20 DIY Floating Deck Ideas and Free Plans

Learn how to build a floating deck with 20 easy DIY floating deck ideas with free plans and step-by-step instructions to build a ground-level 12×20 or 16×20 deck. Get layout suggestions and download pdf blueprints to learn how to build a perfect floating deck! Our free deck plans cover everything from making a floating ground-level deck and freestanding deck to incorporating features like fire pits and composite decking materials. With customizable deck sizes and designs, you can make the perfect outdoor space for any occasion.

A DIY floating deck not only adds an aesthetically pleasing touch to your outdoor space but also provides practical advantages. The floating deck framing is designed to be sturdy, stable, and low-maintenance, making it an ideal option for those who desire a beautiful deck without constant upkeep. Additionally, the floating deck supports and deck framing ensure that your deck remains level and safe. With our diverse simple DIY floating deck ideas and easy-to-follow guidelines, you can successfully make a floating deck that enhances the beauty and usability of your backyard or garden.

20 DIY floating deck ideas and free plans to build your deck

Explore our assortment of DIY floating deck ideas and embark on the rewarding journey of constructing an outdoor oasis. From freestanding decks to those featuring elegant fire pits or built with composite materials, you will find inspiration for your next DIY project. So, gather your tools and welcome the challenge of learning how to build a floating deck for your outdoor space. Happy deck building!

1. Build a Freestanding Floating Deck

Bask in the warm afternoon sun with a DIY freestanding deck in your front yard. This deck is a floating structure that doesn’t need to be attached to the house, providing flexibility in location and size. Ideal for warmer climates, the deck posts only need about 6 inches of drainage rock beneath, making this project accessible and straightforward.

Start by preparing the area, removing shrubs, and leveling the ground. Spray paint the desired square footage, in this case, an 8×8 feet area, and remove any shrub roots to prevent regrowth through your deck.

Building supplies needed include 4-way deck blocks, 2x6s and 2x10s for joists, decking boards and fascia, drainage rock, and landscape fabric. This freestanding deck is perfect for evening relaxation. Don’t forget to landscape around your deck for an enhanced aesthetic appeal! somuchbetter

2. Handmade Floating Deck With Fire Pit

You don’t need to hire a contractor to build a floating deck. These diy floating deck ideas will show you how to make a floating deck with your own hands and skills. Turn your new backyard into a cozy retreat with a DIY floating deck and fire pit! You can construct a personal outdoor haven with time and the right supplies. This fun project offers a functional extension to your home and a gathering spot for family and friends.

This project includes the addition of a traditional brick fire pit, ideal for s’mores during those warm summer evenings. This project demands dedication and a bit of elbow grease, but the results are truly rewarding. So gather your tools, and start making your backyard paradise! catzinthekitchen

3. Building a Floating Deck With Composite Decking

Whether you want a floating deck for lounging, dining, or entertaining, these diy floating deck ideas have you covered. You’ll find plenty of creative and practical solutions for your outdoor needs. Unleash your backyard’s potential with a DIY floating deck built from composite decking material! Utilize unlevel or unused backyard spaces to make a sunny lounging area near the pool. Using Simpson Strong-Tie, highly reliable fasteners, and connectors makes this project more feasible.

The advanced deck designer software aids in planning, from determining the number of footers needed to selecting the right hardware.

Although the software doesn’t include a floating deck option, you can adapt it with tools like SketchUp to design a deck fitting your needs. For a 12’x10′ deck, you’ll benefit from a versatile, sun-kissed space without needing a professional contractor! awesomeorange

4. Making a Wooden Floating Deck

Set your inner craftsman free and make a stunning DIY floating deck, an easy-to-make outdoor addition perfect for any home! This guide offers a straightforward tutorial for crafting your retreat with simple materials like pressure-treated wood, deck screws, and pebble rocks.

With a little planning and toil, you can design an outdoor oasis as an inviting home office entrance and a relaxing post-work retreat. From initial planning to installing the decking boards, the step-by-step guide ensures you’re equipped for success!

Building a floating deck provides practical benefits and enhances your home’s aesthetic appeal. Utilizing recycled materials and personalized designs can save you money, while the completed deck increases your home’s value. So, grab your tools and prepare to transform your outdoor space with this floating deck tutorial! everydayshortcuts

5. Make Your Own Wooden Floating Deck

These diy floating deck ideas will give you some tips and tricks on how to build a floating deck that suits your taste and budget. Dive into the details of constructing an amazing DIY indoor floating deck and pergola. This indoor structure is built as a trade show booth with a deck, fence, and bar. This project may require materials such as painter’s tape, software for floor planning, 6×6 posts, an extra ‘joist,’ a few deck boards, and stains in the colors of your choice.

The highlight of the design is a striped deck painted with Behr’s Premium Stain and Sealer that adds a distinct outdoor feel. Its assembly involves mapping the layout, building the deck in sections for easy transport, and staining.

The project stands out for its visual appeal and versatility in showcasing products during a trade show while doubling as an entertaining space. This DIY guide leads the way to a creative indoor deck experience. bowerpower

6. Small DIY Floating Deck for Garden

Unearth the magic of a reimagined backyard with this comprehensive DIY project. Transcending from a weed-ridden landscape, a floating deck, new shrubs, and an artful A/C cover emerged, injecting life into the space. Transforming the muddy area near the fixture into a deck, the once-disordered scene became a canvas for creativity.

The deck is made from pressure-treated lumber, including 2 x 4 x 8 joists, 4 x 4 x 8 headers, and 1 x 4 x 8 fascia. This step-by-step guide illustrates the journey from a cleared space to a completed deck.

This revitalizing project epitomizes the art of transformation, from an overgrown backyard to an organized, cozy retreat. Follow this blueprint to reignite the charm of your backyard. kippiathome

7. Awesome DIY Wooden Floating Deck

Build your own floating deck with these easy-to-follow DIY floating deck ideas. You’ll get step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and tips for a successful project. Expand your home’s livable space with this DIY floating deck, a beautiful and functional addition to your backyard. This hands-on project transforms an underutilized area of your yard into a warm, welcoming outdoor living space perfect for gatherings or tranquil relaxation.

Using readily available materials such as concrete deck blocks, weatherproof deck screws, stain, and deck boards, this guide provides a comprehensive list of everything required. The step-by-step instructions, equipped with a table saw an extra-long level, and a power drill, ensures the whole process is smooth and achievable.

This floating deck augments your backyard’s aesthetic appeal and amplifies your space’s functionality, all for around $500. So turn up your sleeves and make your backyard more inviting with this remarkable project. midcountyjournal

8. Free Floating Deck Woodworking Plans

Build a unique floating deck in your backyard with our comprehensive guide. Shun the platforms adjacent to your house and opt for an octagonal deck nestled amidst lush greenery. Bask in the loveliness of nature while enjoying meals with your loved ones, all from the comfort of your personalized deck. This guide offers plans for a ground-level octagonal deck, allowing you to tailor dimensions to your needs.

The floating deck’s design allows the joist structure to remain unsecured to the footings, simplifying the building process. Perfect for a relaxing weekend project, your result will be a cozy, functional, and aesthetically pleasing outdoor retreat.

Additionally, this guide offers a bonus of instructions for a deck bench and two wooden cabinets, maximizing your outdoor space functionality. Take the opportunity to embellish your backyard with this floating deck and enjoy the solace of your private outdoor oasis. howtospecialist

9. How to Make a Wooden Floating Deck

Relish a beautiful outdoor play space for children with an easy-to-follow guide to building a DIY floating deck. You’ll require a modest list of supplies, including 2x6x8 planks, screws, L angles, face mount hangers, nails, deck sealer, and blocks for elevation. Start by forming a box with the planks, then secure the corners with galvanized brackets.

Next, attach central support using face-mount hangers. Complete the structure by fastening the boards on top, and add a few coats of protectant stain. An optional second deck and sandbox can be added for additional space and fun.

By completing this project, you can offer children a safer and fun-filled environment, significantly enhancing their playtime experience. This project combines creativity, safety, and utility, making it an excellent addition to any backyard. rosetolife

10. Build a Floating Deck for the Backyard

These floating deck plans will show you how to create a beautiful and durable deck in no time. Add flair to your backyard with a DIY floating deck that offers an inviting space to relax and enjoy al fresco meals. This comprehensive guide enables you to construct your outdoor dream retreat using high-quality materials such as Trex Enhance composite decking, pressure-treated lumber, Tuffblocks, and hidden fasteners for a sleek finish.

The deck requires additional materials like exterior screws, deck screws, joist tape, joist hangers, landscape edge guard, gravel, weed barrier fabric, and optional sandpaper for a polished look.

This project isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s also about making a long-lasting, low-maintenance outdoor space perfect for bathing in the sun and making the most of your backyard. Enjoy the transformation process as you build this floating deck and elevate your outdoor living experience. twofeetfirst

11. Homemade Floating Ground Level Deck

Build a DIY floating deck to enhance your backyard with extended living space. This expansive 650 sq ft deck (34′ wide x 19′ deep) proves to be a cost-effective addition, with the entire project costing approximately $2,000, which covers the permit fee and all necessary materials such as lumber, decking screws, brackets, quickcrete, and concrete pads.

The deck building journey, involving framing, making footings, and laying 2×6’s treated deck boards, required meticulous attention to local building codes and inspection procedures.

Built over a low, water-logged spot in the backyard, this deck provides an inviting area for relaxation and addresses an existing flooding and drainage issue. This project saves thousands in labor costs and offers family cooperation and creative expression opportunities. It’s time to bring your dream deck to life. duoventures

12. Elegant DIY Wooden Floating Deck

Make your backyard haven by constructing an elegant DIY wooden floating deck. Giving an illusion of levitation, this aesthetically pleasing outdoor feature offers a unique vantage point to appreciate the scenic beauty of your garden space. Its construction involves simple yet meticulous steps, from leveling the chosen area to firm, flat ground.

The process further involves setting and leveling corner blocks in a structured 7’x19′ rectangle, followed by the placement of interior blocks. Incorporating a precise use of a laser level throughout is key to maintaining absolute flatness.

Now, fill in the blocks with concrete and, once dry, lay down 2 “x6” pressure-treated deck joists, ensuring even spacing. Achieve an elevated level of outdoor living by building this floating deck and imbuing a charming touch to your garden. hgtv

13. Building a Wooden Floating Deck

Introduce a stylish outdoor living space to your backyard with a DIY floating deck. Constructed with pressure-treated lumber and high-quality composite decking material, this deck offers longevity and visual appeal. As a “floating deck,” it rests on blocks and does not require deep anchoring.

While a floating deck can only be installed in areas without a deep winter frost, it offers a cost-effective and doable DIY project for homeowners, with the total cost averaging around $1600. This construction process, which spans several weeks, employs essential tools like a circular saw, corded drill, measuring tape, and level.

Each step, from laying foundation blocks to building the frame to decking, is meticulously carried out to ensure durability and a level structure. The final result is a versatile outdoor space ideal for relaxing, entertaining, or enjoying nature. Get ready to experience the satisfaction of crafting your backyard masterpiece today! instructables

14. How to Build a Floating Deck – Step-by-Step

Floating deck plans are ideal for DIYers who want to build a deck without digging holes or attaching it to the house. These plans will guide you through the process of building a floating deck from scratch. Exalt the potential of your outdoor space by constructing your own DIY floating deck, a rewarding project easily manageable on the weekend! This in-depth guide will walk you through the entire process, from securing necessary permissions and choosing materials to laying down the deck.

Materials needed for this project include pressure-treated wood, deck blocks, landscape fabric, galvanized nails, and deck screws. The entire process involves laying the deck footing, leveling the posts, controlling weed growth, and installing beams, joists, and deck boards.

This endeavor transforms your backyard and adds a unique element of charm and functionality. Take on this project and make your idyllic outdoor retreat in your backyard! housebythebay

15. How to Make a Wooden Floating Deck

Looking for some diy floating deck ideas to spruce up your backyard? Check out these amazing projects that you can do yourself with minimal tools and materials. With a little exertion, you can make your backyard oasis with this DIY wooden floating deck! This project suits those who wish to avoid property taxes associated with the attached decks. With a drill, miter saw, level, and Kreg Deck Jig among your tools, you can transform deck blocks, 4x4s, screws, and cedar decking into a standout piece in your backyard.

By keeping the design sleek and straightforward, the stunning wood is the show’s star. Carefully positioning deck blocks on solid ground, aligning and leveling beams, securing joists, and finally laying the decking are steps to your new deck.

Use the Kreg deck jig with your cedar decking for a neat, screwless look. This project does require checking local codes and potentially pulling permits. Embrace DIY and start building your very own floating deck today! rogueengineer

16. Quick and Easy DIY Floating Deck

Improve your outdoor living space with a DIY 13ft x 16ft floating deck, ideal for summertime gatherings. This beginner-friendly project is perfect for homeowners wanting to upgrade their backyard, using just ground contact lumber, cedar joists, and deck screws.

Painstakingly leveled and set over two days, this project ensures the utmost precision and quality for a sturdy deck built to last. The deck requires a $700 investment but guarantees long-term use and priceless memories.

Accentuate your deck with outdoor furniture, solar lights, a grill, and even a pergola, transforming it into a social hub worth every penny. Make your unique, entertaining space today and enjoy endless summer fun. instructables

17. Build Your Own Floating Deck

If you’re looking for a simple and affordable way to enhance your outdoor area, a floating deck is the answer. These floating deck plans will help you design and build a floating deck that suits your needs and budget. Embark on a gratifying DIY journey by constructing a magnificent floating deck and pergola. This step-by-step guide will equip you with the necessary knowledge to construct an elegant outdoor space in your backyard.

With the sturdy and reliable help of Simpson Strong-Tie’s fasteners, you can build a robust, aesthetically pleasing, and enduring structure. This project requires some commitment; dedicating your weekends for about ten weeks will yield a breathtaking outcome.

This comprehensive guide includes essential details, such as procuring necessary permits, preparing the ground, installing the posts, and laying the deck, all while keeping safety measures in mind. Get ready to elevate your outdoor living with this spectacular DIY floating deck and pergola! strongtie

18. Affordable DIY Wooden Floating Deck

Revamp your outdoor area with an inexpensive, removable DIY floating deck. Designed with practicality in mind, this easy project only requires a handful of materials: 2x6s for the square frame, 2x4s for coverings, and garden stones for leveling.

This simple 8×8 deck design is put together in no time, presenting an efficient and cost-effective solution for any duplex needing a temporary deck.

With just a couple of hours and around a hundred dollars, this project can transform your outdoor space into a versatile and comfortable area. Don’t let space limitations or budget constraints stop you, build your own floating deck today! instructables

19. How to Build a Wooden Floating Deck

A diy floating deck is a great way to create a cozy and inviting outdoor space. These diy floating deck ideas will inspire you to build your own deck in any shape, size, or style you want. Elevate your backyard experience with a professionally built DIY ground-level floating deck. This space-expanding project creates a perfect area for outdoor entertainment and relaxation. The step-by-step process will guide you from planning and framing to installing deck boards and final decorations.

Though this is an advanced project, high-quality materials such as deck blocks, 2×6 joists, paver base, and Trex deck boards ensure robust and enduring results. The resulting deck is not only functional but aesthetically pleasing too.

Enhance the ambiance with decor elements such as a dining table, lanterns, string lights, and outdoor rugs, transforming your deck into a cozy retreat. Enjoy tranquil moments or host unforgettable gatherings on your beautiful, home-built deck.

20. Cheap DIY Floating Deck Tutorial

With these free floating deck plans, you can transform your yard into an oasis of relaxation. A floating deck is a freestanding platform that can be customized to fit any space and style. Unveil the potential of your outdoor space with this efficient and cost-effective DIY floating deck, skillfully completed in under 6 hours! Originally quoted at a steep $5500, this fantastic 14-foot deck can be achieved with an outlay of just $800, proving that quality results don’t necessarily equate to high prices.

This project showcases the rewarding journey of DIY and delivers an impressive outdoor transformation. Using easily accessible tools and materials, this quick guide allows you to reimagine your outdoor landscape without breaking the bank.

Despite not being a detailed instructional guide, it provides enough guidance and motivation for those seeking similar endeavors. So, begin your journey today and witness the magic of DIY unfold right before your eyes.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, learning how to build a floating deck can immensely enhance your outdoor living space. With 20 various DIY floating deck ideas and plans to choose from, such as freestanding decks, ground-level decks with composite decking, or wooden decks with fire pits, there’s a perfect option for everyone. Transform your backyard, garden, or any outdoor area with an elegant, affordable, and easy-to-build floating deck. By following step-by-step free floating deck plans, you can make a functional and aesthetically pleasing addition to your home.