15+ Backyard Deck Ideas on a Budget - Floating Decks, Porches, & Hot Tubs! (2024)

Let’s talk about that spot in yourbackyard. The one that’s perhaps a bit neglected, but it does havepotential.It’s sunny, with dappled shade, plus it has a view! All it needs now to make it anextension of your living spaceis abudget backyard deck idea!

Building a deck can be an unnerving prospect, all that woodwork and digging! Andprofessional decking contractors charge a fortune.

Forget the fear and hype! Get ready for a down-home, budget-friendly primer. We’re talking about a master class onbudget backyard deck construction! (Easy DIY style.)

With a basic understanding of deckconstruction principles, an inspireddeck design, and the necessarymaterials and tools, you’ll sit pretty on your bespoke and self-made backyard deck!

Sound fun?

Then let’s rock this boat!

How to Build a Backyard Deck on a Budget

Want to build a backyard deck on a budget? Then select a deck design that stylishly extends your living area without straining your financial and DIY limits. Strike a balance between low-cost materials, functionality, ease-of-build, and building code compliance. Fit your deck with budget outdoor accessories.

The cool thing about backyard decks is that they’recustomizable.

• Decks can be built on aslope, next to apool, alongside your house, or be detached andfloating.
• If you opt for asimpledeck design idea, you can complete yourDIYdeck in a matter of days without calling in the professionals!

That’s the easy part. But there’s a downside to deck construction. Some backyard deck designs mustcomply with local building codes – especially in designated locations.

But the good news is that modest deck designs usually don’t need official clearance!

And that’s what we have in mind in this article –accessible deck ideasthatinspireandempoweryou to successfully build alow-costbackyard deck!

In short, read on for a roadmap to buildinga deck that makes you happy!

(Before we break out the deck plans – we have some inspiration to get you excited.)

Let’s roll!

Step 1. Soak Up Some Inspired Deck Designs

By now, you’ve got a clear idea of where to erect your deck. (Yeah, that underutilized area of your yard). All you need now is some decking eye candy!

• Allow your imagination to run free while watching videos or a slideshow oninnovative deck designs(you can mute the audio).
• You’ll need to install deck rails if you want a deck elevated above the ground by 20 inches or more.
• Get your peepers on these stunningdeck railing ideas.

Don’t let the pro-level finishes of the decks in these presentations scupper your deck dream.

YoucanDIY a funky, safe, and practical deck with railings with the right approach –slow and steadydoes it!

• Use theideas as pointers– extract design elements that fit your space, aesthetics, skills, and budget.
• Screen-graban idea or two from the slideshow (and pics) and startsketchinga deck design for your backyard.
• Spend timein the location where the deck will be situated and tweak your design to accommodate for ground slope, trees, privacy, sun, shade, and water runoff.

Remember: Keep your deck design simple and budget-friendly. You can always add more decking in the future.

Step 2. Use Free Online Deck Design Resources

Deck design and construction can be tremendously technical, demanding tons of hardware, special tools, and specialized talents. Thankfully a straightforward backyard deck can get built without expensive gear or pro skills.

• You can getFREE online deck design resourcesfrom industry professionals to help you DIY a functional and compliant backyard deck!

Buff upyour deck design and constructionknowledgewith these sites:

• Learn theanatomy of a deckand the terminology used by the pros atdecks.com.
• Register online for aFREE 3D deck design toolfromdecks.com.
• GetCode compliancerequirements for a deck attached to a single-story dwelling from theAmerican Wood Council.
• How to DIY thebest foundation footingsfor your deck, courtesy ofdecksgo.comanddecks.com.
• Build a safe and durable deck with thisdeck load calculatorfromdecksgo.com.
• Get the lowdown ondifferent decking board typesand treatments atrona.ca.
• DIY a freestandingelevated deck abutting your housewith this comprehensive video tutorial series fromLowe’s Home Improvement.

Study the information presented and pinpoint whichfoundation typebest suits your backyard.

Consider acombination of foundation types– for example:

For a sloped yard, one side of the deck may only need ground-level (aka grade-level) concrete footers for beams, while the down-slope end may require concrete piers set below ground level to anchor tall posts.

• Be creativewith your choice of foundation and decking board layout.
• Envisionyour deck with furnishings, a shade solution, surrounding plant life, and perhaps even a fireplace.

In a nutshell – get acquainted with the technicalities of deck design and construction, and then let yourmaverick DIY spiritrun free!

Like this!

15+ Backyard Deck Ideas on a Budget – Our Official List

Now that we’ve prepared, let’s check out the 15 backyard deck ideas.

We’ll start with one of our favorites.

Gather your lumber and hammers.

Let’s have some fun!

1. DIY Elevated Porch Deck

This video demonstrates how a hardware supplier like Lowe’s can help you build a compliant and pro-quality deck that sits alongside your house.

DIY guy,Third Coast Craftsman, uses Lowe’s online deck design software to construct a freestanding elevated porch deck with railings and stairs.

• The deck design doesn’t rely on the house wall and foundation for support, whichsaves installing a ledger board(and waterproofing) onto the house, not to mention tricky code compliance requirements.
• The elevated deck usesconcrete piers– made by digging holes and pouring concrete into cardboard tubes (aka forms). You can get the cardboard tubes at your local building supplies orhardware store.
• The 6″ x 6″ pressure-treated wood posts are mounted onto the concrete piers using galvanized steelpost anchor brackets.
• The deck beams are mounted with a½-inch slopeto allow forwater runoff.
• Weed barrier fabricis nestled on the earth beneath the deck and covered with gravel.

The build makes use of amiter saw. If you don’t own one,you can rent one!

It’s an impressive backyard deck that ticks all the boxes. And you have theDIY videoto guide you on your way!

2. DIY Backyard Pool Deck

Fancy a spot of backyard Tropicana? How’s a budget aboveground pool with a wooden deck sound? Look at howMaker Graymakes light work of a pretty pool deck!

• This NO-DIGGING elevated pool deck usesconcrete post blocksfor the deck foundation.
• The posts are 4″ x 4″pressure-treated lumber.
• Thedecking boardsare 2″ x 6″ pressure-treated lumber.
• An essential tool for this build was a set ofbar clamps.
• Ajigsawcreates the curved decking above the pool rim.
• You canbuy plans here.

We dig this build because it’s simple and can getmade by one person. And, the deck can effortlessly move – thanks to the concrete deck blocks.

3. Easy DIY Backyard Floating Deck

Plastic deck blocks are also a great way to deck a level spot in your garden. Instead of using concrete blocks, DIY a floating deck with a lightweight but strongplastic floating foundation!

Check howDaru Dhillonbuilds a low floating deck in her backyard usingplastic foundation blockswithout excessive heavy lifting or digging!

• The plastic footers and deck rest onhard ground(no grass) with a layer of limestone paver screed that creates a level base for the footers.
• A steeltamper toolcompacts the limestone substrate.
• A weed barrier gets added to the substrate.
• You don’t need deck postsfor this design! The deck beams rest directly in the plastic footers to create a low deck frame for the joists.
• The beams and joists get protected from rot withwaterproofing tape.
• The pressure-treated deck boards screw to the frame with a uniquescrew and gap tool.
• A1/8-inch gapbetween the deck boards allows for timber expansion and contraction.

Thelow profilethis deck presents is ideal for cozy corners in your garden. And, with less timber on the shopping list than taller decks, your budget will be smiling too!

Read More!

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• 15 Dog Run Ideas – Free DIY Plans and Tips for a Backyard Your Dog Will Love!
• 19 DIY Cheap Patio Paver Ideas for a Beautiful Walkway, Garden, or Yard!

4. Super-Cheap DIY Backyard Deck with Pallets

For the cash-strapped yard lover, here’s a cheap and cheerful plan to get you sitting comfortably outdoors on a deck made fromcheap pallet wood! Thanks toThe Will To Make!

This deck abuts the house but is freestanding. Well, it doesn’t stand at all! It lies directly on the grass-free hard ground.

Pallets are laid alongside one another to create a sub-frame forplywood underlayment and picket fence deck boards.

• Areciprocating sawworks magnificently to cut a few pallets to size.
• Picket fence boards are perfect for a deck fascia.
• Paint the deckto protect the wood from rot and mold.
• It isn’t the prettiest deck in the world, but it does the job! Budget-friendlyfunction over form!

5. DIY Low Second Porch Deck

What do you do if the original porch on your house doesn’t have the correct orientation – you know, not enough privacy, faces the wrong way?

The solution is tobuild a second porch–a freestanding deckthat serves an exterior doorway, like this one fromThe White Apartment!

• This easy DIY project does requirediggingholes for the deck posts.
• Rent a powered augerto drill the holes for the 4″ x 4″ deck posts.
• Dig below the frost lineto prevent the deck posts from being pushed upwards in freezing weather.

There’s a beautiful simplicity about this deck. It’s low and stable, and it looks great. Plus, it’s achieved that all-importantprivacy factor!

6. Easy DIY Ground-Level Backyard Deck

Here’s a great step-by-step guide to building a simple backyard deck that will last years! With precast concrete footers and standard dimensional lumber, you can DIY the excellent backyard deck of your dreams, just like this one built byFamily Handyman.

• The easy way to build a deck (as explained in this guide) is to assemble the frame beams first, ensuring all corners are 90 degrees (aka square).
• The frame then goes on the ground as a template for positioning theconcrete footers.
• With the footer positions marked, the frame gets removed, and shallow holes get dug for each footer.
• This build usesDIY concrete footerswith galvanized steel adjustable post anchors bolted to the concrete.
• With the concrete footers in place andlevel– the frame, joists, and decking boards can be nailed or screwed into place.
• The deck boasts a stunningpicture frame borderand a handsome blonde stain!

This guide to easy decking makes an excellent manual for a fun family project withintermediate DIY skills and a modest budget!

7. DIY Hot Tub Backyard Deck with Pergola

An outdoor hot tub deserves a wooden deck! The thing is, hot tubs areheavy, especially when loaded with people! Naturally, a hot tub deck has to be strong!

This hot tub deck design fromCharlie DIYtesports a low-level frame and joist sub-frame, supported by 4″ x 4″ posts set below ground level in concrete and several bricksset on concretebelow the joists.

• The posts serve as the uprights for the pergola.
• Bitumenis used to treat the deck framing against rot.
• Apick mattockis thebest budget toolto clear the ground of grass and to dig footer holes.

Charlie goes to great lengths tolist tools and materialsin this video. He makes it look easy! And it is!

8. DIY All-Weather Porch Deck with Roof and PVC Sides

If your existing concrete stoop is an eyesore, a covered deck is an answer to create a stylish extension to your living space!

This video byFardingershows how easy it is to DIY an all-weather deck to cover the old stoop and add another room to your house.

• The sub-frame of the deck rests onDIY concrete footers.
• Joists get supported by concrete footers andceramic tile shims.
• The posts for the roof arenotched and anchoredto the deck beams with steel brackets.
• Apolycarbonate roofis attached to timber roof trusses.
• Custom-madePVC panelswith zips attach to the posts for weatherproofing.

Look at how well the deck is doingthree years afterthe build.

No leaks!Cozy and hurricane-proof! Superb!

9. DIY Deck with Micro Cabin

Adding a simple A-frame micro cabin on top of your backyard deck will add to the build cost, but not by much, if you do it a laGirl In The Woods! Imagine – a cabin deck for al fresco dining with a guest room/she-shed en-suite!

The design is surprisingly straightforward:

• A low deck with beams and joists set onconcrete deck blockswith a combo of deckingboards and plywoodfor the decking.
• Theplywoodserves as the floor for the cabin.
• The cabin walls aretongue and groovetimber.
• A polycarbonate picture window/awning creates an instant transformer deck!

The cabin is perfect forstoring your BBQ equipmenttoo!

Check it out! It’s magical!

10. Quick & Easy Freestanding Deck with OSB & 2x4s

Can you build a backyard deck with just 2″ x 4″ boards, OSB boards, and screws? Yes! Watch howModern Buildswhips together a temporary deck on a slope in the desert with simple tools and a brilliant DIY design!

Thecostof the build is keptlowwith the Spartan choice of materials:

• The frame (beams, joists, and posts) gets made using standard 2″ x 4″ lumber.
• The deck surface is a low-cost OSB board.
• Decking screws secure the entire structure.
• If you live in an area with buckets of rain and snow, placeconcrete paversunder each post to prevent the deck from sinking.
• Coat the deck with awaterproof sealant/paint/stain.

Amazing! See howsimpleit can be to get a deck up and riding – at asuper-low cost!

Watch itNOW!

11. DIY Backwoods Deck Around a Tree

Many established gardens have a unique tree just begging for a wraparound deck! Here’s a great how-to video byBush Radicalshowing how easy it is to make the most of your favorite tree!

(The deck build part of the video starts at the15 min mark.)

A newly-built timber cabin gets anelevated tree deck, carefully constructed using the following.

• 6″ x 6″ posts (notched for optimum beam support).
• 2″ x 6″ beams and joints.
• Joisthanger brackets.
• Deck screws anddeck nails.
• Areciprocating sawcan cut the decking boards to fit around the spruce tree.

A set of stairs adds the final rustic touch!

Thelow-techapproach of this build adds to the charm of the deck, the cabin, and the tree!

12. DIY Historic Bushcraft Deck

For all our chainsaw and axe enthusiasts – this one’s for you! You can DIY atraditional/historic deckwith a roof using a few power tools and basic hardware, just like this one posted on YouTube byQuantum Tech HD.

Two Siberian guys traditionally build a log cabin and add a deck (the deck build part starts at the12-minute mark) made using felled lumber,milled, cut, and notched logs,hammered and drilled into shape in what I can only describe as anunconventional deck construction method!

• Log ends areburnt in a fireto preserve the timber, preventing rot and termite infestation (AKAshou sugi banin Japanese).
• Keep an eye out for the use ofrebar as joinery hardware.
• A combination of chainsaw-milledlogs and tarpmaterial makes a solid roof.
• Logs get fashioned into arustic deck tableand bench unit.

If you’re into exotic garden features, this deck design will seriously up the ante. For sure!

13. Innovative Notched Timber Frame Deck with Roof

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Lesnoy (@__lesnoy_) • Instagram photos and videos

A wise way to cut the deck construction cost is to use alternative joinery methods. How about a deck that uses no brackets? Watch howLesnoybuilds a lovely timber deck and roof without conventional decking hardware, opting for classic notched joinery methods, plus lots of nails.

Standarddimensional lumberused includes:

• 4″ x 4″ boards for beams, joists, and posts.
• 1″ x 4″ for decking and roof trusses.
• 2″ x 6″ for rafters.

The deckfoundationusescinder blocks.

• Skilled use of a chainsaw, circular saw, hammer and chisel, and nails enable an ingenious andcost-effective deckbuild.

Lesnoy extends the build to make a fantasticworkshop. In your backyard, the deck alone will do the trick. Add the roof and wall. And the structure could become the ultimate rustic outdoor eatery!

Think about it!

14. DIY Cattle Panel Deck Rail

Try this deck railing idea for size. A low-cost cattle panel framed in lumber! What could be simpler for a safe and earthy deck rail?

Watch howGrowingUpHoltincorporates a standard cattle panel into his deck rail framing.

15. Final Tips for Your Backyard Deck Build

Beyond standard deck building rules of thumb, such as waterproof wood, level surfaces, and structural integrity, there are a few pointers worth bearing in mind:

• Invest in aspeed squareand aspirit level.
• If you use timber posts set in concrete, make sure theyrate for ground contact.
• If you opt for concrete or plastic deck blocks, make sure they sit oncompressed earth.
• If your deck is to get affixed to your house, check with yourlocal building authorityfor code compliance requirements.
• Rent special toolslike a miter saw, power-auger, nail gun, etc.

In Closing

After this deck odyssey, we trust your timbers are alight with excitement. Remember, you’re on a budget, sokeep it simple.

Build your deck as low to the ground as possible and use floating concrete or plastic blocks/footers wherever possible.

Indeed, stay grounded, financially liquid, and relaxed on one of these budget-savvy backyard deck ideas!

Backyard Deck Ideas on a Budget Resources, Guides, and Works Cited:

• Resources for Building Your Deck
• Backyard Deck Design – Best Materials, Designs, and Colors
• The Fast and Easy Way to Build Decks and Outdoor Projects
• Prescriptive Residential Wood
• Deck Construction Guide
• Lowe’s Deck Build Tutorial