Hey, Leslie, if you're having a hard time visualizing what a floating deck could look like, you might want to check out gingerblue's photo of her own, which she linked to on this thread. (I'm not sure if it's really kosher to link directly to another user's off-site photos, otherwise I'd do so - the link is about halfway down the thread). I know that picture really helped me to visualize what a ground-level deck could look like, and she also gives some description of how such a thing is built.

Hi Frankie and Avia,

Thank you so much for your posts, I really appreciate your ideas and the picture of Gingerblue's floating deck! My budget is about $2000. A floating deck really appeals to me because it would be flat and nice to put furniture on. Some one else suggested enclosing the space with landscape ties and putting 4 inches of pea gravel inside. That sounds good and easy (I could probably do myself, whereas there is no way I could build a deck myself), but I'm not sure how nice it would be underfoot.

Thanks again to you and anyone else that ends up posting!!
Leslie :)

The loose gravel is not that good for furniture, especially pea gravel, which will shift around a lot and eventually fill up with sprouting weed seeds.

Concrete, whether plain, stamped, or with exposed aggregate would work.

We're cross linking like crazy today... Check out the etched and stained concrete patios done by Punamytsike; she links to them in this thread, as well as on her page. Depends whether poured concrete fits within your budget.

If you do pavers, and are worried about heavy work, you might also find you can hire out a part of the work, say the gravel base and the sand, and then do the paver laying yourself, a bit at a time.

Here is a link that might be useful: Coloured concrete thread

If you have any trees anywhere near this area, a gravel patio will just drive you nuts. I sweep my deck constantly and this would not be possible with gravel. I have a gravel area near my deck (it's a drainage area for an awning for the bikes) and it has filled up with tree debris at a tremendous rate. I'd hate to have a full patio area of this stuff.

To give an idea of cost, my deck is 12x14. The labor was free, the framing was from salvaged treated 2x8's, and the decking cost about $600. Add in another fifty for deck screws, drill bits, paver stones (for footings and landings) and a can of water seal.

I found that I didn't need steps, just pavers for a landing. It's not a big step up to the deck.

I am so indebted to you, Ginger, by the way, for that photo and idea on the previous thread. It solved one of my own landscaping dilemmas (seating area under trees, desire to be able to walk to and within said area barefoot without stepping on the slugs that mulch attracts in these parts, etc.) perfectly. So, thanks!

Gee, thank you Avia! My dad built it for me and he'll be thrilled to know his idea worked for more than just me! He loves this deck. He keeps coming over to do projects for me but I suspect he really just wants to sit on my deck and eat mexican food and drink Coronas.

Gingerblue, thankyouthankyouthankyou for posting the the photo & description of your floating deck and Avia, the same to you for posting that link that took me to it! This is exactly what I've been thinking about to replace our paver patio but just can't seem to get the idea across to my husband and oldest son ... Now I have exactly what I need to move this project forward!

Leslie, I would stay away from gravel - as others have mentioned it is unfriendly to patio furniture and in time will become dirty and weed infested. In this area, I've found concrete to be unbelieveably expensive (just got some estimates for the driveway). Sounds like the floating deck might be your answer, but I've seen some very nice seating areas that are "paved" with wood chips and/or stepping stones (slate, bluestone, concrete pavers) - usually surrounded with beds of shrubs/perennials/bulbs, they have a warm, natural look that is casual and inviting.

Leslie, do not underestimate your abilities! Building a simple deck, specially one that is "floating" just a few inches off the ground is not an insurmountable project for a DYI'er, even one that is a novice to carpentry. You might want to enlist the assistance of a friend or relative who has a bit more experience (and tools!) to give you a hand - 4 hands are much better than 2 :-) Also, HD and Lowe's typically offer free workshops on simple home improvement projects and this is one area where they can and do provide good advice and assistance - check 'em out.

Enough has been said regarding gravel as a base to discourage you from this unsatisfactory material and exposed aggregate concrete is more expensive than you might expect and is NOT a DIY project. I would not dismiss a paver patio. Perparing a proper base is no harder or more strenuous than preparing a new planting area and you can get pavers in all sizes. I'd consider what is referred to as Roman pavers - 6"x6" or 8"x8" squares, often tumbled to give a rough, natural looking edge. Very manageable and rather inexpensive compared to natural stone and will present a very tidy and solid base.

I'm looking into putting in a 20' X 20' patio in my backyard using design concrete which I saw earlier today was a cheaper way to go than brick, stone, etc. How much would it cost to have this done for me vs. do-it-yourself?

we have also been toying with putting a deck outside. What I want is exactly what one of the pp's here posted (floating deck) but my husband says here you should not have wood touch the ground. which sounds like a bunch of cuck to me. Is this true? he says it will just rot. But isnt there a better alternative? pressure treatedwood? Im always seeing wood decks.

orangedragonfly,

Do a Google search for something called Oz Post. It is something that you put into the ground to build on. There is a plate version for decks. Anyway, it would not require any anchoring to the house and would keep your project off the ground. Unless you are going to try for something "designer style" and a good bit more expensive than the gingerblue option, these things would be pretty nifty. No wood either on or in the ground. No concrete either.

We have a floating deck on the back of our house, and we love it!! In fact, we are about to build a larger floating deck around it to expand the seating area. It's currently 8x10, and we are going to expand to 16x16.

I know some posters have been concerned about putting the wood on the ground. We live in a hot, humid climate (Jacksonville, Fla.) and have not experienced a wood-rot problem.

We especially love it because our backyard gets a little mucky when it rains a lot, and the deck becomes the "safe", dry area to sit.

Thanks.