Explore 19 Exciting DIY Deck Plans and Design Ideas
Are you ready to take your outdoor living space to the next level? Building a deck is a fantastic way to enhance your home and create a cozy spot for relaxation, entertaining, and enjoying the great outdoors. With so many creative and unique deck designs available online, you’re sure to find the perfect inspiration for your dream deck. From floating decks to freestanding and attached designs, there’s something for every style and space.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 19 DIY deck plans and design ideas to help you transform your backyard into a beautiful oasis. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a beginner looking to tackle a new project, these plans provide step-by-step instructions, materials lists, and helpful tips to guide you through the building process. Let’s dive in and discover the perfect deck design for your home!
1. Wood or Composite Deck Plan from Lowe’s
Lowe’s offers a free deck plan that includes everything you need to build a stunning deck, whether you prefer wood or composite materials. With detailed tools and materials lists, design tips, and step-by-step instructions, this plan will walk you through every stage of the building process. Plus, if you’re feeling extra creative, check out Lowe’s Deck Designer tool to create a custom deck that suits your style and needs.
2. Floating Deck Plan by Rogue Engineer
If you’re looking for a versatile deck design that can be placed anywhere in your yard, check out the floating deck plan from Rogue Engineer. This plan features a deck that doesn’t need to be attached to your house, giving you the freedom to place it wherever you desire. With clear instructions, tool and materials lists, and color photos, building this floating deck is a breeze.
3. Ground-Level Floating Deck by The Spruce
Create a relaxing oasis in your backyard with a ground-level floating deck from The Spruce. Designed to be completed in just one weekend, this project offers a retreat where you can unwind and enjoy the outdoors. This plan includes a materials list, cutting list, construction drawings, step-by-step directions, and helpful videos to guide you through the process.
4. Freestanding and Attached Deck by Humboldt Redwood
Humboldt Redwood provides plans for both freestanding and attached decks, giving you options for different yard configurations. Whether you prefer a standalone deck or one that connects to your home, this free plan offers building instructions, diagrams, and blueprints to help you bring your deck vision to life.
5. Octagonal Floating Deck by How To Specialist
For a unique deck design, consider building an octagonal floating deck with a wooden path leading to it from your house. How To Specialist offers a free plan with detailed materials and tools lists, written directions, diagrams, and tips to help you create this eye-catching deck.
6. Pool Deck by Popular Mechanics
Turn your backyard into a vacation spot with a spacious 10-x-18-foot pool deck from Popular Mechanics. This free deck plan provides 10 easy-to-follow steps to help you build a deck that your family will enjoy for years to come. From framing the floor to setting the posts and adding guardrails, this plan covers all the essentials for a beautiful poolside oasis.
7. Free Deck Plans from DoItYourself
DoItYourself offers a variety of deck plans for entertaining, relaxing on patio furniture, and grilling out. Explore their collection of plans to find the perfect design for your outdoor space, complete with advice on materials, preparing and laying out the deck, and building deck railings. Plus, learn how to build on a slope with their handy tips.
8. Single Level Deck Plan by Handyman Wire
Handyman Wire’s free deck plan includes a tool and supply list, planning and construction tips, and detailed illustrations to help you build a single-level deck. Whether your terrain is rocky or flat, this plan offers step-by-step instructions and the option to ask questions in their forums for expert advice.
9. Ground Level Deck Plan by Home Depot
Learn how to build a ground-level deck with Home Depot’s tutorial, which includes a video, materials and tools list, and step-by-step instructions. This advanced project may take a few weekends to complete, but with Home Depot’s decking tool to help you calculate materials, you’ll be well-equipped for the task.
10. Free Deck Designer by Fiberon
Fiberon offers premade deck plans integrated with a free deck designing tool, allowing you to create custom designs and visualize your dream deck. Experiment, modify, and review your plans with this user-friendly tool, whether you’re building the deck yourself or working with a contractor.
11. Deck Designer and Tool by Smart Draw
Get started on your deck design with SmartDraw’s built-in templates and examples for various deck styles, including hot tub decks and single-level designs. Browse through different deck options for inspiration and create a plan that suits your outdoor space.
12. Deck With Built-In Benches by Home Stratosphere
Home Stratosphere’s deck plan features a wooden design with built-in benches for seating and storage. While this plan requires ample space for the deck and benches, it offers a functional and stylish addition to your outdoor area.
13. Platform Deck by Forbes
Transform your backyard into an entertaining space with this simple platform deck design from Forbes. With a few friends and some basic tools, you can create a beautiful area for gatherings in just a few days. Whether you’re starting from scratch or upgrading an existing deck, this project is a great way to enhance your outdoor living space.
14. 8 x 10 Deck, Pool Deck, and Two-Level Deck by Craig Heffernan
Discover video tutorials, joist and post layouts, and material lists for building three types of decks with general contractor Craig Heffernan. Whether you’re interested in a rectangular deck, a pool deck, or a two-level design, these plans provide the guidance you need to bring your deck vision to life.
15. Freestanding Deck by Dengarden
Dengarden offers a free tutorial for building a freestanding deck, whether you need a permanent installation or a temporary structure. With considerations, materials lists, instructions, and sketches provided, you can create a versatile deck that suits your space and lifestyle.
16. 12 x 16 Deck Plan by The Barn Toolbox
Take your deck construction to new heights with a 12 x 16 deck plan from The Barn Toolbox. This plan features a deck elevated 8 feet off the ground, offering a unique and eye-catching design for your outdoor area.
17. 101 Free Deck Plans by Decks.com
Explore a wide range of deck plans for low, medium, and high elevation decks, pool decks, and porch decks with Decks.com. Each plan includes framing, elevation drawings, foot layout, material lists, 3D renderings, building details, and estimated costs, making it easy to find the perfect deck design for your home.
18. Floating Deck by Ugly Duckling House
Create a seamless flow from indoors to outdoors with a freestanding deck design from the Ugly Duckling House. This DIY project is perfect for connecting different areas of your outdoor space, providing distinct zones for relaxation, dining, and entertainment.
19. Project Checklist by TimberTech
Before you start your deck building project, make sure to check out TimberTech’s helpful project checklist. This resource offers considerations for planning your project, choosing materials, determining the number of levels for your deck, incorporating stairs, and more. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or hiring a contractor, this checklist will ensure your deck construction goes smoothly.
By exploring these 19 DIY deck plans and design ideas, you can turn your backyard into a stunning outdoor retreat. Whether you’re looking for a floating deck, a poolside oasis, or a freestanding design, there’s a plan to suit every style and space. With step-by-step instructions, materials lists, and helpful tips, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle your deck building project and create the outdoor living space of your dreams. Get ready to enjoy sunny days and warm evenings on your beautiful new deck!
