How to Build a Floating Deck

A ground-level floating deck (or detached deck) is a great way to add entertaining space to your backyard. We'll walk you through each step, from planning & framing, to installing deck boards & decorating.
Difficulty Level: Advanced. Make sure you check local building codes. If you are not 100% confident building a deck, Lowe's recommends that you hire a professional. Call 1-877-GO-LOWES or low.es/2C2x6Zm to learn more about installation services through Lowe’s.
Products used:
Deck blocks - low.es/2Lj4zWq
2x6 joists - low.es/40gxdcs
Paver base - low.es/2Y5i2a4
Joist hangers - low.es/3L9eyLK
1.5" joist hanger nails - low.es/40i6494
Double joist hangers - low.es/3UFrnjW
Deck anchor - low.es/2xNa3zS
Trex deck boards - low.es/30FnfmX
Trex fascia boards - low.es/2NQkFc0
Hidden deck clips - low.es/32ocEhA
Composite deck screws - low.es/2YMjWcS
Waterproof tape - low.es/43CIJ4Z
Wire mesh - low.es/2G8ifza
Pneumatic palm nailer - low.es/3on0JQx
DeWalt planer - low.es/2Go4Hjp
Bosch router - low.es/2LS4JDE
Slot cutter - low.es/2NSs2ji
Slot cutting arbor - low.es/2XYqGal
Decor:
Dining table - low.es/2JGosTV
Dining chair - low.es/2XQEhwA
Post light - low.es/2JDHxpZ
Lanterns - low.es/2JxoZsk
String lights - low.es/2XINADg
Wood planter boxes - low.es/2SelpGE
Outdoor rug - low.es/2xNbjmp
Hanging basket - low.es/2XHQIzf
Watch Subscribe to Lowe's KZbin: bit.ly/1blLmvD or head to our channel: / lowes
For more ideas to improve your home, check out Lowe's How-To Library or our other social media channels:
Lowe's - www.lowes.com/how-to-library
Facebook - / lowes
Twitter - / lowes
Pinterest - / lowes
Instagram - / loweshomeimprovement

[@alexanderburlingame3161]

Just finished making this deck. For those wondering: - Cost: $2500 - Time: 1 month, working mostly on weekends

[@sarinajuarez7529]

Ripoff

[@tobiuswilcox8858]

Materials only? What was the biggest cost?

[@gfdia35]

A month? That seems extreme

[@SANDAGRA000]

What’s the size of your deck.

[@JapsterInc]

$2500?? no way. maybe if you bought all the tools and decor. just the deck materials would be like $500-ish. i'm doing something slightly larger and estimating around $700.

[@cherylbirkbeck1541]

This was a very informative video. Thank you LOWES for such a detailed step by step. I am a 56 year old female and just finished building my deck, by myself!!!

[@donro3735]

Any lesson learned you want to share?

[@ravimothevari7489]

can you please share pics?

[@majidfathi2725]

رفع نشكي چشم

[@180ztv]

Sure

[@marciar8909]

Cheryl Birkbeck what were the dimensions of your deck, cost and did you use a center board or more deck blocks and longer spans of wood for joists?? I’m in your age group too. Thanks for letting me know it can be done....but moving those deck blocks will be the death of me ...so heavy!!! Lol

[@qmyers367]

If only the wood I get at our LOWES was actually this straight 😂

[@timmoore6055]

That was the cleanest explanation of the process - you could qualify as a teacher any day!

[@pamelamichnoff8227]

Beautiful. !! : )

[@williamdarling1227]

I built floating deck in Pa where we get lots of snow and frozen ground. Was skeptical at first, bu worked out great, still fine after 8 years!

[@alingbeyts5848]

This is one of the best channel that i ever watch. Please make more home improvement videos it really helps a lot.

[@nicholashenry2861]

This is one of my favorite KZbin videos. I've watched it numerous times and now I'm finally about to build one for myself

[@lowes]

Congrats on your new floating deck! We're so glad you found this video helpful, Nicholas.💙

[@ebnyflyer]

I can fly a commercial airliner, But you my friend are on a whole other level.

[@TeutonicBiker]

By far the most informative and detailed explanation of every step that I have ever seen, and I have watched several floating deck instructional videos. Not one comes close to this one. Excellent job sir, on both the deck and the video.

[@cherylm6349]

This is absolutely amazing! The way you explained it leaves no room for error. Thank you for the reminder to check local building codes.

[@mello_yello_23]

That was honestly the most beautiful deck and even beautiful to watch!

[@dallasabram2644]

thanks christina williams, right back at ya

[@piktormusic2538]

Thanks for the detailed instructions and tips. I watched each relevant segment several times as I worked my way carefully through my pile of 2021 priced lumber. I just completed my modified version of this project today. (I changed the dimensions , used cedar decking and did a picture frame design for the deck.) For a fairly unhandandy man, I got great results. 👍

[@nikitawhite6132]

This guy has the most adorable and kind smile at the end of each clip! It has made my day!

[@mutangpadan5311]

I’m no carpenter, but I’m optimistic some of the stuffs in many of your videos can be done without engaging the experts all the time and save some $. I’m addicted to your DIY videos now. All worth the time. Tons of knowledge gained. Thank you Lowe’s.

[@EndALLofNothing]

you have the best technique on KZbin for finding square. ty

[@Austin-ui8in]

This is the BEST deck video on the internet. I need a floating deck so thanks for making this video. Perfecto!!

[@Forlornguild]

Joists are various widths.. if you want a flat deck, line the top of each one up with the top of the cross-member, then attach the hanger. You can screw another board on top of the joist and hang it on the cross-member while you attach the joist hanger.

[@brendamorrow]

We were successful and were very pleased with our end result! Deck turned out great!

[@mrcason6296]

This dude did more than anyone I've ever seen great job

[@AStanton1966]

I've learned the hard way. For the cost of a few extra floor joists, you should stiffen any shed floor or deck by laying the joists out 12" on center instead of 16".

[@Kokujhin]

I live on the third floor of my apartment. Why did i finish this video?

[@Iamtinupena]

😂 no worries, it gonna come handy one day

[@mybackyardcustoms2109]

Thank you for making this video!! It has helped our business Backyard Customs with our recent build. Very thorough.

[@StephenHale-bv7eo]

Great video and perfect for a simple but attractive backyard deck Appreciate the step-by-step instruction and some special considerations like the tree, etc. The most professional platform deck video I've seen!

[@casinoinsider377]

This is what I was looking for. Complete instructions! This video should have had million views! Thank you!

[@iambobby3537]

2.5 mill as of APR 2021

[@debbiedebbie9473]

4.3 MILLION views so far. 🙂☝️❤️

[@wantingtolearn4729]

Edit:Can you build miniature dog homes PLEASE and ideas for their own porch and patio would be AWESOME! i'm not building a deck, however, these videos are entertaining to watch. I also love the quality and as someone mentioned, detailed and clear. I will also add I would actually follow the Lowe's tutorials because I mean it's a hardware company.

[@idjeepindude320]

Kudos to this contractor, these instructions are great!

[@arceliacody5151]

GUYS, you’re a lifesaver! Can you send the Lowe store to my island. Just for me to build my floating deck and I will send it back. That was beautiful! The blocks are savers. Excellent idea. Am sold!! Wooden deck has calming effect compare to concrete. Beautiful presentation. Thanks guys.

[@vanessamendoza3699]

The best video I’ve seen. So detailed and professional at a nice pace. Makes me think I can do this myself.

[@aymanantoun2083]

Excellent I greatly appreciate your video I never seen a professional contractor provided an excellent explanation like yours to educate anyone who is interested to build up a square deck Thank you 🙏 so much and well done 👍

[@BenDeniz5]

Best ever deck tutorial I have ever seen on KZbin.

[@89Geminian]

I have no experience but I’ve watched a lot of videos on how to do this, this was the best by far!

[@shellyskye527]

Thank you for such a clear description of how to make a floating deck. My only thought is that the opening around the tree would make an excellent entry for critters looking for a cozy nest. Maybe more wire there would be in order.

[@facecanvasbeauty]

I love love love this idea! Thank you for posting. Beautiful deck!

[@dallasabram2644]

no problem beautyatafraction

[@lowellirish]

I have landscaped commercially for 20 yrs, and those are the nicest, newest clothes and BOOTS I have ever seen! 🤣🤣

[@Mr__Geno]

you don't have to look like a bum just because you do landscape work.

[@evnw]

this video was so inspirational, i will now build this very deck at my own home.

[@bridgetd2453]

Good Job. Showing this to my husband tomorrow morning. Looks beautiful. This is perfect solution to cover our slopping concrete patio. Amazing. Thanks.

[@steve0826]

You need three husbands, just saying.

[@billywooleyjr9701]

Y

[@marciar8909]

If your concrete is sloping your deck blocks may sink too.

[@ichabodcrane5273]

This video is super calming...

[@davidm2731]

I don't even own a house and I just watched the whole thing.

[@lisarhodes9393]

He's the MAN for the job!

[@spudgun3014]

Great video, just what I needed for my project.

[@leo6princess]

trying this project this weekend. Exactly what I was looking for.

[@daybydaykennels8382]

Just bought a new house need shed for the back yard in soon

[@dallasabram2644]

have fun and listen to taylor swift

[@MimmyJorgan17]

Building a 2nd story deck and wanted an underdeck oasis that was more than just dirt... this helped immensely! I did not know that you didnt have to dig below the frost line for a "step up" deck. Save a lot of digging/back pain! Thank you Lowe's for making content like this and keep up the excellent work!

[@dallasabram2644]

you are very welcome james morgan

[@maxwellancheta837]

Excellent job and so inspiring , by near future i can able to this in my backyard.

[@smallfootprint2961]

Smart guy. Beautiful deck.

[@NoFacePhantom]

This is "NOT" a DIY video but it is a great deck build! 💯🫡

[@maxpain70]

one of the best i have see yet, well explained.

[@techture]

This was therapeutic to watch. Thank you!

[@RCALivingStereo]

Nice work guys You’ve gave me confidence to do this myself

[@zhuwenhao4852]

son of a gun, fantastic craftsmanship.

[@hollicee290]

Thanks for the video, built my first deck by myself. Made it smaller, without steps and just used treated lumber deck boards but it turned out great!

[@TheKRK13]

How big of an area? & what was your cost?

[@bonsummers2657]

Wood direct on dirt?

[@JOIHIINI]

​@@bonsummers2657lol

[@christianbowen2531]

Wow! Amazing to see how this project is done and how the right tools make a difference. If I wanted to build a deck, I'd hire a person like Jay, send him a link to this video, tell him to go to Lowe's, and then sit back and watch him build it!

[@user-rf2ey8ub4d]

WHAT TOOLS ARE REQUIRED? A HAMMER. A SAW. TAPE MEASURE. SPEED SQUARE. SHOVEL. You act as if this guy brought in heavy equipment, these are the BASICS of all tools.

[@christianbowen2531]

@@user-rf2ey8ub4d You sound like you know stuff, which is cool. I suppose I could have been more specific by saying that it's amazing to me to see how a talented individual can build really cool things with the right tools. Just my opinion, friend.

[@breathnstop]

beautifully done. All you need are the right tools. Thank you for this video.

[@Gymjb5]

Beautiful job ,I’m definitely doing this thank you

[@TheUndeadMystery]

Damn this was amazingly well done. Another reason im a fan of lowes. Hope to do something like this soon!

[@Thisisnotmyname0116]

This is so detailed and clear. Makes me feel like we could actually do this! Thanks

[@cesarmarx]

And you can.

[@sellmav]

Don’t be fooled. You’ll find yourself hundreds of dollars out with a total mess in your back yard wondering how much cheaper it would have been to just pay a pro to do it. Been there 🤦🏻‍♀️still fun to watch though.

[@user-rf2ey8ub4d]

Hire a PRO lady. Your desire will be met with the realization that hard work and sweat and the unknown will all add up to an unfinished and often incorrectly built deck.

[@carollina3621]

@@sellmav my sister-in-law did it with her boyfriend a few days ago for the first time and it's amazing.

[@carollina3621]

@@user-rf2ey8ub4d the feeling is not the same. When you DIY, whatever you build, it's wonderful.

[@Lycan_24_7]

That palm nailer is pretty slick!

[@lowes]

It's a great tool to have around!

[@josephrosales3834]

Beautiful work sir!

[@lbw9830]

This video was extremely well done, thank you Lowe’s! And thank you and your assistant too, sir!

[@lyndonmorris3206]

Fantastic job really well explained 👍

[@ByGraceThroughFaith777]

Lowe's instructional videos are the best in the business. Mad props to your team!!! Just update you website please, the search functionality is frustrating...

[@AStanton1966]

I agree. They did one on how to install a garbage disposal that helped me.

[@trandaweekes2872]

Am lost too 😭.

[@IrishAndy85]

This is the cleanest sharp dressed contractor I have ever seen. Your work is immaculate and very professional. I wish there were more like you in Ireland. My contractor botched my house and ran with thousands of euro I paid him.

[@bonsummers2657]

Was it an Irishman? Or a foreigner?

[@SuperTimvid]

Beautiful craftmanship 5 stars

[@AdriTosta]

This is amazing! I’ts almost addicting to watch this! Amazing deck!

[@toobad9946]

I already have a floating deck. It's called a dock!

[@brandonbush8961]

Congrats now go enjoy it

[@19moods]

Love this video. Keep coming back to it.

[@DIYBuilt]

Great Look. Going to try with treated wood this spring .

[@jonathancastro4322]

This was so inspiring I went and took the weeds out of my grass

[@AdrianJayeOnline]

LOLOLOLOL

[@14kchop]

Hahaha

[@NubiLachelle]

😆 😆 😆

[@keriissovery9566]

😂 🤣

[@tierrawashington8513]

😂😂

[@robinhanff4248]

Looks awesome!!

[@trevy8673]

Awesome. I really enjoyed watching this. Thanks heaps

[@niamhneevekinsella7951]

Brilliant clear instructions

[@Sarah.Jade.]

I was sleeping listening to ASMR and somehow when I woke up I was here...

[@johnmcdonald5998]

Very well explained, most appreciated.

[@stephaniecole962]

very clear teacher. very nice end product

[@jimilee4609]

Stunning! Great Job! Thank You!

[@phittable]

Looks like a fun project! I’ll wait until I move into my new home then build A 6x6 deck! Lol

[@AlegnaAjai]

love this....would never do it myself but defiitely wouldnt mind hiring someone to do so!

[@jackies35]

Right! However, I won't mind working along with them. Once I get tired, I could leave it all to them.

[@vincentmckinney582]

I made the 2x6 jig. Great help

[@beautybeast3649]

Beautiful Area 😍😍

[@sergekouyoumdjian9579]

Doesn't the paver base erode away with the rain over time and cause sinking of the cement blocks?

[@Ezdvd1]

On the center beam when putting on the joist hangers do you have to put screws or nails in at an angle? If not would they interfere with the hanger nails from the other side?

[@whitbyretreat145]

Pretty detailed. Great job!

[@debbiedebbie9473]

4.3 MILLION views so far ! 🙂☝️❤️

[@76ers]

2:22 - Remember in Math class when you thought you'd never use Geometry in the real world?

[@ryansullivan2933]

76ers damn you Pythagoras!

[@donoberloh]

I'n my math class I teach the 3-4-5 methods first then go one to the pathag

[@sodarndonestopthelies6514]

I went from site to site to site looking for exactly what he did because l forgot the math calculation and didnt even know how to word it to google it 😜😳😳😳😀he saved my butt

[@gardenbugdesigns]

It would be fantastic if you could include an estimate of how much this deck would cost!! This video couldn’t have come at a better time as I am in the beginning stages of planning this project. Things just got a whole lot easier.

[@kimbenson118]

I've been addding up the costs for myself and its atleast $1400-$1500 for the deck-- cheaper doing it yourself compared to having it constructed

[@KJAM3o3]

Lumber is priced differently according to your location

[@SuperDave44Mag]

@@kimbenson118 The way he built that particular deck, with all its over-kill, it would cost an easy $2400-$2600. This particular deck shouldn't run you over $600-$800 for the average DIY'er (depending on area lumber costs).

[@ChrisDPM]

Id say like 700-900 for the frame and footings. The decking should be around 500-800 for wood..... easily 3x as much for the composite boards

[@travis8106]

Plan a layout and look up the materials dude

[@gooondie]

Drink every time this man says speed square

[@erickguerra5011]

Great deck building video tips ! You're the BEST ! Thank you, DIY Fan

[@MsMykitchen]

It looks stunning..you're very talented w/ your helper. I'm wondering HOW MUCH I need to spend to build a deck like this?? Congratulations.

[@smallfootprint2961]

Take your supply list to Lowe's. They'll help with that.

[@jameslawlor1404]

About $30,000 in this crazy azz market

[@renjoh]

@@jameslawlor1404 🤣🤣🤣

[@Losttouchjs]

I hope that tree done growing 🙏

[@Losttouchjs]

@Man Handler 😂 The tree getting wider is not the issue! It’s what’s happening underneath! If the tree has a lot of growing to do then the roots underneath will lift the frame over time. Same thing happened to my friend. So you see it’s not that simple.

[@CarlosRamirez-oz7pc]

Great video! Well explained. Thank you.

[@sunseekermama]

A very helpful video.Thank you!

[@redblue40rc33]

ANNNNND that tree is gonna get huge one day

[@landonsmith2714]

Cut the hole bigger problem solved

[@Bryan46162]

This guy must have stock in Deck Blocks.

[@joekind1]

OVERKILL>

[@CoryNadilo]

Agreed, this is way overkill

[@troyray4375]

Way overkill..deck for a elephant..lol

[@GJL2]

very easy to follow, perfect pacing

[@user-gi3xj8nz3s]

Great details on this video keep the videos going. I think I just might go ahead and do this job on the weekend.

[@ny1fanta]

Thank you for the informative video, I just finished this similar deck. took me about 2 weeks tho lol.

[@lowes]

Hey Zee Wil! Love hearing you built one of these yourself 💪🏼 We’re putting together a highlight video of DIY projects our KZbin subscribers have done and we’d love to include yours! Nothing fancy…just looking for either an image or a quick video of the finished project. If you’re interested, send me an email at [e-mail]!

[@shergillG]

Hi there, One concern that Ive heard a couple times now with using the deck blocks is that the ground sagging with rain fall etc. I want to make my deck exactly like how this is made. Is that concern valid and if so how what can i do about that?

[@dee101472]

@@shergillG that's why there is a trench...it will not rain under the deck.

[@gilmartinez29]

Where can I get the exact measurements of the perimeters of the rim joists & center beam?

[@widescreen1272]

Thanks for the thorough instructions. I can finally sprinkler my loan twice a day!

[@fernandoalmader9819]

That was amazing. Thank you for this video.

[@mikeortiz568]

Always leave one side long for a perfect layout so that your not trimming the last top panel.

[@tOnySi]

This made me want to go shop at lowes instead of home depot

[@DuongNguyen-uh1iu]

Really love it!!! Thank you so much!

[@geordiegamer96]

Great video very helpful!