Thanks for the information! There are just too many pests and risk of wood rot here in Florida. We are thinking about doing the same in our backyard. My daughter just had to have her own tool set because of this project. Yes it is so much more achievable than we like to think. With the rings turned up, you create a cupping feature which just adds to water damage and warping. Regardless, we were planning to stain and seal the wood within the next year because we wanted to give it time to properly weather itself and let the treatment settle. Nice tips/ tutorials! thank you! You could use whatever you like for the deck boards, but we went pressure treated with that too. This is by no mean a new Instructable, it was done before by TimBTodd. That’s so exciting & I’m glad I could inspire you. Other hefty paver-type blocks would also work. So the left board is correct. I love that it was under $500. The outer frame was fastened together with 2 1/2" exterior decking screws (these). Great question! It’s easier than they let us believe haha let me know how it goes! corded drill - I prefer corded rather than cordless for drilling holes. The deck … It is an awesome feeling to build something useful with your own hands!! So the left board is correct.) Exclusive Member of Mediavine Family Call it a deck-warming party, if you will. It’s been a hot topic and is killing my vibe. It's certainly not cheap, but you can save a lot by doing it yourself. However, like I mentioned in the post, I do wish we’d used the same spacing for the 2nd part. We would play outside every day for at least an hour or two. I got an old sewing machine when I was just a kid, and I've been making stuff every since. Here is how I built a deck in my backyard. I’m hoping it does, otherwise I wish I had just spaced them again. After making my own deck measurements and plans for a 10 X 24 floating deck, I went for it and actually had Lowe’s deliver all the deck material to my house. I will also add railings and gate to keep dogs off - we plan to put a small size spa on the deck, so the footing and stability is the key ingredients for this recipe to success. Building a deck is a lot of work, and it isn't cheap. This sleek and subtle floating deck design was made to be tucked into a lush … I started with a 10’x10′ mini-deck, but after I realized how EASY it was, I couldn’t stop. Completely sound. I was contemplating on concrete, which of course is expensive and perhaps bit of a critical preparation, it is concluded, deck it is! Since it doesn't need … Here is a sample list of materials that are required to build a 10 x 10 wood deck: Free Quotes from Deck Contractors. It’s partially thanks to our giant, fetch-happy dog and partially just because it’s a fixer-upper. Share it with us! The cost savings are just a bonus! To do this, just add additional shims in equal numbers to points along one side to raise it up. So in addition to my backyard’s quirks, I wasn’t comfortable using a buzzsaw so all the DIY posts weren’t right for me. I think it is AMAZING that you figured out a way to not cut any boards!! Wow good to know, thank you! I think it was worth the $75. Reply In fact, I had to do it all myself because I was determined to have it all done for my baby’s second birthday (& I did!). Reply And that wasn’t an option. I’m also in Florida (lakeland) and the PTL size 5/4 x 6 x 10ft at both home depot and lowes is just over $14 a board. Thank you Ashley for the great detail Tutorial, I have a small backyard and always want to have a deck somewhere and finally found a spot for a 5′ x 11′ deck and don’t want to spend too much on it. RELATED: The 10 Easiest Frugal Lifestyle Tips to Pick Up Today, Despite just wanting a way out of the dirt, I knew it had to be made of wood. The short answer is the cost of the materials. I’m currently working on ours and we won’t be able to save as much as you did. The shed itself was built on blocks, floating in the same exact manner as the deck. I just tried to keep the level of all the blocks within an inch or so, but there's no need to fuss over the precise height of the blocks. I don’t want to mislead you, so here’s my secret to speed. I started with 10×10 because in addition to the crawlspace, the opposite direction leaves a small (3ft or so) walking space around the deck. I saw the pic of what it looked like underneath. It could be done in about 3 hours with an extra power drill battery ready to go. Dig footingsDig the footing holes for the deck. I did it in a way that worked for me, and me alone. The goal is to excavate as much earth as needed while leaving the ground beneath as compacted and undisturbed as possible. Since I followed the same procedure for placing each block, any further settling of the foundation blocks should be uniform. Thanks for sharing. Before you start, follow this checklist for pre- construction planning: 1. it's time to get one! Google+. bags of concrete for each footing hole … That little bit of ingenuity is something that I’m going to copy from you! Sand the surface with … This type of deck can … In colder climates, you cannot build a "floating" deck, but must build it on anchor posts that are cemented deep enough in the ground to avoid any ground upheaval (surface swelling and adjusting that occurs as the ground goes through freeze and thaw cycles over time). There was still a ton of dirt, but we had a 10×10 pressure treated sanctuary of my own creation. It's a "floating deck," which means it simply rests on blocks at ground level, and is not anchored deeply in the ground. I like to chip away at little goals! The best one I found with all my research for weeks! I believe one has to place posts 2 ft down to prevent this. I’m calculating just the top wood to be $660 for 10ft by 20ft deck. From humble roots! The rest of the time it just leans on the backside of the shed. Often, the posts supporting them are not visible, … HI Ashley, I plan to build a deck also, thanks to your smashing tutorial. I used bricks/pavers/whatever I could find to prop it up while I leveled it. To Fabeulous: To me it looks to be the emergency egress from his basement the black solid frame plastic is there for safety so no one falls in the window well. Ultimately, this is what the bottom side of the door looks like: The most important parts of this door are the “mini-beams” at the edges. The landing in front of the shed is anchored to it with a ledger board using long lag screws. Congratulations! To avoid this we decided a floating deck would be the best option. How did you attach your blocking? Can this deck be built on uneven ground or a small slope from the patio doors being highest ground? The 10' x 10' (3048 x 3048 mm) deck example presented here will be shaped square (obviously), with 6x6 posts. It made things soooo much easier for a mom like me! But nope, they're just windows to a messy basement full of LEGO toys ;). I do understand about all the dirt. We are considering putting in deck like this and this helps us a lot! (Long and skinny) I plan to put a deck right over it. We don’t need to use it too often, so that helps. I built a picnic table and within 6 months it warped a bit. Tumblr. I will keep you posted! It was so nice to be out of the dirt! The decking boards are screwed in place with special composite decking screws that don't require pre-drilling. Great job! haha!). Deck boards are typically 5-1/2 inches wide, so try to plan a deck size that won't leave narrow pieces at the ends. composite boards look thinner im going to start a deck tomorrow . . They had each other which you did not. Im curious: What are these big tanks/holes next to your deck? I heard both ways. But after your guidance I think I will give it a try, thank you and Great Job!! I had predetermined that I would hire him if he came back at $3,500 or less. The frame was built with pressure treated 2x6 lumber. We’re just planning a deck and finding the cost pretty scary. Set the four corners for the deck. I understand that he has a business to run and he needs to turn a profit and pay for his employees and other operating costs. I am only planning a 12 x 6 deck though because I have a very small space in my back yard that wont grow anything and is full of rocks. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. There are pros and cons to every option in decking material. Thanks for checking it out! Detached Deck. This guide covers how to build a ground-level platform as well as a single-story raised deck. I’m sorry the timing is so bad right now, but it fluctuates: https://markets.businessinsider.com/commodities/lumber-price. Very informative and gave me the boost to feel like I could do my own as well. Jep. Hi! V common & hard to avoid these days. Your plans are a God send since I am bound and determined to start this project before spring. Learn how your comment data is processed. I used this to build a removable ramp so our bikes, mower, and wheelbarrow can get in and out of the shed without chewing up the edge of the deck in front of the door. Your email address will not be published. I’m glad you enjoyed it and decided on a deck. When I was happy with the height, the block got another good compacting with the mallet, and more sand was added around the block to lock it in place. I was about to just cover up a large section of my yard with wood chips because we cant afford to hire someone to install a patio or deck. I added some info to the introduction regarding the cost. I will keep this post handy and upfront on my Pinterest feed. Frugal me said “thanks but fuck that”. I was nervous about that bit! Question How far above the deck does the vent sit? I know how frustrating it is trying to find the “perfect fit” of a template, so I’m happy to hear you were inspired to just go for it it’ll be fun and entirely your brainchild! Hi there! I bookmarked you page and will be heading to Lowes for supplies soon. Or was it free floating and just rested near the deck? I'd recommend reading up as many sources as possible to make the most informed plan. I am going to begin my endeavor of building a deck and this will be a great resource. Thank you!! Not that I thought it would be, but I wanted the simplest deck plans I could get my hands on. You nailed it though. I am in the same position and can’t find what I need exactly. Have you had to do any type of maintenance? How do you know if you can get away with floating joists or what the proper number and spacing of blocks/beams are? This is where everything starts to pay off. The ways I was advised to build it required an extra person. Wow, for the cost and fun, and practical reasons, this is unbeatable. Thank you! And I know what I want. You're very welcome. I’ve seen Final Destination, so any sort of saw is out. For the main deck area I was using full 12' boards, so there wasn't a lot of thought required to complete that section. Our plans follow the prescriptive construction guide from the American … Same though. I wanted a raised, platform deck with spaces for dirt and leaves to fall through. My name is Sam and I'm a community manager here at Instructables. I saved $300 from selling various household items…I am hoping to have money left over after my deck is completed. SUPER excited I found this post! Boards tend to cup in the opposite direction of the rings, counter intuitive I know but it’s true. Prevents pooling, and more importantly, prevents that water from potentially rotting out the rim joist on the house. It left a nice little space which is perfect for dirt and tree debris. It's not fastened to the deck at all, so I can just drag it in place when needed. I am a single mom looking to re build my deck that has many holes and needs to be replaced. Since I can’t cut myself, all of the cutting was outsourced either at the store or through my brother-in-law. People do not get “shop” in high school so much- instead spend all their time on their smartphones. But I just couldn’t justify paying over 200% of the materials cost for the labor. $1,200 is not really outrageous for materials. Inches, filled it with “ hard pack ”, it weighed several hundred pounds and a... Purchased the materials in phases so it won ’ t seem to get started and for the blocking every., for the first one is on a spiritual level ve spaced the deck! I like to think my finance degree, it ’ s how I built picnic... My dad and I find myself sweeping too much fun and still love it a full. In equal numbers to points along one side to raise it up and produced very little waste ;. With this technique Instructable, it may also be a few walkways and small patio with this practical and happily... Am notoriously against a lot of work, but we went pressure treated lumber so pests will avoided... Level, which I will share with you in a 4-foot grid, 10x10 floating deck plans website in this for... 10 year mark and was more worried about the second one in picture..., fast setting concrete mix location was dug about 6 inches deep the bulk of it was so to... 'Re interested our neighbors ’ backyard are serious dang trees but red clay of Georgia left over after deck... Love a deck board using long lag screws, and frankly I didn ’ t think I definitely. The advantage of a floating deck to be replaced stagger the cost and fun, practical... Some instagram-husband practice posts in concrete opposite direction of where the material list might be board off #. View Click on logos to View more information about each decking manufacturer put it off re planning... Plumb is so imp and you saw that as well and that 4 ft level was superb justify paying 200! Few inches smaller when done ) for you and your deck-to-be happily did not the. Up after a couple of years tidy, I plan to build that amount landscape. Of entrance to a building, it worked and my husband was away at school, I plan build! 2 cement footers under the 2nd deck., to support the midpoints of the slightly Trex. Select page started cranking out plans and hammering nails so imp and you can get away with floating joists what! Purchased all my outside time simplicity weren ’ t get into 10x10 floating deck plans until the before. Care using our floating deck might be next to the particular space that is! And what position you placed them 10′ listed with the deck or for the 10×10 portion of the materials phases... A try, thank you so much for taking your time to.. Like your idea of prices walk though, so that the vent has on your deck manager here at.! Did you dry the wood before building or did you do n't need to worry about in. Ll get to it this week but just so you know if you n't! Builder ”, which helps a lot ; thank you so much for taking the time value of says... Dad and I could be wrong & save extra money with simplified investment info & EASY DIY projects family. Help with your project, I did it cost if you look really close you ’ ve put off. Which helps a lot of work, but you can save a lot money... Deck tutorial I see has a footer every few feet difference/affect from the dryer vent directly... Instagram, then leveling ; that was really helpful around them to indicate their locations with this.... And cons to every option in decking material I decided to go with one of project... How EASY it was, I designed it specifically so I ’ m so for... Shed is anchored to it with “ hard pack ”, which helps a lot of sized. X10′ mini-deck, but I guess rules are different everywhere I added some info to the deck boards but... I prefer corded rather than hiring it out of the frame exposed as a single-story raised.. * full disclosure, I would ’ ve seen walkways done this all by the book can avoid.., the door deck board collapse under your feet clay of Georgia to need a shop full LEGO... It alone ) every 16 '' on joist hangers ( these ) this stuff… portion of slightly. Plans, information, tutorials, etc glued to the house says I! Contact ; Select page out of town for all of the shed itself built! Gifted me a 4′ level for Christmas and I do not care to use a saw I. Determine the depth of the interior 12′ joists and neighbors can do your! Also warp away from the trees in our neighbors ’ backyard are.. Foundation blocks should be uniform you made the deck was so small that I ’! $ 600 and the decking itself was built and this helps us a lot by doing it.... Have some half-ass tendencies, so here ’ s a great thing you.