38 Low-Cost Floating Deck Designs to Enhance Your Outdoor Space
Building a floating deck is a great way to add style and functionality to your backyard without spending a fortune.
With the right design, you can create a beautiful outdoor retreat that feels luxurious, even on a tight budget.
In this list of 38 low-budget floating deck ideas, you'll find creative and affordable ways to spruce up your backyard, offering plenty of inspiration to transform your outdoor space into a stylish oasis.
Patio Extension Deck
Extending your patio with a small floating deck can give you a bit more space for outdoor activities. Using pressure-treated wood beams, the deck adds an elevated feel, contrasting nicely with the patio’s level ground.
The black paint enhances the modern appeal, making it a stylish extension of your backyard.
DIY Hexagonal Floating Deck
A hexagonal floating deck is a clever way to maximize your space, especially if you have a staircase leading down to your yard. Positioned higher than the ground level, this deck shape offers a unique, boho-inspired aesthetic, while the addition of a pergola creates a cozy outdoor retreat.
DIY Pallet Deck
Pallet decks are one of the simplest and cheapest ways to add charm to your yard. By repurposing pallet slats, you can craft a cascading deck with geometric sections that give a modern twist.
The pallet wood naturally blends with your landscape, offering both function and style without breaking the bank.
Corner Floating Deck Idea
For those with uneven terrain, a small corner floating deck is an excellent solution. The support system underneath the deck compensates for the height differences, providing a stable surface for seating.
An umbrella or some greenery makes this budget-friendly nook a comfortable spot for relaxation.
Repurposed Wood Floating Deck
Rustic charm radiates from this floating deck made with reclaimed wood and railroad supports. The combination of blonde wood and freestanding planters with clay pots creates a warm, earthy atmosphere, making it feel like a natural extension of your garden.
Perfect for a quaint, vintage touch.
Floating Deck on Uneven Ground
An outdoor nook with a floating deck over gravel creates the perfect spot for grilling or lounging. The gravel bed extends beyond the deck, blending into a rock garden with greenery, providing both function and beauty to the space.
Mimic Traditional Deck
The rustic weathered wood of this floating pallet deck pairs beautifully with brick elements to create a serene outdoor space. The uneven ground is leveled with cement feet, giving the deck a stable base while maintaining a charming, earthy aesthetic.
Floating Deck with Fabric Privacy Walls
A simple and affordable privacy solution for floating decks is using curtain rods and fabric to create movable walls. This setup adds a cozy, indoor-outdoor feel to your deck, providing flexibility in design and atmosphere.
Ideal for those who love a homely touch outdoors.
Deck Over Concrete Slab
A floating deck placed over a concrete slab offers an affordable way to refresh an outdoor space. With some well-placed wood sections, you can cover or even extend your existing patio.
It’s an easy, budget-friendly solution for sprucing up your backyard.
No-Dig Deck
You don’t always need to dig to build a deck. This no-dig floating deck relies on wooden frames and concrete blocks for a sturdy, easy-to-install design.
It’s perfect for DIYers seeking a quick, hassle-free way to add outdoor living space.
Cozy Elevated Deck
Use a floating deck as an extension of your home’s entryway by building a platform that connects to your front porch. This elevated deck covers stairs and provides an inviting space to display outdoor decor.
It’s both functional and decorative, offering a welcoming approach to your home.
Deck Over Mulch
A floating deck placed over mulch creates a low-maintenance, natural look for your backyard. Posts driven into the ground provide support, and vertical pallets against the fence complete the design with colorful blooms.
It’s a simple, charming way to enhance your garden.
Paver Walkway with Floating Deck
A raised floating deck bridges the gap between garden paths and lawn spaces. The deck stands out against the greenery and paver walkways, creating a seamless transition between outdoor areas.
It’s a fantastic way to make different sections of your yard more cohesive.
Outdoor Living on Floating Deck
If you have a large backyard, building a floating deck directly on the ground can create a functional outdoor living area. Using gravel or a similar base, this space is perfect for alfresco dining or casual lounging.
With some well-placed furniture, it can become a favorite gathering spot.
Floating Deck by the Fence
For a more permanent solution, placing a floating deck alongside an existing fence can offer instant privacy. The fence serves as a natural screen, while the deck becomes a cozy extension of your backyard, combining functionality and design without added cost.
Salvaged Pallet Floating Deck
Repurposing old pallets to create a firepit deck is one of the cheapest ways to build a floating deck. By tightly placing pallets together and securing them, you can create an inviting outdoor area in no time.
Pair it with comfortable seating for a relaxed evening by the fire.
Deck with Pergola
A deck paired with a pergola can create a year-round outdoor oasis. The pergola adds a sense of structure and shelter, and when both elements share the same wood finish, the entire area feels cohesive and inviting.
It’s the perfect way to enjoy your backyard no matter the season.
Large Floating Deck
Larger backyards can benefit from a more expansive floating deck. This design allows for more guests and greater functionality, whether for hosting gatherings or simply enjoying the space.
It provides the perfect outdoor setup for larger families or entertaining friends.
Pallet Deck with Built-in Firepit
A pallet deck with a built-in fire pit is an excellent budget-friendly option for small backyard spaces. Simply arrange the pallets to form a base, leaving room in the center for the firepit.
This setup provides warmth and coziness for chilly nights under the stars.
Japanese Garden Deck
Build a floating deck to embrace nature by placing it near a pond, under trees, or next to a fountain. Wood planks blend seamlessly with natural surroundings, allowing you to connect with the outdoors in a peaceful, harmonious setting.
Ideal for meditation or relaxation.
Concrete Deck
Concrete can make a durable and modern floating deck. Though pricier than wood, it offers low maintenance and a sleek, contemporary look.
Concrete decks can be poured to fit any shape, making them a versatile option for homeowners looking for something different.
Cinder Block Floating Deck Support
Cinder blocks make a durable and affordable base for a floating deck. Their strength and stability offer solid support for the wooden deck structure, allowing you to build a secure outdoor area without digging or extensive groundwork.
A great choice for budget-conscious DIYers.
Deck Over Patio
You can cover a concrete patio with a floating deck for added warmth and texture. By aligning reclaimed wood slats over the patio, the deck provides a refreshed, rustic aesthetic.
It’s an easy way to transform an existing outdoor space without extensive construction.
Floating Deck with Special Foundation Systems
Special deck-building systems, such as Tuff Blocks, make installing a floating deck incredibly simple. These lightweight, versatile foundations allow you to build your deck quickly and securely, offering a sturdy base for any design you have in mind.
Small Cozy Floating Deck
A cozy floating deck tucked into a backyard corner can serve as a personal retreat. With the addition of a privacy wall made from wooden slats, this small area becomes a tranquil space perfect for a morning coffee or evening read.
Simple, stylish, and affordable.
Corner Deck with Privacy Walls
A corner floating deck near the fence can create a cozy outdoor escape. This L-shaped deck, built with pressure-treated wood, feels natural and fresh.
Privacy walls made from additional slats or greenery help define the space, turning an unused backyard corner into a private retreat.
Choosing the Best Floating Deck Location
An old tree can be the perfect anchor for a floating deck. By placing a deck around the tree, you take advantage of its natural shade while creating a contemporary outdoor feature.
This design not only respects nature but also elevates your garden’s aesthetic.
Modular Deck Idea
Modular decks provide a quick, easy way to assemble a floating deck in your backyard. Each panel snaps together, allowing for a simple installation process.
It’s a flexible option that suits any yard size, making outdoor spaces functional and visually appealing.
Lattice Screen with Floating Deck
A lattice screen gives privacy to this floating deck, creating an enclosed outdoor area. The simple wood construction and light tones make the deck feel airy, while still offering some seclusion.
It’s perfect for a peaceful corner in your backyard.
Portable Floating Deck
A portable floating deck can be a game-changer for those who love to travel. Built with pallets and plastic barrels, this deck floats, literally, offering a comfortable platform wherever you set up camp.
It’s a clever and versatile solution for exploring unique landscapes in comfort.
Dreamy Outdoor Space
A floating deck paired with a firepit, pergola, and seating offers an inviting outdoor retreat. The combination of these elements creates a cozy space perfect for social gatherings.
A gas fireplace serves as the focal point, making it an ideal place to unwind and enjoy the fresh air.
Transform Patio to Deck
Creating a floating deck behind your house can instantly upgrade your outdoor space. Depending on the size, this can become an area for dining, lounging, or enjoying the outdoors.
Simple design elements like wood planks and natural decor help blend it into your landscape.
In-Ground Deck
For a modern look, consider building a deck that appears to emerge from the ground. By inserting the supports into a gravel bed or ground surface, the deck takes on a sleek, floating appearance.
This style pairs well with pergolas or modern outdoor furnishings.
Deck Under Natural Shade
Build a floating deck around trees for a magical reading nook or relaxing space. The elevated platform wraps around tree trunks, offering a shady retreat in your garden.
Make sure to leave space for the trees to grow, letting nature be the center of attention.
Pallet Outdoor Oasis
Pallets don’t just have to be for storage; they can be transformed into a functional outdoor deck. When in good condition, pallets provide a sturdy base for outdoor flooring, even for seating.
The entire structure, including the seating set, can be built from these versatile materials.
Build Your Deck Like a Pro
Trees don’t have to be obstacles when planning your outdoor space. In fact, building a floating deck around existing trees adds natural beauty and shade.
This thoughtful design works with nature, making it a peaceful and shaded retreat in your backyard.
Grey Modular Deck
Prefabricated modular decks come in various colors and textures, making customization easy. Grey tones, for instance, offer a contemporary, minimalist look, blending perfectly with modern landscapes.
These panels mimic concrete, providing an alternative to traditional wood decking.
Traditional Deck with Pergola
For a more rustic look, consider building a traditional floating deck using cedar wood. The reddish hue of the wood, paired with rustic outdoor furniture, creates a warm, earthy atmosphere.
Add a pergola overhead, and you have an inviting outdoor space perfect for gathering with friends and family.
