DIY Floating Deck, Part 1 Planning And Layout Building A Floating

Cover How to Build a Floating Deck Floating deck, Building a floating deck (1024x819)

Table of Contents

• What is a Floating Deck?
• What Tools Do You Need to Build a Floating Deck?
• How Do You Prepare the Area for a Floating Deck?
• How Do You Build the Frame for a Floating Deck?
• How Do You Attach the Decking Boards to a Floating Deck?

What is a Floating Deck?

A floating deck is a deck that is not attached to a building or structure, and instead, it "floats" on top of the ground. This type of deck is great for areas where the ground is uneven or where you don't want to damage the existing landscape. Floating decks are also a great option for renters or anyone who wants a temporary deck that can be easily removed.

Building a floating deck may seem intimidating, but with the right tools and a little bit of know-how, it can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. In this article, we will walk you through the steps to build your own floating deck.

What Tools Do You Need to Build a Floating Deck?

Before you begin building your floating deck, it's important to make sure you have all the necessary tools. Here is a list of tools you will need:

• Tape measure
• Level
• Square
• Circular saw
• Drill
• Hammer
• Shovel
• Wheelbarrow
• Post hole digger

Having these tools on hand will make the building process much smoother and efficient.

How Do You Prepare the Area for a Floating Deck?

The first step in building a floating deck is to prepare the area where you will be building. Here's how:

1. Measure and mark the area where you want to build your deck.
2. Remove any grass or vegetation from the area.
3. Dig several post holes where you will be placing your deck support posts. The number of post holes you will need depends on the size of your deck.
4. Fill the post holes with cement and allow them to dry completely.

Once you have completed these steps, you are ready to start building the frame for your floating deck.

How Do You Build the Frame for a Floating Deck?

The frame is the foundation of your floating deck, and it's important to build it properly. Here's how:

1. Measure and cut your deck support posts to the desired height.
2. Attach beams to the support posts using metal brackets.
3. Attach joists to the beams using metal joist hangers.

Make sure to use a level throughout this process to ensure that your frame is straight and level. Once the frame is complete, you can move on to attaching the decking boards.

How Do You Attach the Decking Boards to a Floating Deck?

Attaching the decking boards is the final step in building your floating deck. Here's how:

1. Measure and cut your decking boards to the desired length.
2. Attach the decking boards to the joists using deck screws.
3. Make sure to leave a small gap between each board to allow for expansion and contraction.

Once you have attached all the decking boards, your floating deck is complete!

Conclusion

Building a floating deck may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and a little bit of know-how, it can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. By following these 7 steps, you can build your own floating deck and enjoy the great outdoors right in your own backyard.