This is the third installment of our DIY decking series. Check out the second installment on how to choose the right DIY decking materials for your outdoor space. In this article, we’ve rounded up a few conversation-starting DIY deck ideas to inspire your design.
Looking for DIY deck ideas? We have the inspiration you need to design and build your perfect deck.
Benefits to DIY-ing Your Deck
- Saves on labor (often the most significant cost factor).
- Allows you full control of your project.
Tips for a Successful DIY Project
The key to a successful DIY deck project? Choose a simple deck design, such as a square or rectangle, and stick to what you know.
Also, be sure to research your area’s building permit requirements and local building codes before starting your project.
Explore DIY Deck Ideas
These DIY deck ideas range from simple builds to slightly more complex designs. Keep your skillset and comfort-level in mind when exploring these ideas.
Discover simple DIY deck ideas to spur your inspiration.
1.) Square Floating Deck
Relative Cost & Involvement: Low
A floating deck is one that is not attached to your home. It has one of the most straightforward installations because it only needs to be a few inches off the ground. Plus, a floating deck can be built almost anywhere in your yard, even on a gradual slope, allowing you to utilize your space to its greatest potential.
Why Choose This Build
- Simple, elegant appearance.
- Railings are typically optional, thanks to its low height of under 30” off the ground.
- Can be placed almost anywhere in your yard to make the most of your space.
- No need to install a ledger board (the board that connects your deck to your home).
PERSONALIZE YOUR FLOATING DECK
Use our 3D Deck Design software to make it your own. LAUNCH THIS BUILD
2.) Deck Over Concrete
Relative Cost & Involvement: Low
Have an unsightly concrete slab in your backyard? Cover it up with an enduringly beautiful deck.
Why Choose This Build
- Gives you a more aesthetically pleasing space.
- Saves you the trouble and cost of ripping the concrete up.
Installing composite decking over concrete has key differences from installing a deck over grass or dirt. Be sure to familiarize yourself with this kind of build before you get started.
GET GUIDANCE ON INSTALLING DECKING OVER CONCRETE
Find out what factors you need to consider & get installation tips. LEARN MORE
3.) Picture Frame Deck
Relative Cost & Involvement: Medium
A picture frame composite deck is built with at least one deck board — but up to three — laid around the perimeter of your deck, perpendicular to the deck surface. The design adds just enough dimension to create visual interest without distracting from other design elements (like your deck decorations).
Why Choose This Build
- Covers end-cuts and gives your deck a polished look.
- Adds subtle, sophisticated visual interest to your deck.
Installing a picture frame deck requires a specific substructure to support the border. Be sure to familiarize yourself with our installation best practices when building your picture frame deck.
DISCOVER HOW TO BUILD A PICTURE FRAME DECK
Get tips for DIY-ing a deck with one, two, or three boards for your picture frame border. LEARN MORE
4.) Diagonal Decking
Relative Cost & Involvement
Building a deck with diagonally laid boards takes a bit more skill than constructing a surface with straight boards, but the final effect is well worth the effort. Diagonal decking gives your deck a design-forward look that’s sure to turn heads.
Why Choose This Build
- Elevates your deck’s design.
- Can make a narrow space feel wider.
Installation Tips for a Diagonal Deck
- Joists should be installed 12” on center — note that this is closer than the standard 16” joist spacing for straight-laid deck boards.
- Be sure to account for 15% more deck boards than you anticipate you will use to cover the extra waste.
LEANING TOWARD DIAGONALS?
Get design ideas & inspiration for your DIY diagonal deck. DISCOVER DIAGONAL DESIGNS
5.) Raised Deck With Simple Stairs
Relative Cost & Involvement: High
A raised deck with stairs is a bit more of a complex project as far as DIY deck ideas go. However, you can keep this project on the simpler side by building a deck with fewer than four stair risers, or lower than 30” in height. Decks taller than 30” will require a railing around the perimeter and down the stairs to stay compliant with residential building codes.
Why Choose This Build
- Can keep your deck level with your home’s entryway.
- Stairs add dimension and give your deck a curated look.
- Gives you a place to soak in the backyard views.
START PLANNING YOUR DECK WITH STAIRS
Visualize your raised deck with stairs & customize it with our 3D Deck Design tool. LAUNCH THIS BUILD
Start Building Your Perfect Deck
Now that you have lots of DIY deck ideas for your project, you’re ready to start planning. We’ve collected helpful starting points to jump off from.
Deck Substructure
Make sure you know the basics of building your substructure safely.
Decking Boards
Explore install best practices based on the decking line you choose.
Fastener Pairings
Get the installation and look you want with the right board profile and fastener pairings.
Design
Prefer to start with the fun part? Get even more inspiration from our Imagine Gallery. Next, visualize your build and play with customization options in our 3D Deck Design tool to find the perfect elements to suit your tastes. Just remember: Keep it simple.
Turn Your Deck Dream Into Design
Play with shapes, colors, lighting, and railing to bring your deck ideas to life with our custom Deck Designer tool.