[70SATMan]

To you Pros out there, I'm in the process of designing a replacement deck for the back of my 60's Cali Ranch. The property is sloped and floor elevation at the back is approx. 5' from grade.

The old deck (6' x 44') along the whole back of the house was off cantilevered beams from the under floor post and beam construction. That deck was cut away because of termites and the PO didn't want to add the square feet of the deck to the cost of tenting.

So, I can build the new deck either free standing or use a ledger off the house wall.
We have had some settling of the rear foundation on one corner, have a decent clay layer around 2' down. Stand alone would isolate pressure from differing rates of expansion for sure.

At one time, I thought that a free standing deck not attached to the house could be built without permits. Having said that, I plan on some pergola/trellis action that would follow, either attached or not attached to the house.

I can build either just as easily, not a problem. What's the consensus from the pros, or at a minimum, pros and cons that I might not have thought of??


I'm also considering Ipe for the deck material but, do most going that route, do everything (except framing) in Ipe?