4.) Wood decks should always have airspace underneath them. "Bathtub" style to be inset in the ground is not the best situation. Check your AHJ, as sometimes permits and full footings do not apply to decks that are under 30" or so and floating. If you are required to have permit, need footings, or are attaching to the house, make sure your contractor, and yourself, are familiar with AWC Prescriptive Residential Wood Deck Construction Guide. It is code in most areas and is a template for how to build a deck properly.

Hi, thanks for replying, and yes, I'm aware of the ventilation issues. However, Houzz and the world at large are full of floating ground-level decks. I'm trying to figure out the best way to accomplish it. I have already checked and don't need a permit.

@AdvantageLumber.com do you sell air-dried lumber? Also, any thoughts among the species listed and/or any others?

We sell both air-dried and kiln-dried. Some species only come in kiln-dried (e.g., cumaru and massaranduba) because they tend to check when air drying. Ultimately, though, it's the final moisture content and the acclimation process that matters, not necessarily the way it was dried. I'd still recommend air-dried as long as it's offered.

Aside from garapa and ipe, I haven't dealt much with the other species you mentioned, so I can't speak to their effectiveness in your climate. Ipe of course would be fantastic, but it's out of your budget. Garapa is less stable than ipe with regard to moisture expansion/contraction, but generally works well anyway as long as you take the proper precautions (acclimation, ventilation).

One option that would completely eliminate any concerns about ventilation is to use wood deck tiles. They are pre-built tiles made of narrow slats secured to backer pieces in order to mitigate any movement that standard boards would see in projects lacking ideal ventilation. You can even install them directly at ground level over a concrete slab.

https://www.advantagelumber.com/deck-tiles/

Thanks for all of this. I think I have settled on Batu (Red Balau) because of the price difference and the fact that it's easier to work with, hence a lower labor charge. Can anyone tell me: is it necessary to oil Batu if I don't mind the silvered look? Particularly in a dry environment, is it important to oil it on all four surfaces before putting it down?

Hey Betsey, curious how everything went with your project and any learnings to share from working with Batu? 🙏🏻

We’re looking into a ground level free standing deck as well and debating between Batu or Azek (PVC) but really want actual wood if possible. Just worried about maintenance and cost/labor being more bc of it being a harder material to work with.