Have you grown tired of looking at the same backyard every day? Do you just want to do something to make it look better, but you don’t know how? How can you make your backyard look nice without breaking the bank?
All of these questions have a simple answer: build a floating deck! This is a deck that rests on blocks on the ground instead of being anchored deeply in the ground like regular decks. That way, you will have somewhere to gather with your family and friends, or somewhere comfortable to sit and enjoy warm summer evenings.
Best of all, this can easily be built on your own with the right blueprint and materials. In this guide, you can find several options to give you inspiration. Keep in mind that this might not be one of the cheapest DIY house projects, but it’s definitely doable and budget-friendly.
Floating Deck Plans & Ideas
1. Deck Block How-to Build
As the name implies, the first option on our list simply involves something that rests on blocks at ground level without being too deeply anchored into the ground. They are ideal in climates where you do not get too much winter frost.
The reason for this is that when the ground freezes and thaws, the surface ground will move over time. As a result, all the hard work you put into building your stunning outdoor patio would be useless. It’s not cheap, but it’s definitely cheaper than hiring someone to build your home a deck.
Overall, this option cost the author around $1,600. Still an investment, but not as big. In addition, this isn’t something that you can get done in one weekend; it took around 100 hours over the course of several months.
VIEW PLANS2. Do It Yourself Decking
If you were a little intimidated by how long it took the author to build the first option, you have no need to be! The creator of the next option claims to have done it in only 15 hours over the 4th of July weekend for around $700 total.
Once again, this is totally budget-friendly, and it’s even something you can do with a friend or spouse. The size is 13 ft x 16 ft. The first day was spent making sure that the foundation was totally on center and leveled, taking around 5 hours total, and the second day was spent finishing and checking the perimeter joists, setting the deck boards, and setting the furniture. It’s a lot easier than it looks and you’ll be happy you did it once you’re laying out on this gorgeous floating sun deck.
You can even build your own pergola and place it on top!
VIEW PLANS3. Freestanding Deck Building Guide
Do you have unsightly patches of brown grass in your backyard, but not enough time or money to hire someone to do complete landscaping? Not only will this guide provide you with an excellent opportunity to have somewhere to sit outside, but it can also conceal unsightly patches of grass and other eyesores in your yard.
For this project, the creator used a square shovel, pointed shovel, mattock, pickaxe, mini pick, 72’’ level, 2’ level, torpedo level, laser level, sawzall, circular saw, drill, chainsaw, sledgehammer, face shield, ear plugs, ear muffs, face mask, working gloves, boards of different sizes, sealer, and oil. In total, all of these supplies cost $700- but help significantly with the deck building process.
VIEW PLANS4. Simple Floating Deck
The next project on our list is one that is incredibly simple, and perfect for those who might not be looking for anything too spectacular. In this case, it was built for someone living in temporary accommodations, so if you want to spruce up your rented home (with permission, of course), then this could be a great way to make it completely your own.
Unlike some of the other guides, this one will only take a few hours to complete, so it can absolutely be done over the course of one weekend. In addition, it will only cost a few hundred dollars to complete.
You will only need a few basic supplies, such as a square frame with wood of different sizes and something to space the boards evenly. Flat garden stones can be used under each corner to make it level all across. Build some DIY Adirondack chairs to really make it pop!
VIEW PLANS5. Functional Blueprint
Here is a totally thorough how-to DIY deck guide for those who still remain unsure of what all goes into building this stunning peace. You can easily move this to any location throughout your yard if you want to do some redecorating over time, which makes it especially great for those who have smaller outdoor spaces or who are living in a temporary arrangement.
This particular option is 12’ x 12’ and supported by concrete deck piers, but as you have seen in some of the other guides, the size and support can be customized based on what you have on hand. You will need some treated studs, treated lumber, a minimum of 10 concrete deck piers, stud steel reinforcements, galvanized nails, extra cinder blocks, and bricks for leveling.
VIEW PLANS6. The Lowe’s Planning Process
If you want yet another comprehensive guide on the entire planning process and the best tips and tricks to make this project your own, you’ve come to the right place. The result will be a fun place to spend time with friends and family for relaxing, dining, barbecuing, and so much more.
A detached deck can completely change the look of your outdoor space without breaking the bank, and it’s easily something that you can do on your own. For this, you will need a drill/driver and bits, miter saw, circular saw, hammer, tape measure, lumber, concrete deck blocks, concrete cap blocks, paver base, and several more materials and tools to make this work.
Be sure to read through the instructions carefully, as they also provide advice on how to design the layout and plan for the perfect product.
VIEW PLANS7. DIY Under 500
For most of these, you’ve probably gathered by now that these outdoor projects might come at all different price points. For example, there was one that cost around $1,600, while there was another that only cost $700. This largely depends on the materials you use and the size you want your patio to be.
However, for those who are on a much tighter budget or looking to live more frugally, here’s a blueprint that will cost you less than $500. Yes, you’ve read that right. This is especially great if you don’t have a lot of room to work with. The best part is that you don’t need to be a professional woodworker to get the job done.
You probably won’t need too much help, either. And you can save nearly $5,000 all by doing it yourself. It’s easy to draw up the design on your own, and it even comes with a short PDF of the design itself for you to download. Check out more information at the link provided if you want to learn how to build a simple patio all on your own for less than $500.
VIEW PLANS8. Spruce Up Your Backyard
As they say, the hardest part is just getting started. Have you been wanting to start a new DIY project for ages, only you’re on the fence about doing it because you think it’ll take you forever? That is definitely not the case, and you will find yourself getting the hang of the project after you begin.
It will take around 2 days to complete this specific outline, and it’s a little more expensive and involved than some of the others. For this, you will need shovels, a screwdriver, laser level, pickax, pier blocks, galvanized screws, galvanized nails, 2×6 boards, fast-drying concrete, and 2×6 pressure-treated boards.
Of course, you should be sure to read the instructions guide for more in-depth directions, but the basic steps are to set and level the four corners of blocking, create lines for the interior blocks, set and level the interior blocks, continue setting the outer blocks, lay the pressure-treated deck joints, perimeter joints, and begin laying the synthetic deck boards. It’s rather simple, but it is more time-consuming than some other projects you might have tried.
As we said, the hardest part is just getting started. Once you see how simple it is, you will wonder why you did not start sooner! Just make sure you’re up to date with building codes. Convert it to a PDF format and print it out for easy access. And, of course, the final result will be something that you and your family will enjoy for years to come!
VIEW PLANS9. Family Favorite Garden Deck
If you are looking for something that is a lot fancier and more involved than some of the other options on this list, then this is the guide for you to follow. Of course, that also means that you will spend a lot more time, money, and effort in building, but if you have a few helping hands, then nothing is impossible or hard. Plus you’ll still have some cost savings if you build instead of buy.
As you can see from the picture, the patio is essentially connected to the back of the house, and it’s much larger than some of the others we have included. However, it is especially great to build something like this because in certain locations, having the deck be attached to the house can add to your taxes, so this is a nice way to save money on taxes and have your backyard look spectacular at the same time.
The design is simple and clean, so all you need to do is buy some high-quality wood to get the job done. The tools and materials are rather basic, and always remember to use safety equipment when you are doing anything involving woodworking, such as safety glasses and hearing protection.
VIEW PLANS10. Planning and Layout
Here’s another idea for a layout scheme to show you that you do not need to be a professional or waste a lot of time getting this all together. Cosmetic upgrades to your home will surely add to the value in the long run, and you will be more excited to return home each day because you now have somewhere stunning to relax.
Overall, as the plan suggests, there are several different steps to the entire process. The first is the planning and layout, then frame and waterproofing, decking, landscaping, and the light pole planters. Overall, it’s not too difficult and this comprehensive guide will go over some of the questions that are on your mind, such as how to conduct the proper research and budgeting questions.
VIEW PLANS11. Island Option
Finally, here is the last choice for a comfortable retreat in your yard. As you’ve noticed, island decks tend to be supported on the bottom by bricks, blocks, or stones, which means that you can easily transport it anywhere else in the yard if you want to do some cosmetic changes or if you plan on moving soon.
Overall, it’s not going to be too difficult or cost too much. Here is a blueprint that will only take multiple days and cost between $500 and $1,000. It is built with composite decking and hidden fasteners to provide an outcome that is maintenance-free and that will go with any design.
For the tools, you will need a circular saw, clamps, cordless drill, drill bit set, framing square, hammer, level, line level, miter saw, safety glasses, spade, and seed square.
As the guide says, if you are able to cut wood and drive screws, this project is definitely possible to do (if not, then there’s nothing wrong with asking for a little help- and learning something new along the way!).
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Hi, my name’s Elena Coolidge. I’m a DIY enthusiast who loves building fun woodworking plans. These DIY plans are fun hobby projects for enthusiasts or even more advanced builders that want to build things like bunk beds, end tables or even a duck box!
