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Yes, you can build a deck over your outdoor HVAC unit, but you need to leave at least 5 feet of vertical clearance above the unit. If you don’t want your deck to be that high off the ground, you could build a floating deck in another part of your yard—again, as long as you leave at least 4 feet of horizontal space between the deck and your AC unit.

Both deck footings and deck posts help prop up your deck. However, footings are the bottommost parts of a deck that touch the ground. They’re usually made of concrete. Posts are pieces of wood that attach to the top of the footings with brackets. They run upwards and connect to the underside of your deck to support its weight.

There are a variety of second-story deck privacy ideas depending on your budget and aesthetic. For starters, you might consider fencing or tall privacy railing that masks a good portion of the open deck. A pergola or an awning can provide additional cover and shade. Outdoor curtains are an easy way to add or remove privacy at your convenience, plus they’re a wallet-friendly way to decorate your deck.

What goes under your floating deck depends on your preferences. Some homeowners put landscaping fabric underneath their decks to prevent weeds from popping up through the boards. Others choose to build a floating deck over grass or gravel. However, it’s best not to set your deck directly on the ground. Instead, set your deck on blocks to keep it elevated enough to prevent moisture from rotting the wood.