Install your floating deck flooring by measuring all of the boards and trim them as needed so they’re even. Use a level to ensure every deck block is at the same height as one another. I read somewhere that “the act of taking a step up gives you the illusion of being in a different place.” I wanted to create a different place in our yard but because of our low fence walls and our HOA’s rules against having anything go above the fence walls, I knew that the different place would have to be low to the ground. Cut seven pressure-treated 2x6 boards to length at 93 inches, using a circular saw or power miter saw; these are the âstandard joists. Arrange 21 concrete deck blocks in a rectangle, creating seven rows of three blocks each. Pressure-treated 5/4 decking boards (10 feet long; typically 1 inch thick by 5 1/2 inches wide). Build a Floating Deck If a properly formulated plan is implemented, floating decks offer a wide range of choices, ease of use, and a significantly low-cost. If you’re ready to find your floating deck materials, check out our find a deck builder page for long-lasting Trex products. This is a free service that may take a few days, so call well in advance of starting your project. With a few free weekends, the help of a friend or two and the right tools, hardware and lumber, you’ll be able to create your own custom backyard structure. In some cases, you may be subject to zoning rules, which govern the size and placement of all structures on a property; your city office will provide guidance. Lay the boards out in a rectangle and drill screws into each corner. In fact, they can be the most hassle-free construction type, and the simplest one can be made in even a day. Use a framing square to help you square up the deck frame with the concrete blocks. In addition to one block at each of your deck’s four corners, you’ll want to space blocks at regular intervals in both a horizontal and vertical direction to evenly balance the weight of your decking material and ensure structural integrity. This made our original straight forward square deck a little more complicated, but not too much. Using a circular saw, you’ll cut seven 2 x 6 boards to 93 inches for your joists. If you’re wondering how to build a floating deck over dirt, you’ll first need to choose a level surface and remove the grass/rocks and other material and rake it so that your ground is level in preparation for placing the deck blocks. In addition to confirming whether you may need to obtain the proper permits, if you’re thinking about building a floating deck, you’ll also want to consider its potential location, the terrain, lumber or material options, cost, and how long it will take to complete your project. Place the deck frame onto the concrete blocks so the frame parts rest over the centers of the blocks. Re-check with a framing square to ensure the frame is square. If you’ve chosen plastic or composite decking, you won’t need to use a sealant. You typically do not need a building permit for a floating ground-level deck, but confirm this with your city's building department before starting your project. In the steps outlined in this DIY floating deck example, we reference a deck situated on concrete blocks, which raises the deck for ventilation. Featuring full-width rollers, our Free Floating™ mower deck moves independently from the rest of the mower. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. 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). If necessary, you can also build the deck on top of the concrete blocks. If necessary, add or remove soil or gravel beneath blocks to adjust their height. This tier will be at ground level. A floating deck may sound like something straight out of Aladdin’s magic carpet ride, but it’s actually a terrific way to describe this freestanding deck as a structure in your yard. Will Grass Grow Below Deck? The secret to lawn striping is in the mowing deck. Build a Floating Deck: Here is how I built a deck in my backyard.It's a "floating deck," which means it simply rests on blocks at ground level, and is not anchored deeply in the ground. Measure all of the 10-foot-long deck boards, and trim any as needed so they are 120 inches each. Do the same to mark the other end joist. So here’s my li’l back yard. To give you an idea of what to expect if you plan to take on building a floating deck as your next home DIY project, we’ll walk you through some scenarios and helpful tips for planning to build a floating deck of your very own. In colder climates, you cannot build a "floating" deck, but must build it on anchor posts that are cemented deep enough in the ground to avoid any ground upheaval (surface swelling and adjusting that occurs as the ground goes through freeze and thaw cycles over time). Oct 27, 2009 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 addition to the cost of concrete blocks and boards, you’ll also want to investigate the cost and benefits of different types of decking. Place a standard joist so it is centered on each pair of lines, making sure the tops of the joists are flush. Basic Deck Building. Square up the frame, as needed, by pushing diagonally from opposing corners (this takes two people). A deck does not need a handrail or stairs if its walking surface is under 30 inches above the ground. 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