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    Home » DIY » Outdoor Projects

    Freestanding Deck in our Garden

    By: Leo · Updated: 21 Apr, '15 · This post may contain affiliate links · 34 Comments

    Sharing is caring!

    Learn how to build a freestanding deck step by step. You know, a nice place to sit, relax, and maybe enjoy an adult beverage from time to time.

    Easy to build freestanding deck | cottage at the crossroads

    Or, here in the South, a nice tall glass of ice tea.  Before I begin, I must tell you that I am by no means a professional carpenter or deck builder. This is just the way that I did it, and it's quick and easy. 

    How to

    The first thing that I had to do was to clear a place to build a new deck, and it really was time to move this compost bin. It's not a job for a person with a weak stomach. But it had to be done, so I did it. 

    Shoveling compost | cottage at the crossroads

    I already had some landscaping timbers, so I decided to use them to build a frame. I know, I know. Most folks go to the trouble to dig footers and place concrete blocks for the foundation. But like I told you, this is quick and easy. 

    Easy to build freestanding deck | cottage at the crossroads

    It's very important to make sure your area is level. You may have to move a little dirt here and there. I decided to make the deck 8 feet by 16 feet. Why, do you say? With those dimensions I didn't need to cut or saw any lumber. The landscaping timbers are 8 feet long and I placed one on each end and put 2 together on the sides and in the middle for support.  I used a total of 10 landscaping timbers. 

    Easy to build freestanding deck | cottage at the crossroads

    Lucy and I made a quick trip to Lowe's to pick up the lumber for the decking. I brought home twenty 8 ft. long 2" x 10" pressure treated boards. I chose to use the 2" x 10" boards instead of regular decking planks in order to make the entire deck sturdier. 

    Easy to build freestanding deck | cottage at the crossroads

    I got the frame all level and checked to see if Lucy was ready to go.

    Easy to build freestanding deck | cottage at the crossroads

    After all that, it was time to start placing the boards. I made sure the first board was laid square with the frame, and I used a ½ inch spacer to keep the gap between the boards consistent.

    Easy to build freestanding deck | cottage at the crossroads

    The only supplies that I used beside the lumber were my drill, a box of 3 ½ inch coated decking screws, a level, a hammer for tapping, and a good ole' shovel. 

    Easy to build freestanding deck | cottage at the crossroads

    If my faithful sidekick and assistant Jane can drive in the decking screws, then so can you! 

    Easy to build freestanding deck | cottage at the crossroads

    Once we got started, this freestanding deck only took a few hours to construct. By the way, while Lucy and I were at Lowe's, we picked up 2 sections of pre-made picket fence. 

    Easy to build freestanding deck | cottage at the crossroads

    While Jane was painting one of the picket fence panels blue, Lucy got a little too close. Talk about trendy! Lucy has blue streaks in her hair! 

    Easy to build freestanding deck | cottage at the crossroads

    Adding the fencing was easy. Just two 4" x 4" posts set in the ground 2 feet on each end and I used 2" screws to attach them to the posts.

    Easy to build freestanding deck | cottage at the crossroads

    I'm sure we're all going to enjoy this freestanding deck in the garden, especially after Jane puts her creative decorating touch to it. 

    Easy to build freestanding deck | cottage at the crossroads
    An easy to make freestanding deck for your yard or garden | cottage at the crossroads

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    1. Christine

      September 10, 2018 at 7:48 pm

      Hi! Came in via Pinterest.
      Am in the process of building my own deck, as an extension of my porch. The ground slants, and all.
      Anyway, I was wondering if you had any trouble with the 2x10s cupping? I have a lot of 2x8s I plan to use, but the advice is nothing bigger than a 2x6.
      Never having been one to take things at face value, I was glad to see you using wider boards.
      How is that working?
      Thanks!

      Reply
      • Jane Windham

        September 11, 2018 at 7:07 pm

        Christine, we have not had any problem with cupping.

        Reply
        • Ms Willie

          July 02, 2020 at 10:51 am

          I found a tip to help avoid cupping!! When you lay the boards down, make sure to look at the ends of the boards. The wood tree rings need to look like they are ‘frowning’, rings curving down. If they’re smiling, then the planks will cup overtime. Hope this makes sense.

          Reply
          • Jane Windham

            July 02, 2020 at 2:07 pm

            That is such a great tip and thanks for sharing it with us!

            Reply
    2. Mary Stewart

      April 11, 2018 at 11:24 am

      I wanted to know if you could give an update on your deck and maybe a picture. How has it held up over the years? I want to make 3 small decks, one for each of my three grandchildren in different areas of my backyard. From reading the directions, I know it will be easy and I've seen those same landscape timbers around town at various businesses and parks. I don't think those businesses would use them knowing they would have to replace them every couple of years. The cost could get really crazy. Thanks for the tutorial and have a Blessed day!

      Reply
      • Michelle Melton

        March 21, 2019 at 9:31 am

        I love this!!!! I also love your style posting. Love the fur babies in the pics!

        Reply
    3. Emily

      March 25, 2018 at 10:15 am

      How do you make sure its level?

      Reply
      • Jane Windham

        March 25, 2018 at 2:44 pm

        The ground was mostly level before we started. But as we laid each board, we used a level to see if we needed to add any soil under the landscaping timbers to get it just right.

        Reply
    4. Jessica

      July 08, 2017 at 11:53 pm

      Just wondering- about how much would something like this cost?

      Reply
    5. Stella Gustafson

      June 05, 2016 at 7:50 am

      I had an area in my yard by the above ground pool that was dirt and nothing would grow there. So after seeing your blog I decided to recycle some old pallets that was to be used for another project, and make a fre standing deck. I love it and my friend visited one day and she also liked it. It gives us a nice area to sit and relax around the pool. Thank you for sharing

      Reply
      • Jane Windham

        June 05, 2016 at 8:26 pm

        Hi Stella, I'm so glad that our deck gave you the inspiration to complete yours! It's the best thing that we've added to the garden!

        Reply
    6. DGCO

      February 13, 2016 at 10:55 am

      Really like your idea's! Motivated to start this Spring '16. Always wanted a little something in the backyard so we could relax, but other options were expensive, complicated and time consuming. I think we could be up to the challenge with your idea/example. Keepin' an eye out for sales on lumber, so we can store up during the winter and get going first part of spring. Yippee!!

      Reply
    7. Jeremy Minick

      August 12, 2015 at 9:45 am

      Just stumbled upon your blog and am glad I did! Great information and presentation you have going on and we're always preaching about the value/beauty combination of adding a deck to your home! Keep up the good work!

      Reply
    8. Karyn

      June 27, 2015 at 9:13 am

      This is a great idea, I truly do love it; however, it's a construction rule to not put wood onto dirt..... otherwide it rots.

      Hope you get many years before that happens.
      🙂

      Reply
      • Marlene

        January 10, 2016 at 7:56 pm

        Hi. We're not handy at all, but think we could build this deck. Could we put landscaping fabric under the timbers? Pavers? Any other suggestions? Thanks.

        Reply
        • Jane Windham

          January 10, 2016 at 8:43 pm

          This is a very easy deck to build, Marlene. We actually had some landscaping fabric in part of the area where we built it so we haven't had any trouble with weeds growing through the cracks. We do have some weeds that grow around the edge so I would suggest to extend your landscaping fabric a few inches beyond the deck. You can always cover it with mulch or straw.

          Reply
          • Marlene

            January 16, 2016 at 3:48 pm

            Thanks for replying. we just bought our supplies..

            Reply
    9. Jean Windham

      May 04, 2015 at 2:33 pm

      The garden deck looks like great place for a cool drink whatever your fancy. I do love the color Jane has picked for the picket fence. Woody and will look forward to evenings there late sumner. Congrats on a job well done.

      Reply
    10. Pamela @ FlowerPatchFarmhouse.com

      April 27, 2015 at 10:46 am

      I have been meaning to stop in and say how much I love this. I am also putting in a little raised deck in my back yard but I am using pallets for the base and laying old lumber on top for the floor. So far it is working out. Though with it sitting directly on dirt the pallets won't last long but maybe long enough to decide if I want to redo it with slate pavers or the cement stepping stones. I am always so indecisive. 🙂 It was fast and easy though.

      Reply
    11. MariaElena

      April 24, 2015 at 8:33 am

      Love, love this idea! How beautiful! Have a great weekend! xxx Maria

      Reply
    12. Mary

      April 24, 2015 at 5:22 am

      Hi Jane & Leo! You make deck building look so easy with the exception of moving the compost pile! Hope you're enjoying this beautiful weather on your deck with your glass of iced tea or cocktail 🙂

      Reply
    13. sondra spencer

      April 23, 2015 at 5:55 pm

      Cute blog! Found you through pinterest! Hope to visit again soon! Thanks!

      Reply
    14. Simply Suzannes at Home

      April 22, 2015 at 9:27 am

      Hi Jane and Leo!
      You two are too cute! Love your freestanding deck! I think it's a GREAT idea!!
      I can already see intimate brunches and evening gatherings happening there!
      Looking forward to following your adventures.
      Have a wonderful week,
      Suzanne

      Reply
    15. Robert

      April 21, 2015 at 10:21 pm

      Very inspiring little project.
      this will be perfect for a spot to set a small grill in the back. Easy to take down and reassemble also. Thanks y'all.

      Reply
    16. debbie

      April 21, 2015 at 5:45 pm

      i love your freestanding deck,, simple and sweet, my kind of project. Thanks for the inspiration.

      Reply
    17. phyllis

      April 18, 2015 at 10:51 am

      very nice Jane; I see the animals are enjoying it already. Still looking for a planter like yours; the one from a grill;. cant wait to do the summer jobs. I have plenty in mind. I think Leo is a closet model. keep up the good work.

      Reply
    18. Donnamae

      April 18, 2015 at 9:41 am

      Super idea! I like the fact that you see a need...and just do it! You two work so well together! 😉

      Reply
    19. Wendy Johnson

      April 18, 2015 at 9:17 am

      What a delightful thing to read . Love your humor and how you work together And all the wonderful ideas!

      Reply
    20. Kathleen G

      April 18, 2015 at 9:11 am

      Reading the posts about your garden endeavors remind me of the years my husband and I worked on our garden. Even with a dog ( with paint too! ) and cat. A lot of work, but so rewarding. Oh my, the compost, so rich looking, all the beautiful veggies and flowers that will grow from it. Kathleen in Az

      Reply
    21. Karen

      April 18, 2015 at 8:42 am

      What GREAT COUPLE you guys are!!!!! LOVE the garden deck!

      Reply
    22. Gaye Ham

      April 18, 2015 at 8:30 am

      It looks great and so easy, I may be able to handle that !

      Reply
    23. Jackie

      April 17, 2015 at 3:57 pm

      I love this! The pretty blue fence is a charming detail. Also, I have sunflower seeds to send you - I think I also found my cosmos seed stash!!! If you would email me your address I can get those in the mail to you. It will be time to get them started!! We loved ours last year - but I have to admit now, my most favorite were the cosmos. They bloomed up until late October when the frost finally took them. Sending those, too.

      Thanks for all your great inspiration!

      Jackie

      Reply
    24. Dolly Sarrio

      April 17, 2015 at 3:47 pm

      I like it!

      Reply
    25. Dawn

      April 17, 2015 at 2:30 pm

      That looks fabulous and I know Jane will have it looking spiffy in no time. Yes that's one trendy dog for sure. I also have to mention, I'm loving how you strike a pose, lol 🙂

      Reply

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