Second story deck

[PandaXpanda]

u should prolly go w/ the water filled ditch. go borrow a few of ur neighbors tires and tape them to the underside of the deck. when the deck collapses, which it more than likely will, u have a houseboat. people love boats.

[Dr Rick Daris]

i will add that this deck seems dumb and dangerous, but if you are serious about building it then you will need a lot of structural support. kougar has a pole of some sort in his basment that he needs to get rid of and he might be willing to let you use it for this project. i'd check w/ him.

[OK_Cat]

Build the deack out of boats and the house out of houseboats

ask haverhill's uncle how that worked for him

[CNS]

Plan of support:



Do this and you will be fine.

[Mikeyis4dcats]

As someone with a construction science degree (like Casey) and who has built a dozen decks, this isn't an impossible feat for a skilled homeowner, but based upon your questions and lack of confidence, I would suggest you have it built by a professional.

The contractor needs to verify the structure of your home to determine the best method for attachment, needs to check the span tables for the lumber to ensure it is adequate, and needs to either have a good understanding of the footings required or know someone who does and get their direction.   Improper bearing soil or undersized footings could cause the deck to sink or worse
collapse.   While this is a possibility of any deck built by a novice, most of the time a 2 foot collapse isn't going to kill someone.

Many people THINK they know how to build a deck, but even after watching a recent DIY show where supposed deck experts competed against one another, 2 out of 3 improperly built the structure.

[Mikeyis4dcats]

Plan of support:



Do this and you will be fine.

yes, he should build a structural concrete slab   

[Saulbadguy]

Why would you be hanging out on a deck? Isn't that what a house is for?

[Pete]

Why would you be hanging out on a deck? Isn't that what a house is for?

THIS.

There, someone finally said it. 

[_33]

If it collapses just start cracking up like it was a practical joke and yell "gotcha!" at everyone as they climb out from under the rubble.  Everyone will probably start laughing and high fiving you and they'll be so happy from laughing that they'll probably help you rebuild the deck.

[steve dave]

As someone with an Econ degree from Kansas State I can tell you that the opportunity cost of not making the deck out of boats which float in a mote is high, very high. 

[_33]

As someone with an Econ degree from Kansas State I can tell you that the opportunity cost of not making the deck out of boats which float in a mote is high, very high. 

Dumb idea.  Decks, in theory, are basically just boats that never go into the water.  So, in theory, putting a regular deck into water automatically makes it a boat.  No need to make it "more" of a boat by building it from water boats.

[pissclams]

As someone with a construction science degree (like Casey) and who has built a dozen decks, this isn't an impossible feat for a skilled homeowner, but based upon your questions and lack of confidence, I would suggest you have it built by a professional.

The contractor needs to verify the structure of your home to determine the best method for attachment, needs to check the span tables for the lumber to ensure it is adequate, and needs to either have a good understanding of the footings required or know someone who does and get their direction.   Improper bearing soil or undersized footings could cause the deck to sink or worse
collapse.   While this is a possibility of any deck built by a novice, most of the time a 2 foot collapse isn't going to kill someone.

Many people THINK they know how to build a deck, but even after watching a recent DIY show where supposed deck experts competed against one another, 2 out of 3 improperly built the structure.

you can shove your undersized footings right up your ass, pancho.  this deck is going to have proper fittings and i don't care what anybody says about it.  the footings will be proper.

[ArchE_Cat]

As a Structural Engineer I recommend you find a contractor who will use a structural engineer to stamp the drawings. Contractor will most likely design the thing and the SE will just review and stamp. Probably will cost a couple hundred dollars, but will be worth it.

[Pete]

As a Structural Engineer I recommend you find a contractor who will use a structural engineer to stamp the drawings. Contractor will most likely design the thing and the SE will just review and stamp. Probably will cost a couple hundred dollars, but will be worth it.

LOL.

Seriously though, you are going to need to sacrafice a chicken on that deck minutes after completion or you WILL be at risk of malicious spiritual infestation.  You can do it yourself if you want, but giving $80 to a priestess is the only safe bet here, in my experience.

[ArchE_Cat]

No rely find an engineer to stamp the drawings, even if it's a crappy engineer. That way if it falls down and disfigures/kills people/animals you sue the engineer.