using 2x8 joists.

http://www.decksgo.com/images/xdeck-post-block-200...

The top of the deck posts have to sit above ground (you don't want wood touching the ground for rot and insect control). So they will usually be at least an inch or two higher than the ground. So with your 10" clearance, that leaves you about 6-8" for the joists and the decking boards on top.

If you do decide to attach the deck to the house using a ledger board, you might see if these metal posts would work better and pass building code in your area for the areas that are away from the foundation.

https://www.technometalpost.com/en-US/advantages/h...

you got big problem. one inch deck thickness and four inch support members leaves only five inches above ground. Realistically, that's not enough to deter termites. Even if you build the deck as exterior frame of 2x4 and surface level with top edge [on 1x3 support] and 2x3 cross members at closer spacing, you've still got only six inches -- not enough.

only way i see to do this is to use non-termite faux wood throughout. that's expensive stuff.

while it will not meet code, a homeowner might get away with setting his deck frame directly atop concrete blocks and ignoring connection other than gravity. Not too safe for wheelchairs, though. Not safe in hurricane.

you don’t want to put a footing or a ledger board?

how do you think they are built?

get some realistic plans and expectations