Imagine stepping out into your backyard, a place that feels a bit more like an outdoor living room. For many folks, a big, fixed deck might seem like too much trouble, or perhaps your yard just does not have the space for it. That's where a small floating deck really shines. It offers a simple, rather quick way to add a lovely spot for relaxing or entertaining, without all the fuss of digging deep holes or dealing with city permits in some places.

A floating deck, sometimes called a ground-level deck, is just what it sounds like: it rests on top of the ground, usually on concrete blocks or other footings. It does not connect to your house or have posts set deep in the earth. This design makes it a much less permanent addition, which can be a real plus for homeowners looking for flexibility and a less involved building job. You see, it's almost like a big, sturdy rug for your yard.

This guide will walk you through the appeal of a small floating deck. We will look at why so many people are choosing this kind of outdoor space, how they come together, and some rather clever ideas for making one fit just right in your own yard. You might be surprised at how easy it is to make a big difference with something small.

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Table of Contents

• What is a Floating Deck?
  • Ground-Level Ease
  • Permit Considerations
• Why Choose a Small Floating Deck?
  • Space Transformation
  • Ease of Building
  • Cost Effectiveness
• Planning Your Small Floating Deck
  • Size and Location
  • Materials to Pick
  • Footing Choices
• Building Your Small Floating Deck: A Step-by-Step Guide
  • Framing Basics
  • Installing Boards
  • No-Dig Methods
• Creative Small Floating Deck Ideas
  • Combining Decks
  • Under a Pavilion
  • Fence-to-Fence in Small Yards
• Pros and Cons of Floating Decks
  • Advantages
  • Things to Consider
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Getting Started with Your Deck

What is a Floating Deck?

A floating deck is, in a way, a simple structure that sits on the ground without being deeply anchored. It just rests on blocks or other support elements. This means it does not connect to your house and is not set into the ground with concrete footings that go below the frost line, as a traditional deck would. You know, it's quite different from those big, attached structures.

Ground-Level Ease

The beauty of a floating deck is its ground-level nature. It means you can simply walk onto it from your yard, without needing steps or railings, which makes it feel very open. This type of deck is perfect for areas that do not have strict building codes for detached structures, or where you just want something easy to put together. In fact, it often makes your backyard more usable, letting you enjoy the outdoors without bringing mud into your home.

Permit Considerations

One of the big draws for a small floating deck is that, in many places, you do not need city permits for them. This is because they are not attached to a main structure and are not deeply anchored. For example, building a 14x8 foot floating deck might take just a few hours spread across a couple of days, and often, no digging or city permits are needed for that size. However, it is always a good idea to check with your local building department, just to be absolutely sure about what rules apply in your area. They can vary a bit, you see.

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Why Choose a Small Floating Deck?

Choosing a small floating deck brings a lot of good things to your home. People often pick them for their simplicity and the quick way they can change a space. There are many reasons why this kind of deck might be the right choice for your outdoor dreams, honestly.

Space Transformation

Even a small deck can make a big difference in how you use your backyard. It turns an unused patch of grass into a dedicated spot for outdoor living. Imagine having a cozy area for your morning coffee, or a place to set up a small table for dining with family. A floating deck, even one that goes from fence to fence in a small yard, can completely change how that space feels and works. It is, in a way, like adding another room to your house, but outside.

Ease of Building

Many folks find that DIY floating decks are much easier to build than standard decks. There is no complex post drilling or deep concrete work involved, which can save a lot of time and effort. Some designs even let you build without making any cuts with a saw, if you plan carefully and use pre-cut materials. This means you could, in fact, build a decent-sized deck in a short amount of time, like that 14x8 foot one built in just 4.5 hours of actual work. It's really quite impressive how quickly they can come together.

Cost Effectiveness

Building a small floating deck can be a very budget-friendly way to upgrade your outdoor space. Since you are not digging deep or pouring large amounts of concrete, and often do not need expensive permits, the material and labor costs can be much lower. There are many ideas out there for easy and cheap floating decks, which means you can get a lot of bang for your buck. You know, it's a smart way to get a new outdoor area without spending a fortune.

Planning Your Small Floating Deck

Before you start building, a bit of planning goes a long way. Thinking through what you want and what you need will help your project go smoothly. It is a bit like drawing a map before you start a trip, you see.

Size and Location

Consider how much space you have and how you want to use your deck. Will it be for a small seating area, a spot for a grill, or just a place to relax? Even a modest deck will make your backyard more usable and make entertaining more fun. Think about where it will get the best sun or shade, and how it will fit with the rest of your yard. You want it to feel like it belongs there, in a way.

Materials to Pick

Choosing the right materials is pretty important for how your deck will look and how long it will last. For instance, you might use fir deck boards over pressure-treated joists, which are good for resisting rot and insects. Concrete footings are a common support choice. Think about what will stand up to your local weather and what kind of upkeep you are willing to do. There are many options, so, you can pick what feels right for your project.

Footing Choices

Ground-level deck footing options are quite varied, and each has its own good and bad points, along with different costs. Some common choices include concrete blocks, pre-cast concrete piers, or even gravel bases. You will want to think about how much weight your deck needs to hold and what kind of soil you have. Learning about these different floating deck support options can help you decide what will work best and how much it might cost you. It's actually a pretty important step for the deck's stability.

Building Your Small Floating Deck: A Step-by-Step Guide

Building a floating deck can be more involved than some people think, but it is certainly doable for a DIYer. You just need to follow a series of steps and take some care. This how-to build a floating deck tutorial can help you make your own deck that does not need to be connected to a structure. So, let's look at the general path you might take.

Framing Basics

The frame is the skeleton of your deck. It is typically made from pressure-treated lumber, which can handle being close to the ground. You will lay out your joists and beams, making sure everything is level and square. This part is pretty important for the deck's strength and how it will look in the end. It's almost like building a big, flat box.

Installing Boards

Once your frame is solid, it is time to put down the deck boards. These are the pieces you will walk on. You can choose from various materials, like natural wood, composite, or even recycled plastic. Spacing them evenly is important for drainage and to let the wood expand and contract. This is where your deck starts to really take shape and look like a finished space. In fact, it's a very satisfying part of the process.

No-Dig Methods

Many floating decks are built using methods that do not require any digging for posts. This is a huge time-saver and makes the project much simpler. Concrete blocks are often used, placed directly on a prepared, level ground surface, perhaps with a gravel base. This approach means you can get your deck built faster and with less heavy work. It's a pretty big benefit, especially if you are doing the work yourself.

Creative Small Floating Deck Ideas

A small floating deck does not mean small ideas. There are so many clever ways to use these simple structures to make your backyard truly special. You know, sometimes the best ideas come from thinking small.

Combining Decks

Who says you can only have one deck? After finishing a bigger floating deck, some people find that adding another, smaller one next to it creates an awesome combination. You can use them for different purposes, like one for dining and another for lounging. This creates distinct zones in your yard and adds a lot of visual interest. It's a rather clever way to maximize your outdoor space.

Under a Pavilion

A low-profile floating deck can be a perfect fit under a garden pavilion or pergola. This provides a sheltered outdoor room that feels very cozy and inviting. Imagine a deck with fir deck boards over pressure-treated joists, all supported with concrete footings, tucked neatly under a beautiful structure. It creates a defined outdoor living area that is protected from the sun or light rain. This kind of setup can feel very special, like a hidden garden spot.

Fence-to-Fence in Small Yards

For those with smaller backyards, a floating deck that stretches from fence to fence can completely change the space. It gives the illusion of a much larger area and provides a continuous, clean surface for walking and entertaining. You can walk onto your deck and enjoy the outdoors without dragging mud into the house, which is a big plus. It makes the whole yard feel like an extension of your home, and that is a very nice feeling indeed.

Pros and Cons of Floating Decks

Like any home improvement project, building a small floating deck has its good points and some things you will want to think about carefully. It's important to weigh these before you start. You see, every choice has its ups and downs.

Advantages

Floating decks offer a lot of advantages. They are often easier and quicker to build, sometimes without the need for digging or city permits, which saves time and money. They are also quite flexible; you can often move them if you change your mind about the layout of your yard. They make your backyard more usable and can be a great place to spend time with family, whether you are dining or just relaxing. This type of deck is a simple way to add an outdoor living space to your home that does not need to be connected to a structure. That is a pretty big benefit for many people.

Things to Consider

While floating decks are great, there are a few things to keep in mind. They might not be suitable for all areas, especially those with very soft or unstable ground, or places with strict building codes for even detached structures. You will also need to make sure the ground underneath is well-prepared to prevent settling or drainage issues. Building a floating deck is more complicated than some people think, and you must follow a series of steps and precautions to make sure it is safe and lasts a long time. So, while easier, it still needs careful attention to detail. For more detailed guidance on ground preparation, you might check out resources from Decks.com, as they offer general information on deck foundations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for a small floating deck?

Often, for a small floating deck that is not attached to your house and simply rests on the ground, you might not need a city permit. However, this really depends on your local building codes and the size of your deck. It is always a good idea to check with your local planning or building department before you start any work, just to be sure. You know, rules can vary quite a bit from one place to another.

How long does it take to build a small floating deck?

The time it takes to build a small floating deck can vary a lot based on its size, your experience, and the weather. For instance, a 14x8 foot floating deck was built in just 4.5 hours of actual work, spread across two days due to weather conditions. If you have free plans and step-by-step instructions, and you plan your deck build carefully, it can be a surprisingly quick project. It is, in some respects, faster than a traditional deck.

Can I build a floating deck without making any cuts with a saw?

Yes, it is possible to build a floating deck without making any cuts with a saw, especially if you plan your deck build carefully and design it with pre-cut materials. This method can simplify the process quite a bit, making it even more accessible for DIYers. It means less specialized tools and a potentially faster build time. You know, it is a pretty clever way to make things easier.

Getting Started with Your Deck

Adding a small floating deck to your backyard can truly change how you enjoy your outdoor space this year. It offers a simple, cost-effective way to create a lovely spot for family time, whether you are dining or just relaxing. You can discover small deck ideas on a budget to upgrade your outdoor space, making it more usable and more fun for entertaining. Learn more about small floating decks on our site, and check out this page for more ideas. With free deck plans available, you can start building today and enjoy your new outdoor living area very soon.