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.

Products used:

Decor:

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[alexanderburlingame]

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

[cherylbirkbeck]

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!!!

[williamdarling]

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!

[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.

[mutangpadan]

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.

[AStanton]

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".

[qmyers]

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

[timmoore]

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

[piktormusic]

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. 👍

[Austin-uiin]

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

[freedomofreligion]

That pneumatic nailer is bomb. ❤
Absolutely gorgeous.

[bridgetd]

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

[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.

[cherylm]

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

[nikitawhite]

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

[nicholashenry]

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

[EndALLofNothing]

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

[ebnyflyer]

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

[Geminian]

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

[brendamorrow]

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