Are you looking for information on how to build a floating deck? If so, you are not alone. More people want to learn how to create this type of structure for any number of reasons. Maybe they want to put part of their back yard to better use. Perhaps they like the idea of being able to hang out and relax outdoors. Or maybe they want to have an additional external space for entertaining family members and guests. Whatever the reason, more people want to know how to build a floating deck themselves. The idea behind this type of deck is that it is not connected to any existing structure. So it does not attach to the house, for instance. Instead, this is more of a semi permanent construction so that it can be created and put in place relatively easily, while at the same time it can be moved to a different location if that is required later on.
Determine the size
One of the first things that needs to be figured out and finalized is exactly how large the floating deck is intended to be. This will have a direct effect on the scope of the support structure, which will need to be created underneath it. As opposed to other types of decks, the support structure of a floating deck is relatively impermanent and simple. This is what allows it to be moved in certain cases. Once the dimensions of the deck have been finalized and the materials and tools have been gathered, it will be time to prepare the part of the yard or lot where the deck will be installed.
Prepare the ground
You need to check the yard or lot to determine if the ground is level. If it is not, you will need to make adjustments as you place the blocks used to hold the frame in place so that the deck itself will be level, even if the ground is not. You may also do some digging in the ground in this area in order to make the soil flat. You can begin to place the blocks in place by starting with the ones that go into the corners. You will want to create some holes in the soil for the blocks to go in. This will allow you to make the adjustments in height that may be required to keep these on a level plane. The holes and blocks will be located based on the measurement of the deck. The deck itself will protrude a little beyond the blocks themselves.
Install the blocks
Once the corners are in place, you will then locate the blocks, which go inside the perimeter and which are meant to support the interior beams. Again, you will have to do some digging to give the blocks a place to sit, while also allowing them to be adjusted as necessary. The number of interior blocks will depend on the size of your deck. Make sure that these interior blocks are level as well. Concrete can then be used to help ensure that the blocks remain steady and in place. From there you can start laying the beams into the blocks. Make sure that the beams you purchase have been treated to prevent rot and warping later on.
Now lay the planks
Once the beams have gone into the blocks, thereby creating a support structure for the deck, you can then begin to lay the planks that form the floor of the deck. Start laying these planks from the middle, moving outwards, always making sure to leave a small gap between the planks so that there will be room for expansion due to temperature and other causes. You can use a pencil or other small item to keep the spacing constant. Use deck fasteners to secure the planks to the support structure underneath.
Customize it accordingly
That is the process of how to build a floating deck in a nutshell. While it may seem that the process of how to build a floating deck is fairly straightforward, do consider that the instructions will need to be customized, particularly measurements, diameters and lengths, based on the planned size of the actual construction.
