Plate No. 19 What you are building
Freestanding deck plans for a low floating deck that stands on pier blocks and is not attached to your house. Three sizes in one kit (8x8, 10x10 and 12x12): dimensioned drawings, a cut list for every piece and a computed materials list, with a single step and an optional railing kit for the 12x12.
The build: precast concrete pier blocks on gravel pads, double 2x8 pressure-treated beams, 2x6 joists at about 16 in on center with band joists and blocking, and 5/4 x 6 deck boards. The top of the deck is 1 ft 6 1/4 in above the ground, so it stays under the 30 in height that many places use as the limit for a permit-free deck and for needing a railing. Sizes: 8 x 8 ft (4 piers), 10 x 10 ft (9 piers) and 12 x 12 ft (9 piers). A single step, 3 ft wide, stands in front on its own blocks. The 12x12 set includes an optional 3 ft tall railing (guard) kit for one side, for sloping yards where an edge passes 30 in. Every member (joists, beams, piers, deck boards, step, guard post and rail) is checked against a stated load, and the plans give the spans, pier layout, squaring numbers, leveling method, deck board gap and fastener schedule.
Who these plans are for
Home builders comfortable with a circular saw, a drill and a level who want a patio deck without attaching anything to the house, with a shopping list for the lumberyard.
How the set works
Pick your size, read the code and permits sheet, then follow the design basis, drawings, layout (pier positions, squaring with the 3-4-5 method, leveling and deck board gaps), cut list and materials list for the deck you are building, plus site prep, fastener schedule, finishing, the step, tools, build sequence, budget and maintenance pages.
Sheets inside
Plan selector, Code and permits, How to read the plans, 8x8 / 10x10 / 12x12 plan sets (A design basis and member schedule, B drawings and assembly, C layout, squaring and leveling, D cut list, E materials list, plus F guard kit for the 12x12), Site and pier prep, Squaring and leveling, Tools, Build sequence, Fastener schedule, Deck boards, gaps and finishing, The single step, Build day checklist, Budget planner, Maintenance and inspection log, Quick-reference card.
- Materials cost workbook (Excel and Google Sheets)
- Every sheet as its own printable page (ZIP)
- Printable plans (PDF)
- How to open the workbook in Google Sheets (PDF)
Price the build before you buy a board
These are the materials lists from the plans themselves, priced at typical US home-center prices. Type your own prices to see your total. Hardware and finishes link to Amazon so you can compare.
Estimates are our typical US home-center prices, not Amazon prices; check current prices where you buy. They change with your region and the lumber market. Amazon links are affiliate links: we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
What you need, nothing more
Straight from the tools sheet in the The Garden Deck plans. One cordless kit covers most of it; pick the tier that suits how often you build.
Start with a cordless kit
RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless 2-Tool Combo Kit with Drill/DriverSee it on AmazonMid-range
Makita XT269T 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 2-Pc. ComboSee it on AmazonPro
Milwaukee Electric - M18 Fuel. 2-Tool Combo KITSee it on AmazonThe tools the plans call for
Nice to have, and the supplies
Amazon links are affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Check current prices on Amazon. Lumber and plywood are on the materials list above; buy those locally.
Before you build
How much does it cost to build the Garden Deck?
Our estimate for the materials in the 8 x 8 is about $960 to $1,380 at typical home-center prices. Lumber prices vary a lot by region and season, so the plan set includes a workbook where you type your own prices and the total works itself out.
What sizes are included?
This set includes 8 x 8, 10 x 10 and 12 x 12, each with its own drawings, cut list and materials list.
Do I need advanced woodworking skills?
Home builders comfortable with a circular saw, a drill and a level who want a patio deck without attaching anything to the house, with a shopping list for the lumberyard.
Are these engineered plans?
No. They are generic DIY plans, not engineered or stamped drawings. Each member is checked against a stated design load, and the design basis is printed in the plans, but you are responsible for safe construction, local codes and safe use.
How do I get the files?
Right after checkout you land on your download page with the PDF, the workbook and a ZIP of every sheet. Stripe also emails your receipt. Bookmark the page to download again later.
What if they are not what I expected?
Write to us within 30 days and we will fix the problem or refund you. See the guarantee page for details.
This is a digital download, no physical item ships. These are generic DIY plans, not engineered or stamped drawings, and the deck has not been tested to any standard. Freestanding low decks are often exempt from a permit, but the rules are local: check with your building office, call 811 before you dig, and add a railing wherever an edge is more than 30 in above the ground. The builder is responsible for safe construction and use. Colors can look a little different on your screen and printer. For personal use only; please do not resell or share the files.
