Floating deck plans free

This diy step by step article is about floating deck plans free. We suggest you to build an octagonal deck in your backyard, rather than construct a regular platform next to your house. Building a floating deck has its advantages, both from design or functional considerations, as you can enjoy taking a meal with your family, surrounded by trees, grass and nice flowers. In order to get to the octagonal deck, you have to construct a nice wooden pathway. In addition, the best part about our floating deck plans free is that you can adjust the dimensions as to fit your needs and tastes.

Use stakes to layout the octagonal deck and the walkways. Make sure that the diagonals of the octagonal decks are even, before digging the holes. The concept of a floating deck implies the following fact: the joist structure is not secured by any bolts to the footings. Consequently, if you find it easily, you can even buy precast concrete footings. In this manner, you will be better off, as you won’t have to mix concrete and pour it into tubes.

The fact that the octagonal deck is only a little above the ground level, makes it a cozy space which fits perfectly with the vegetation in your backyard. Nevertheless, the nice deck bench and the two wooden cabinets remind us that the floating deck is perfect for dinning together with your family or just admiring the surroundings. Building such a low floating deck requires a relatively level site. Consequently, be prepared to excavate a lot of soil, until you get a proper construction area. This is one of the hardest task of the project, so be prepared to work hard until you get the job done in a professional manner. Use a long spirit level to check the construction site, before installing the deck joists.

When building the octagonal frame you have to make the cuts with the circular saw at 22 1/2º (so that the good piece will have 67 1/2º). When installing the interior joists, make sure they have the same length and more importantly, they are perfectly square. When installing the wooden decking, allow it to overhang 1 1/2” on each side of the octagonal frame. This action has two reasons: on one hand it drives away the water and you can install side skirting. In addition, use pressure-treated wood, as to resist to water, moisture and heat. The design of this floating deck implies the installation of the wooden beams in direct contact with the ground, so you have to use treated wood. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.

Made from this plan

In order to build a floating deck, you need the following:

Materials

• 4×4 wooden posts
• Concrete tubes and concrete
• Post anchors and screws
• 2×4 decking
• 2×6 joists
• Corner hardware
• 2×2 lumber

• 2 1/2″ screws, 1 5/8″ screws
• stain, glue, putty

Tools

• Safety gloves, glasses
• Circular saw and miter saw
• Hammer, spirit level, carpentry pencil
• Concrete mixer
• Electric screwdriver

Tips

• Use a laser level for accuracy
• When installing the wooden decking, allow it to overhang 1 1/2” on each side of the octagonal frame

Time

• One weekend

My best tips on building octagonal floating deck plans:

An octagonal floating deck is a unique and beautiful addition to any backyard, providing a stylish outdoor space for relaxing, entertaining, or even adding a hot tub. Unlike a traditional deck, a floating deck doesn’t require digging deep footings, making it easier and faster to build. Here are my best tips for building an octagonal floating deck, from planning to finishing touches.

1. Plan Your Design and Layout

Before you begin construction, it’s important to carefully plan your deck:

• Size: Decide on the size of your octagonal deck. A common size is 12×12 feet or 16×16 feet, but you can adjust the dimensions based on your space and needs.
• Location: Choose a flat, level area in your yard. Ensure the space is clear of obstacles like tree roots or rocks, and check for any underground utilities before building.
• Materials: Use pressure-treated lumber for durability and resistance to rot. Common materials include 4×4 posts for the frame, 2×6 or 2×8 joists, and decking boards for the surface. Consider composite decking if you want low-maintenance material.
• Tools: Gather the necessary tools, including a measuring tape, circular saw, drill, level, post hole digger, and screwdriver.

Proper planning ensures the deck will be both functional and visually appealing.

2. Prepare the Ground

Preparing the ground is essential for creating a stable foundation:

• Mark the area: Use stakes and string to mark the octagonal shape on the ground. Measure each side carefully to ensure the sides are equal and the angles are 45 degrees.
• Level the ground: Remove grass and debris from the area, then level the ground as much as possible. You can use gravel or sand to create a flat surface if needed.
• Install deck blocks or footings: For a floating deck, use deck blocks or concrete piers as the foundation. Space the blocks evenly under the corners and sides of the octagon, making sure they are level. You’ll typically need 8-10 deck blocks for an octagonal deck.

Proper ground preparation helps prevent shifting or settling over time.

3. Build the Frame

The frame is the backbone of your floating deck, so it needs to be sturdy:

• Cut the joists: Cut your 2×6 or 2×8 boards to form the octagonal frame. Make sure the cuts are precise and that each side is equal in length.
• Assemble the octagon: Lay the boards in place and connect them at the corners using deck screws or galvanized lag bolts. Use a protractor or speed square to ensure the corners form perfect 135-degree angles.
• Add interior support: Once the outer frame is complete, add interior joists to support the decking. Install joists from corner to corner, forming a cross in the middle. Then, add additional joists to fill in the sections of the octagon, ensuring that no space is more than 16 inches apart.

Check that the frame is level and sturdy before moving on to the decking.

4. Install the Decking Boards

Once the frame is complete, it’s time to add the decking boards:

• Cut the boards: Start by cutting the boards to size. The first row of decking boards should be cut to match the length of each side of the octagon. As you work inward, the boards will get shorter.
• Stagger the boards: For a professional look, stagger the ends of the decking boards so they don’t all line up in one place. This gives the deck a more natural and seamless appearance.
• Secure the boards: Use deck screws or hidden fasteners to attach the decking boards to the joists. Make sure each board is securely fastened, but don’t overtighten, as this can damage the wood.

Make sure to leave a small gap (about 1/8 inch) between the boards for drainage and expansion.

5. Add a Decorative Skirt

To give your octagonal deck a polished and finished look, consider adding a skirt around the base:

• Cut skirting boards: Cut pressure-treated boards to fit around the base of the deck, following the octagonal shape. The boards should be slightly longer than the distance from the ground to the deck surface to account for any slight unevenness.
• Attach the skirting: Secure the boards to the frame using deck screws, leaving a small gap between the ground and the bottom of the skirt for ventilation.

A skirt helps hide the deck’s support structure and gives it a clean, professional appearance.

6. Install Railings (Optional)

If you want to add railings for safety or style, you can incorporate them into your design:

• Post placement: Install 4×4 posts at each corner of the octagon. These posts will support the railing.
• Railing design: Depending on your preference, you can use horizontal or vertical balusters to create the railing. Make sure the height of the railing complies with local building codes (typically about 36-42 inches).
• Secure the railings: Attach the railings to the posts using deck screws. Ensure that the spacing between balusters is no more than 4 inches to meet safety standards.

Railings add safety and define the deck space, especially if the deck is raised.

7. Seal or Stain the Deck

To protect your deck from the elements and extend its lifespan, apply a sealer or stain:

• Choose the right product: If you want to enhance the natural wood grain, opt for a clear sealant. If you prefer a colored finish, use a deck stain in your desired shade.
• Apply evenly: Use a paintbrush or roller to apply the stain or sealant evenly across the entire surface of the deck, including the edges and sides of the boards. Let it dry fully before using the deck.

Sealing or staining the deck protects it from UV rays, moisture, and wear, ensuring it stays in good condition for years to come.

Bonus Tip: Add Built-In Seating or Planters For an extra touch of style and functionality, consider building built-in seating or planter boxes along the edges of the octagonal deck. These features add seating for guests and enhance the overall look of the deck.

Floating deck plans free

Leveling deck footings

When building the deck, after you have set the layout of the posts, you have to dig the holes and install the concrete tubes. As you can see in the image, you have to secure the concrete forms by using 2 wooden brackets and several screws. Remember that the 2×4 brackets must be set on excavated ground.

Next, you must make sure that all the footings are level, so consequently you have to use a spirit level.

Deck footing

The wooden posts that support the deck structure may be inserted in concrete or anchored by using a post hardware. Each of this option is good, but taking into consideration the low elevation of the deck, we recommend you to set the post directly into concrete.

The depth of the footings depends on the soil structure, but usually is between 1-2′. After the concrete has dried out, you should fill the space around the concrete tube by using the excavated ground.

Octagonal deck structure

Next, after you have built the footings and installed the 4×4 posts, you have to continue the project by building the octagonal structure. Consequently, you have to use 2×6 joists,  corner hardware and lag screws, as to build a rigid deck frame.

In order to cut the wooden joists, you have to use a good circular saw.  Measure carefully the needed joists and work with patience, as to get the job done in a professional manner.

Floating deck plans

Continue the project by installing the decking boards. Therefore, align the 2×4 boards at both ends, drill several pilot holes and insert the decking screws. Make sure you leave at least 1/2” from the edges of the boards, to prevent wood from splitting.

Octagonal deck

After you have built the frame, by using our floating deck plans, you have to install the wooden decking. Therefore, fasten the 2×6 decking by using screws in the deck frame. Make sure you install the screws properly, otherwise the heads of the screws won’t be level with the decking surface.

In order to cut the decking in the octagonal shape, you have to use chalk line to draw the cut line. Next, use a circular saw to make the cut and an orbital sander to smooth the edges.

Octagonal deck bench

In our floating plans free, we also show you how to build a nice deck bench and two wooden cabinets. In this way you can build a nice area where to rest or take a meal.

In the image, you can see the dimension we recommend you to use, but you have to remember that you can adjust them as to fit your needs and tastes. Building the bench is not difficult, you just have to use the right tools and materials.

Deck bench

Therefore, the bench has to be supported by two 4×4 posts and a couple of brackets. In addition, you have to build a simple wooden frame in order to fasten the 2×4 wooden boards.

The wooden posts must be fastened to the deck structure, as to be able to support your weight properly. In order to make the joint rigid, you have to use long lag screws. In order to make the cuts, you have to use a circular saw or a jigsaw.

Deck cabinets

Last but not least, in this image you can see how to build deck cabinets. Consequently, use 2×6 wooden boards and 2×2 in order to make a rigid frame. In order to fasten the wooden boards, you have to drive in screws or nails. Make sure the walls of the cabinets are plumb, by using a spirit level. Work with great care using our floating deck plans free.

Inside the cabinet you could build a shelf, on which you can store different things or even plant flowers.

Deck plans free

Sand the surface with medium grit sandpaper, using a sand block or a orbital sander. Afterwards, apply several coats of varnish, to prevent wood decay or water damage.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to build a sturdy, stylish octagonal floating deck that provides the perfect space for outdoor relaxation or entertaining. With a bit of planning and attention to detail, your DIY deck will become a standout feature in your backyard.

Thank you for reading our article on floating deck plans, and we recommend you to check out the rest of our projects. Please share our articles with your friends, by using the social media widgets.

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