How to build a floating deck

Here I will show you how I made a floating deck. The advantage of a floating deck is that it is possible to be moved to any location in the yard. This is by no mean a new Instructable, it was done before by TimBTodd. The deck that we built is 12'x12' and is supported by concrete deck piers.

Step 1: Materials

8 - 2x4x12 treated studs

30 - 5/4 x 6 x 12 treated lumber

10 - concrete deck piers minimum

2x4 stud steel reinforcements

Galvanized 3 1/2'' nails.

Extra cinder blocks and bricks to level the footing.

Comments

[MrPapaya]

The comments here are a little confusing. I think someone is expecting to anchor boats to this???

It's not that kind of deck. I built mine on a slope next to the house. It is supported by pieces of 4x4 treated lumber standing vertically in the deckblocks. I had my doubts, but it ended up being incredibly stable. The longest vertical length I used was 30 inches.

You do NOT attach this TO a house, although it can be right next to a house. The deck will shift up & down a little with the seasons. Your house does not because of the foundation. Moving object connected to non-moving object=problems.

The deck block website has great install info and a DESIGNER program. Tell it what size deck you are building, and it gives you plans and a lumber list.
http://www.deckplans.com/

[Demascus]

could you use the piers and 4x4's to raise this deck say 7 feet, of course diagonal bracing would be necessary or would concrete footers be the safer way to go here?

[aoliver5]

can a floating deck be made above ground so it is not joined to the house. I've heard attaching the ledger board allows the water to rot the frame under the sideing and also the snow collects under the deck where it meets the house over the ledger board, where as if it's floating all water and snow just passes down under the deck

[blkhawk]

About your question, it is possible to build a deck without joining it to the house and it is known as a "free standing deck". As long as you use pressure treated lumber you do not have to worry about rotting wood. A "floating deck" is not attached to the house and you can move it anywhere on your yard. However you could build a "free standing deck" next to your house but it will be a permanent structure supported by many 4x4 studs. With a "free standing deck" you do not need to cut into the siding. That seems to be your concern, right? Tell me how your project is going and do an 'ible about it! I wish you the best!

[Mike__]

Does this deck sway a lot? 
8' is a really long distance to span a 2x4.

[blkhawk]

Not a t all! It is very sturdy.

[aoliver5]

I was wondering if a deck 16' x 15' , 5' above the ground could be built as a floating deck. The reason for asking is that someone said it would allow the snow and water to run under the deck where it meets the house where it is attached to the house. My question is what about the ledger board. This is where the person was thinking of the rot that would occur under the sideing and between the house and the deck. What would the joist be attached to for strength and the sona tubes would they go near the house?

[aoliver5]

The floating deck I was asking about is a 16' x 15' and 5' above ground.

[vincent7520]

I thought that "a deck" referred to maritime matters : a floating deck should obviously be built with floating devices that help it float on water and be boarded by boats ?…

Or did I miss something ?…

[rashidmaroof]

i see the word "floating deck" used a lot on diy websites floating refers to the fact that it is not joined to the ground like most decks(patio) by burying 4x4s and pouring cement in the holes. sorry don't know the exact tems used to describe things, not in the construction trade

[vincent7520]

Oh ! …
Of course.
My bad.