Building a deck in your outdoor spaces no longer requires hours of planning, researching floating deck ideas and sweating out in the sun. Now that you’ve planned your floating deck and laid out the building area, it’s time to frame the deck. Using a laser level will ensure accuracy. Yet a traditional deck isn’t always feasible or permitted by local authorities, so for many homeowners, a “floating” deck—a raised wooden platform that sits a few inches off the ground—is the perfect solution. I built a floating deck to make a flat seating area on a steep slope, the only ‘critter’ under it was a thief who had made a hollow lined with polythene to hide in while he spied on us in a lower level kitchen, before sneaking in to steal phones and a wallet. Wanting to add some functionality and much needed curb appeal to our backyard, we decided to build an island (or floating) deck in between our existing trees. Build Your Own Floating Deck. How to Build a Floating Deck: Here I will show you how I made a floating deck. If you’re not experienced in this type of framing, call a reputable contractor or deck builder. While it’s a good size for a city, the problem is that it’s not level. Lay the boards out in a rectangle and drill screws into each corner. The deck shown above is just such a project, and while this article cannot give you specific plans, it can help with planning and building your own deck, complete with roof for those rainy days. This is the keyword I kept coming back to, and let me tell you it’s not easy to find “the perfect tutorial” for a solo amateur. On the sides parallel to the joists, the support blocks beneath will be visible. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. Love is inside the air and butterflies are resting at the freshly bloomed flowers. This is designed to work as a ground level deck, that is why the frame is built from 2x4s. Now that the deck is done, the next step is to build the pergola. Your email address will not be published. This is by no mean a new Instructable, it was done before by TimBTodd. From ‘Apartment Therapy‘, learn how to build a freestanding deck from repurposed pallet wood. Tie each empty barrel in place with a length of heavy duty rope. :) See also our post on DIY Concrete Patio Cover Ups and  DIY Patio Floor Ideas and tutorials! So here’s my li’l back yard. The driveway or other flat space will make a good area to build your floating deck frame. Once you’ve invested your money, time, and effort into updating your backyard with this installation, keep the brand-new floating deck looking great for years to come with some easy (and essential) maintenance. A deck that floats on all sides requires advanced framing skills that involve installing cross-joists and notching rim joists to support them. While it may seem that the process of how to build a floating deck is fairly straightforward, do consider that the instructions will need to be customized, particularly measurements, diameters and lengths, based … How To Build A Floating Deck Step By Step. Either way, she offers some good ideas on how to build a floating deck similar to hers in your backyard, as well as some building and planning tips that come from her experience with this project. Don’t let leaves and other debris collect under the deck and don’t enclose the underside of the deck – this only makes it a better hiding spot for animals or thieves apparently…. How to Build a Floating Deck. Once the base is in place, you’ll apply standard deck construction techniques. Required fields are marked *. decking? How To Build a DIY Floating Deck. Should you decide to build a deck more than 8 inches above the ground, don’t forget to include a stair or two in the plans for stepping on and off safely and easily. Once the frame is complete, you’ll move on to installing the decking. So glad you enjoyed our post on DIY Floating Deck Ideas! May 8, 2018 - If you're thinking of building your own floating deck I've put together a step by step tutorial on how we built ours in one weekend. From ‘Instructables‘, this simple DIY floating deck tutorial is one of my favorites, because it’s so basic I think even beginning DIY’ers could do it. Step 3 … From ‘Apartment Therapy‘, learn how to build a freestanding deck from repurposed pallet wood. Andreas von Einsiedel / Getty Images Here's a free deck plan that will help you create a spacious 10 x 18 ft. backyard pool deck that your family can enjoy for years. It measures about 14 feet x 16 feet. Part 2: Frame & WaterproofingPart 3: DeckingPart 4: LandscapingPart 5: Light Pole Planters Hey there! Now it is just a matter of laying your decking. Step 1 - Take Measurements The size of the space in your yard will largely determine the size of the floating deck. Win,win! You … You’ll also have two boards at 10 ft serving as your end joists. Depending on how high your deck is off the ground, local building codes might require both. Use 16d nails, deck screws, or bolts. But there is something that perhaps you haven’t thought of: a floating deck. BTW - My ground is only ever so slightly un-level and I'm not using any posts in the blocks. Thank you for reading our article about how to build a simple 8×8 deck on the ground and we recommend Here's a list of what I'd say is essential: saw horses (build some of these! By Glenda Taylor and Bob Vila. Building a Deck: It's time to go all out. Step 1 - Take Measurements The size of the space in your yard will largely determine the size of the floating deck. © 2020 WOODARD BATES MEDIA LLC • All Rights Reserved • Site by SB. While we live in a zone6/7, and don’t have too much issue with that, the best thing to do is to talk to a home improvement specialist in your area… Not sure it would be a problem on a floating deck as much as one attached to a structure? Measuring 2 feet from corners, spray paint a straight line down the short portion of the deck; this is the line for the interior blocks. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Quick Tip – Recycled Trampoline Hanging Bed! If the ground beneath a floating deck settles, the deck could tilt or sag, requiring it to be rebuilt. I like it. Floating decks capture the eye of onlookers and can be built to complement your property’s existing design. Our neighbors are a fellow military family and this is our welcome home gift for their deployed soldier. Decks don’t always have to be attached to the house to give you an effective place to gather and entertain. 07 of 09. It adds a great prominent place to sit and enjoy a view of a yard. How to build a floating deck by yourself. Build the main deck frame by using the 2x6 lumber for the outside, and 2x4 lumber for the interior supports. How to build a Floating Deck. Floating decks installed above the ground floor add to the curb appeal of multi-story facilities. 17 Classic Outdoor Water Fountain Ideas & Projects, More Unique Garden Containers You Never Thought Of… – Part 2. Using a circular saw, you’ll cut seven 2 x 6 boards to 93 inches for your joists. How to build a floating deck by yourself. But the process becomes much simpler if you build a low-lying, ground level deck that is free-standing, or "floating." This kind of deck serves more like a patio than a traditional deck, and because it requires no railings or stairways, and because it is free-standing and not anchored permanently to your home, it is not regarded by law as an extension of the permanent structure. Because the center beam remains hidden, only use pressure-treated lumber. There’s not a big cost differential in materials for either a traditional or a floating deck; the main difference lies in their structural support systems. Decide if you want to have a railing around the deck or steps. There is even a video in this tutorial! How to Build a Floating Deck from DIY Network. Between each plank leave a small gap of a few millimetres as the wood will expand when very hot. A floating deck adds a great elevated place to sit and enjoy a view of a yard. Working from the front, place the plank horizontally and screw into place. That is the process of how to build a floating deck in a nutshell. But the process becomes much simpler if you build a low-lying, ground level deck that is free-standing, or "floating." Secure your flotation to the deck. Therefore, it’s best to treat the information here as references only, stay flexible and prepare to improvise if needed. Use stakes and string to mark off the dimensions of your future deck. How to Build a Floating Deck from DIY Network. Because the center beam remains hidden, only use pressure-treated lumber. Our neighbors are a fellow military family and this is our welcome home gift for their deployed soldier. Then check out our tips and checklists for hiring a deck builder. Below are all the tools i use and a link to free drawings and material lists of two decks. If you’re not familiar with this particular kind of deck, it's one that is not attached to a house and oftentimes looks as if it’s, well, "floating." Part 2: Frame & WaterproofingPart 3: DeckingPart 4: LandscapingPart 5: Light Pole Planters Hey there! The deck construction could vary a lot depending on the place terrain, available material and weight support. Floating deck adds curb appeals to backyard. The advantage of a floating deck is that it is possible to be moved to any location in the yard. Beyond that, simply remember to sweep the deck frequently to remove fallen leaves and debris, and spray it down with plain water to rinse off occasional spilled food or bird droppings. Copyright © 2021 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Start the Deck Frame Start by forming the perimeter and a center beam. I wanted to include them so you could see how cool these can look in the landscape. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Are there concerns with floating decks that critters might view the part underneath as a great home? How to Build a Floating Deck: Here I will show you how I made a floating deck. Usually, this floating effect occurs on the two sides of the deck where the joists end. While it’s a good size for a city, the problem is that it’s not level. Free Backyard Pool Deck Plan. Front side is boarded up now. This post (or post series, rather) has been a long time coming. While you can build one on concrete pavers or over an existing level patio, perhaps the soundest way to support a floating deck is with pre-made concrete deck blocks that have notched tops designed to hold either 4×4 posts (on end) or 2×6, 2×8, or 2×10 lumber (on edge). Anchoring Pergola to Floating Deck by: Brian Laverdiere Thank you very much for posting and answering my question. Now I bet you really want to get started on yours, right? The advantage of a floating deck is that it is possible to be moved to any location in the yard. This is the very first post of this series, but you will be able to catch the whole thing, start to finish, right here. Hi friends, I’m so excited to share our biggest and best DIY project to date! Thank you for reading our article about how to build a simple 8×8 deck on the ground and we recommend That is the process of how to build a floating deck in a nutshell. Summer isn’t summer unless you’re soaking up the sun, grilling, and chilling in your own backyard. Start the Deck Frame Start by forming the perimeter and a center beam. ‘DIY Network‘ shows you how to build a floating deck, and then they do it one better. Any ideas? Hi friends, I’m so excited to share our biggest and best DIY project to date! Floating decks capture the eye of onlookers and can be built to complement your property’s existing design. How To Build a DIY Floating Deck. It measures about 14 feet x 16 feet. Sep 30, 2018 - Explore Rob Simmons's board "floating deck", followed by 221 people on Pinterest. Measure out the size of your deck in your yard. But there is something that perhaps you haven’t thought of: a floating deck. Part two of our How to Build a Floating Deck series shows you how to cut the framing pieces and build the deck frame. This, combined with the deck’s close proximity to the ground, gives the illusion of a hovering platform. Since this is a free standing deck and less than 36″ … A floating deck can add visual interest to an otherwise mundane yard and provide a smooth surface above grass-dwelling insects that's ideal for entertaining. In the meantime, kick things off with our deck building and planning tools. Then find links, demos and more for how to build a deck yourself step by step. The deck that we built is 12'x12… Floating decks are also called ground-level decks because they typically hug the ground. Get PDF Plans . Learn how your comment data is processed. So, time for a private space away from the house? My wife and I are looking at options for a ground level (floating) deck. Do not use drywall screws. ‘Family Handyman‘ has a step by step on how to make an DIY floating deck, complete with photos and supply lists. They look expensive and custom, but a two-person team could easily build a floating deck over the course of a few weekends – given the right tools, materials and plenty of patience. Get PDF Plans . Here is a great tutorial on how to build a DIY floating deck, from ‘Home Depot‘. This deck is sturdy, easy to build and you can get the job done with a small budget. This deck is sturdy, easy to build and you can get the job done with a small budget. We partnered with Simpson Strong-Tie to build a floating deck and pergola for our neighbors. In any case, we found some great tutorials on how to build a DIY floating deck, that are sometimes called island or freestanding decks as well. Once you’ve dug your holes fill the bottom with a small amount of pea gravel and compress with a tamper (or by dropping one of the deck blocks a couple of times). 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