Guide To Building a Floating Deck: How To, Cost, and Tips

Building a floating deck is a great way to use your backyard, giving you and your family a space to kick back and relax. Unlike traditional decks, Floating decks are not attached to a building and instead "float" above the ground; people also refer to them as grade-level decks since they're built just above the grade (a technical word for the ground). 

The simplicity of their design and construction makes building a floating deck possible for DIYers with the right tools and knowledge. We'll explore the advantages of building a floating deck and the codes and regulations you need to know. If you run into trouble or need assistance, a local deck and patio construction professional is only a call away.

Advantages of Building a Floating Deck

A floating deck offers numerous advantages compared to traditional pier-supported decks. Here's why building a freestanding deck is more straightforward to build and less expensive:

• Floating decks don't require frost-depth footings because the deck blocks sit on top of the soil.
• Deck blocks allow homeowners to build a floating deck on uneven ground.
• Because there is no digging or excavating, you'll spend less on materials and equipment, skipping the back-breaking work.
• You won't need to buy concrete, mix it, or clean up the mess after the build.
• You won't risk hitting a sewage pipe or service cable by digging holes for the piers.
• There's no need for handrails since the deck is close to the ground.
• Because a floating deck is ground level, repairing and maintaining it is convenient and relatively easy.

A floating deck is easy to build for DIYers with the right tools and knowledge. It's also easy to care for and has built-in mobility because it can be disassembled and hauled—try that with a conventional deck!

Pro Tip: If you have an existing deck in poor condition, you may not have to build a new deck from scratch—deck repair services may be a better option.

Floating Deck Codes and Regulations

Another benefit of a floating deck is that you might not need a permit to build it. You likely