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There are several things that can finally complete your backyard, like a classic white picket fence or a garden brimming with gorgeous blooms. But there is something that perhaps you haven’t thought of: a floating deck. If you’re not familiar with this particular kind of deck, it's one that is not attached to a house and oftentimes looks as if it’s, well, "floating." They also tend to be easier to build than a standard deck, with railings that connect to a structure, plus they can go virtually anywhere. Could your garden use a resting spot where you’ll display plants and a bistro set? How about a mini deck for your child’s playhouse? Or if you’re working with a sloped backyard or an awkward corner, a floating deck could be just the perfect solution. They’re also ideal for outdoor kitchens and setting up hammocks. The other bonus is you can build onto them to suit your needs and tastes, like adding a pergola, walls, or a privacy screen. Here are 12 DIY ideas that will get you started.
DIY Floating Deck with Pergola
Why yes, you can add a pergola to a floating deck! It’s just the thing if you need a little shade or want to hang some twinkling lights.
Get the tutorial at Jen Woodhouse.
DIY Floating Deck with Privacy Screen
If your house backs up to another, you might desire a bit of privacy. Construct your floating deck, then add a privacy screen that’s painted black with chevron detailing for a cool, modern touch.
Get the tutorial at Handmade Haven.
DIY Corner Floating Deck
Maybe you have a random corner in your backyard that could just use a little something. Here, we recommend a floating deck that will fill up the corner and provide an extra outdoor seating area.
Get the tutorial at House by the Bay Design.
DIY Railroad Tie and Concrete Floating Deck
To give your floating deck a country look with vintage charm, look no further than railroad ties which act as supports. It’s perfect for a garden or to accompany an adorable she shed.
Get the tutorial at Daisy Mae Belle.
DIY Mini Floating Deck
Perhaps you’re not in the market for a full-scale deck in your backyard. May we suggest a teeny one that can sit alongside your hose instead? It’ll keep your boots from getting muddy and offer a spot to stand.
Get the tutorial at Kippi at Home.
DIY Garden Floating Deck
If you’ve ever wanted to simply sit in the center of your garden and breathe the aroma of all your flowers, you’re in luck. You can build a lovely, scaled-down floating deck so you can enjoy your garden to the fullest.
Get the tutorial at Cottage at the Crossroads.
DIY Floating Deck for a Playhouse
To transform your child’s playhouse from a house to a home, look no further than an easy (and way too cute!) floating deck. You’ll even be able to add a kid-sized bench and welcome mat.
Get the tutorial at Rose to Life.
DIY Floating Deck with Walls
Your floating deck can be transformed into a “room” all its own with a set of privacy walls. Add a table, chair, and string lights to make it feel like an outdoor living room.
Get the tutorial at Love Create Celebrate.
DIY Small Floating Deck
If you’re working with a diminutive space, never fear. A floating deck can go nearly anywhere in a yard, even if it’s alongside your front entryway.
Learn more at Seeking Alexi.
DIY Backyard Floating Deck
To really add to the luxe factor of your backyard, consider building a floating deck that rests underneath a hammock. This idyllic corner in an Australian backyard looks positively blissful.
Get the tutorial at Ravenscourt Gardens.
Outdoor Kitchen Floating Deck
You can always place a floating deck alongside an existing deck, which will give you lots more room. Even better? You can turn that floating deck into an outdoor kitchen!
Learn more at Place of my Taste.
DIY Sloped Backyard Floating Deck
OK, so you’re working with a sloped backyard. Sure, it’s less than ideal, but with this DIY, you can conquer that sloped backyard and still build a floating deck that you and your family will love.
Learn more at Remodelando la Casa.
Shelby Deering is a freelance lifestyle writer who frequently covers home design and decor for national publications. She has worked as a full-time freelance writer for over a decade, and has worked in the industry for nearly 20 years, writing home tours, interviewing top designers, and beautifying her own home. She holds a master's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and when she's not writing, you can find her at thrift stores and flea markets, running, or exploring local trails in Madison, Wisconsin, with her husband and corgi, Dolly.
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