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When most people hear the word deck, they immediately visualize wooden planks and rails attached to the side of a structure, most commonly a house. However, not all decks are connected to houses.
A low, free-standing deck offers greater flexibility in terms of outdoor placement. While a floating deck does have code requirements for footings depending on overall size and height, building a floating deck is much easier and less risky than trying to DIY an attached deck. Continue reading for some floating deck ideas you can use to turn your backyard into a destination.
1. Easy DIY Floating Deck
If you’re looking for backyard deck ideas on a budget, you might like this easy-to-DIY floating deck. After constructing a solid foundation on undisturbed soil for the deck, you’ll just need to lay out and secure some deck boards.
You can customize the exact dimensions of this rectangular deck based on the amount of space in your yard. Placing the floating deck near a garden bed will help increase its visual appeal and provide a pleasing view when enjoying your new outdoor space.
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2. Pond-Side Floating Deck
Floating deck designs like this one allow you to create your own outdoor garden oasis. Building a floating deck and adding comfortable seating next to a pond or water feature in your backyard will provide a cozy way to thoroughly enjoy the water and lush greenery in your yard.
3. Floating Deck with Pergola
Looking for partially covered backyard deck ideas that will get your space ready for outdoor entertaining? If so, this floating deck with pergola may be your space’s ideal addition. Once it’s set up, add some climbing vines to provide additional shade and find the perfect patio conversation or dining set and you’ll be ready for summer barbecues and get-togethers.
4. Yin and Yang
Deck design ideas can truly transform a backyard space, and this one crafted with Trex composite decking is no exception. The timeless Yin and Yang symbol integrated with a fire pit and peaceful scenery help make this floating deck into a peaceful outdoor escape. With ample room for a patio dining, conversation, or outdoor lounge chair set, there are numerous ways to make the most of this space.
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5. Patio Floating Deck
Those looking for more simple deck ideas might choose to build something similar to this smaller floating deck. Building a floating deck over a patio eliminates the need to build your own base. Plus, a beautifully-stained wood floating deck can make your patio more inviting, especially when paired with gorgeous potted plants.
6. Garden Sanctuary
If you love spending time in your garden, consider building a partially shaded floating deck to help you enjoy the space in a new way. One of the top floating deck decorating ideas for a garden deck is to cover it with an integrated pergola. This can actually increase the amount of greenery around the garden by adding climbing ivies, roses vines, or hanging plants to the top of the pergola.
7. Backyard Retreat
Adding a floating deck, or multiple smaller floating walkways, to your backyard can add character to your entertaining space. Enjoy more room for outdoor dining tables, comfy chairs, and potted plants to make the most of your space. By joining together multiple smaller floating decks, you’ll be able to customize the layout to work with your space and accommodate any existing flower beds or trees.
8. Acacia Wood Interlocking Floating Deck
Some floating deck ideas are fairly uncomplicated to make reality. These interlocking flooring tiles available at The Home Depot snap together for a tool-free install over an existing patio or deck. (If installing over grass, however, some site work is required.) And, thanks to the water-based oil finish over the gorgeous acacia wood, the tiles are waterproof. Measure your space carefully so you can order the correct number of 12-inch by 12-inch tiles to customize the size and layout of your deck.
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9. Relaxing Haven
Building a floating deck in the center of a lush green garden can create a truly relaxing haven to enjoy, either on your own or in the company of others. Instead of a traditional rectangular deck, consider creating one with cut-ins that allow the deck to showcase your favorite flowers and plants.
10. Floating Deck With Gazebo
Another excellent back deck idea is to use your floating deck as the foundation for a small gazebo or greenhouse. The deck’s solid structure will provide a sturdy base for a small building, and it can be an ideal solution if your backyard isn’t completely level.
11. Quaint and Cozy
Outdoor deck ideas don’t have to be expansive to be appealing and useful. In fact, the smaller size of this floating deck offers a quaint and welcoming feel to the space. Even if your available deck space is more limited, there may be enough room for a small bistro table perfect for intimate dinners.
12. Camper Floating Deck
Some small deck ideas can perfectly complement campers and motorhomes. If you live out of your vehicle or spend a lot of time in it, adding a deck for enjoying the outdoors can make for an even more enjoyable experience. And, since floating decks aren’t attached to the vehicle, you’ll still be able to hit the road as desired with little to no extra prep.
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13. Room to Entertain
If you have space in your yard for a large floating deck, it can provide the perfect spot to host friends or family. Decide on the types of seating arrangements you’d like to fit on your new deck, and use this information to plan out the deck’s size and shape. Adding a large cantilever umbrella can help cool down the space on a hot summer day.