How to Build a Floating Deck

Floating decks are so named because they are initially assembled apart from an existing structure, separate from the foundation, and are then attached to the structure or building just prior to completion. A small to medium-sized floating deck can be built in one full day by three or four people. This article will provide instructions for building a modest floating deck in a style also known as a "juliet balcony." The finished dimensions will be approximately four feet by six feet and the deck's instructions also include the balustrade.

Protective eye goggles Protective work gloves Pressure-treated wood planks Shims Carpenter's level Decking material Screws Motorized screwdriver Hand drill Brackets Nuts Posts Balusters and wood for balustrade Heavy-duty waterproof wood glue

Instructions

- 1
  
  Build the deck's frame with the 2x6 planks, placed about 16 inches on center. Make sure that the boards are as horizontal as possible by using the carpenter's level along the top edge.
- 2
  
  Use shims to raise up any part of the frame that rest on a slope. It may also help to place additional soil beneath these areas for extra support.
- 3
  
  Connect the frame's assembly to the house at your chosen location before installing the floor joists and planks.
- 4
  
  Put the floor joists into place, spacing them evenly. Lay the floor planks perpendicular to the joists. As you lay the planks, insert at least two screws into each joist through each plank to secure it.
- 5
  
  Create rails by securing brackets at the perimeter of the deck's floor. You will determine how close the vertical supports will be. It is recommended that they be no more than five to six inches apart.
- 6
  
  Thread by hand each support pole into the nut located in the middle of each of the rail brackets.
- 7
  
  Add a post onto each support pole, and cap it with a top bracket. Tighten the top bracket well to force the supporting post to anchor well to the deck.
- 8
  
  Complete the balustrade by using your tape measure and pencil to mark off every five or six inches along the lower and upper rails to show where the balusters will be placed.
- 9
  
  Make holes with your cordless hand drill to insert the posts.
- 10
  Position the posts according to the marks you created in Step 8. Secure them with wood glue and permit the deck to dry according to the glue manufacturer's recommendations. Attach the balustrade as a final step when the glue has dried thoroughly.

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