DIY Floating Deck

Let me start by saying that this is **my** version of building a small (approx 8'x8') floating deck.

Nothing fancy,

just a plain, sturdy deck for chilling on a lazy afternoon or a cool evening

(I will be adding a firepit area soon and a hammock).

The hardest part of this project was the

leveling of the foundation cinder blocks.

Out backyard is on a slope.

YAY!

I ended up using regular cinder blocks that we already had 

(they usually cost around $1-1.50 each).

I bought 14 pre-treated 8' long deck boards, for a total of about $60.

I did ended up using some leftover material that was left from our recent sunroom and upper deck project.

So here is what I did.

I made sure each cinder block was leveled.

I either had to dug some soil and drop the cinder block partially in, or had to add height to it.

Here is how it looked like when the foundation was finished.

I made sure I had support on both ends and on the center.

Then I added the deck boards (without screwing it in yet) and made sure each one was leveled and square.

(again, if you are dealing with a flat surface to begin with, the floating deck building part will be a breeze).

At this point I added 3 supports boards at the bottom vertically.

This is where I used the screws to secure the vertical and the top horizontal deck boards.

I used deck screws (also leftover from previous projects), two on each board on the sides, and one on the middle support.

Like so pattern on each board

:          .          :

I also made sure in between the boards I left a little spacing to allow water to drain.

Also to keep in mind, it is better to keep the grain of the wood boards going down, like a "rainbow".

It should prevent the wood to warp "up" in the future, after being exposed to the elements for a while.

I added one board at the time, and pre drilled the holes, before adding the screws (this prevents the wood from splitting).

This part went pretty fast.

My dear husband decided to help me with the drill, since he is "better at it"...I am just glad he helped :)

- all those dots are from the bottom of my muddy shoes -

And here it is.

Looking down from the upper deck.

I added steps to it, by using leftovers 4x4 pillars' scraps.

I am now waiting for the pre-treated wood to really dry out good, and then sometime this summer, either stain or paint it.

(both upper and lower deck).

Not bad for a $60 investment,

and my first try at a floating deck.

Stay Frugal,

Daniela

***"Floating decks" are so called because, rather than being attached to a building as are standard decks, they're just "floating" free out there, all on their own. Not only are they easier to build than standard decks, but they're also less scary to build for DIY'ers. For the non-carpenter, removing your house’s siding is a pretty scary proposition. Let’s face it: Most of us take a “Leave well enough alone!” attitude towards our houses. We don’t want to mess up anything….(from about.com)***


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