Want to avoid deck decay and enjoy your outdoor space for the rest of your days? If you use these deck building tricks during the initial build, you’ll find yourself with a sturdy backyard oasis for a long, long time.
Ground-level decks that are floating (not attached to a structure) are easier to build and cost less than standard deck construction. Here’s what you need to know before you begin.
The latest building codes require decks supported by a house to be built with a “positive attachment” to resist lateral loads
Excelsior, MN Landscape with deck and water features
If you're thinking about giving your yard a makeover, you're in the right place. This article is all about helping you find the perfect deck design to complement your outdoor space. We've broken down the patio decks by style: Modern: Characterized by clean lines, minimalist decor, and the use of materials like glass, steel, and concrete. Modern design focuses on simplicity and function. Traditional: Features classic details, sumptuous furnishings, and an abundance of accessories. Traditional homes often reflect historical design elements and symmetry. Rustic: Emphasizes natural beauty, with extensive use of wood, stone, and other natural materials. Rustic homes often have a cozy, earthy feel. Minimalist: Takes cues from modern design but further simplifies it to achieve a sense of tranquility and uncluttered space. It uses a minimal color palette, functional furniture, and strives to maintain a clean, distraction-free environment. At the heart of many of these designs is a nifty little invention called TuffBlock deck blocks. These blocks are a game-changer for anyone looking to build a deck, offering a simpler, no-fuss alternative to traditional concrete foundations. They're lightweight, super strong, and kind to the environment, making your deck project easier to manage and kinder on your back. Brent from 'BYOT' created an awesome video teaching you how to build your very own patio deck using deck blocks! So if you feel inspired, consider giving it a go yourself. It's easier to build than you might think: This guide is packed with a range of ideas, from cozy corners to expansive entertaining areas, showing you the versatility and benefits of using TuffBlock deck blocks. Whether you're planning to DIY your new deck over a weekend or discussing options with a builder, you'll find plenty of inspiration here. We'll cover everything from the basics of using TuffBlock in your deck construction to how these blocks can support a variety of designs and styles. By flipping through our suggestions, you'll see the latest in deck design and learn how to make the most of your outdoor area, no matter its size. Each idea is laid out with clarity, aiming to inspire you and make the planning of your deck project straightforward. So, grab a cup of coffee and start imagining the possibilities for your yard. By the end of this read, you'll be buzzing with ideas and ready to take the next step toward creating your dream outdoor space. Let's dive in! Modern 1. This sleek and modern deck allows you to walk straight out of your patio doors and enjoy your yard all year round. Featuring 2 levels with plenty of space for an outdoor dining area, it incorporates the indoor space along with the outdoors to seamlessly blend the two together in stunning fashion. 2. This deck extends the patio for increased living space, and incorporates a feature wall in the same style of wood used for the decking boards. Stones, pavers and fairy lights are all great ways to enhance your space, and allow you to segment the yard with simple retaining walls. 3. This deck is something that any DIYer could build. It's a simple rectangular patio deck that greatly increases the living space of this house with the addition of a sofa and coffee table for enjoying a book, having a drink or entertaining with friends. 4. We love the 2 toned fascia board on this one that wraps around the deck. It provides contrast and adds a bit of dynamism. A deck like this can easily be built with a row of beams below joists. Or use 4x4 posts to build up to the height of the door jam. Either way, with TuffBlock it's easy! 5. This beautiful mutli-level patio deck is not only practical but visually stunning. Think about how you can incorporate a patio deck that also features as a walkway into your yard. 6. Patio decks are all about connecting the indoors with the outdoors. It's not just for summer either! In winter, adding a deck means you can walk outdoors without stepping into a muddy lawn. But let's face it...decks like these are best enjoyed on warm summer nights when you can eat outdoors with the bbq on. If you're entertaining, it allows more room for people to mingle too! 7. Having a gazebo, pergola or overhanging roof is a great way to stay sheltered whilst enjoying the outdoors. This simple patio deck is a great example of that! Enjoy outdoor dining and stay sheltered against the rain. 8. Incorporating a deck alongside your sliding glass doors can dramatically enhance the sense of space in your home, effectively creating a seamless extension that bridges your indoor and outdoor living areas. 9. This deck combines a both modern and rustic features. Stone pavers combined with a modern house creates a great juxtaposition! Traditional 1. A patio deck can be a very warm and inviting feature of a home. We love the muted and mature colours of this patio against the brick house. 2. If you're looking to build steps into your patio deck, then consider checking out a video tutorial by Brent from 'BYOT' on YouTube, who shows you how to build something like this yourself: 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. Rustic 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Minimalist 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Thanks for joining us on this visual journey through 33 exquisite patio deck ideas. It's our hope that you've found inspiration and maybe even the perfect design for your outdoor retreat. Feeling motivated to embark on a DIY decking project? Look no further! On our BuildTuff YouTube channel, we've put together a comprehensive video tutorial to assist you in creating a stunning floating deck by yourself. This could be the resource you've been searching for to transform your outdoor area into a personal oasis. If this is your first time building a deck, then check out this video showing a first DIY builder who took on this patio deck to extend the living space of his home: Hopefully this gives you the confidence and inspiration to take on a project yourself! Building a deck can be as simple as building lego when using TuffBlock, and with a few basic tools can be done by anyone who's willing to roll up their sleeves and take it on.Build On.
This is a guide to building a DIY backyard deck. Learn how to make your own backyard deck for summertime grilling, with this step-by-step Hometalk tutorial.
When you're building a deck, the details matter.
For a sturdy, long-lasting deck, size the joists correctly for the anticipated load and space them accordingly.
How to build a raised deck for beginners with no prior experience. Step-by-step guide on how to build a composite deck.
This is the step-by-step guide you’ve all been waiting for. The BuildTuff team have crafted this how-to-guide to assist you with your next deck build and/or decking project. Whether you’re a DIYer or home contractor, this guide will walk you through: The fundamental steps to building a deck, The correct application and technique when using TuffBlocks as the foundation system to your decking project, The recommended materials for each stage of your build and; How to decorate your deck so that you can enjoy your new, outdoor living space. If you haven’t done so already check in with your local building authority to seek approval for your build and to ensure your site is clear of any tree/tree root systems as well as underground cables and services. Once you’ve received approval we recommend drawing up some deck design ideas and/plans so that you can get building! Once you’ve calculated your deck dimensions, we recommend using our free decking calculator to ensure you have enough TuffBlocks to complete your build. Want a sneak peak at the list of materials we used for our deck build? Click here to download the PDF version. We hired the sod cutter and compactor from our local hardware store - we recommend you do this if a shovel is not sufficient. Now that you have your deck plans drawn up, you’ve received approval from your local building authority and you have a list of materials for the build, it's time to get started. Step 1. Site Preparation First let’s mark out the dimensions of the deck. Grab a bottle of spray paint and a straightedge to mark out the dimensions for the build. We highly recommend marking out the dimensions so you have a reference point throughout the build. For our project we hired a sod cutter from a local hardware store to help loosen up the topsoil. If you’re unable to hire or obtain access to a sod cutter, we recommend using a shovel for this step. Remove the topsoil before progressing to step 2. Step 2. Level and Compact To ensure our TuffBlocks sit nice and level, we need to compact the ground. Due to the dimensions of our deck, we dug out 4 terraces on our site. The first terrace sat 1ft from the top edge of the build with the remaining terraces sitting 5ft apart. When digging the trench for your terraces, ensure there is sufficient width to fit both the TuffBlock and the compactor. Once you’ve dug up all your terraces, lay out the paver base and use the compactor to compact the ground. Step 3. Level TuffBlocks Before placing the TuffBlocks down, we need to ensure the ground is level. Scoop out some road base (we recommend enough to cover the base of the TuffBlock), level it out with your rectangular trowel and tamp it down, place the TuffBlock on the ground and ensure it sits level. Our recommendation is to complete this step in each corner of your deck build - that way you can get started on building the outer deck frame. Once the first, 4 TuffBlocks are level, it’s time to cut your joists to your deck length. After measuring and cutting your joists, we suggest treating the cut ends of your lumber with sealant to enhance the longevity of your lumber. Before adding on the joist hangers, measure your first joist and ensure it’s level. With our most recent deck build, we built on sloping ground - which meant that we needed posts for our build. To measure our post height we measure from the base of the TuffBlock up to the joist. The BuildTuff team used a technique known as notching to secure the post to the joist, which required taking the measurement from the top of the joist down to the base of the post - note down this measurement and proceed to step 4 to learn what comes next. For those that are not building on a slope or using posts in a deck build, we recommend ensuring your first joist sits level. You can then proceed to step 5. *NB: It’s important to note that once you have measured, cut and ensured your first joist is level that you can add on your joist hangers for a more efficient build. Step 4. Cutting Posts If building with posts, we recommend the notching technique introduced in Step 3. Note the measurement of your joist and post, make sure your joist is level and then mark up the lumber. Using your miter saw we are going to cut the first post. Adjust the width on your circular saw and create close cuts for the notching technique. Once you have completed your close cuts, use a hammer and tap from the top end of the post. The lumber should come loose. Even out the lumber with a chisel. As this is a fresh cut, we recommend treating the lumber with sealant - again to enhance the longevity of your lumber. From here place your post into the TuffBlock, connect the joist and post with screws and continue building the outer frame of your deck. NB: Check the first joist and post is the exact height measured in step 3 before proceeding with the remainder of the outer frame. Step 5. Check Measurements Now that the outer frame of the deck is up, it is important we ensure the structure is level and square before adding in the center joists. To ensure the structure is level, simply lay your level on all 4 sides of the deck frame. To ensure the structure is square, we recommend two methods. The first is the 3,4,5, method - this is best explained in our YouTube video. The second method we suggest is to measure the hypotenuse of your square, measure the diagonals and if they’re equivalent, your deck is square. If you’re eager to build your deck, head over to our YouTube channel, subscribe and check out our videos. In the meantime keep an eye out for part 2 of our deck build series. Build on!
How to build a raised deck for beginners with no prior experience. Step-by-step guide on how to build a composite deck.
Stop dreaming about your perfect deck or patio and start planning. Take a look at some of our favorite projects, and then build one (or more!) in your backyard.
Looking to upgrade your back yard? Well we've got 6 simple deck designs, but built in beautifully landscaped yards. These decks aren't just about functionality; they're about creating a vibe, a mood. Imagine stepping out to a space that blends seamlessly with the outdoors, where the boundaries between inside and outside blur. A place for morning coffees or to have dinner outdoors. These decks all use simple landscaping materials such as pavers, stone & rock to incorporate your deck into your yard by building pathways and garden beds around the deck itself. When using TuffBlock deck blocks, you can build the deck portion in a matter of hours when the deck itself is a simple rectangle. But when blended into the yard with some simple landscaping tricks, it elevates it to a whole new level. Hopefully these inspire you and get you thinking about how you could transform your own yard! This first deck shows how you can build out from your home to create a patio deck, and extend the living space in your house. This type of deck is perfect for an outdoor living area. Think about using stones around the deck to frame it. The symetrical plants at either corner of the deck along with the L shaped couch make this a perfect place to sit and enjoy the outdoors that leads perfect out to your garden. This type of deck is also perfect in winter where the stone and paved pathway allow you to stay out of the mud whilst still using the space. This deck is similar, but is floating in the yard as a stand alone platform. A floating deck platform is a great place to have dinner during warm summer nights. Adding pavers to your lawn is a great way to connect the deck to the house, and the gravel/stone around the deck is great for hiding the deck blocks under the deck. This deck is built into the garden bed at the end of the yard. The pathway connects is seamlessly to the house, and allows you to sit in your yard whilst enjoying the nature around you. A two toned deck is always a nice touch. A floating ground deck is perfect for a bbq and inviting friends over for a feast! Building on a slope yard? Well TuffBlock allows you to build using posts at various heights for a deck like this. Consider creating a bench as part of your floating deck for an extra place to sit. You can also build a firepit next to your deck to warm you up in the evenings! We hope these six stunning examples of floating decks have sparked your creativity and inspired you to embark on your own backyard transformation. Each deck, with its unique blend of simplicity and style, demonstrates how when using deck blocks, like TuffBlock, a single day's effort building a floating deck can result in a breathtaking outdoor sanctuary. Whether it's a cozy corner for your morning coffee or a spacious platform for social gatherings, the possibilities are endless. Now it's your turn to bring these ideas to life! Grab your tools, choose your design, and start building. Remember, the beauty of these decks lies not just in their construction, but in how they harmoniously integrate with the natural landscape of your yard. We can't wait to see the incredible spaces you create, transforming your outdoor areas into personal havens of relaxation and joy. Happy building!
By Toby Bostwick Over the past year, outdoor living spaces have become just as much a place to unplug as they have a designated zone for homework lessons, remote work meetings and intimate dinner gatherings. Given the uptick in time spent outdoors, it’s no surprise Extreme-how-to’ers are taking their skillset to the deck and transforming […]
Looking for the best plans on how to build a deck step by step with pictures? Just follow these simple steps, just make absolutely sure you . . .
Looking to upgrade your back yard? Well we've got 6 simple deck designs, but built in beautifully landscaped yards. These decks aren't just about functionality; they're about creating a vibe, a mood. Imagine stepping out to a space that blends seamlessly with the outdoors, where the boundaries between inside and outside blur. A place for morning coffees or to have dinner outdoors. These decks all use simple landscaping materials such as pavers, stone & rock to incorporate your deck into your yard by building pathways and garden beds around the deck itself. When using TuffBlock deck blocks, you can build the deck portion in a matter of hours when the deck itself is a simple rectangle. But when blended into the yard with some simple landscaping tricks, it elevates it to a whole new level. Hopefully these inspire you and get you thinking about how you could transform your own yard! This first deck shows how you can build out from your home to create a patio deck, and extend the living space in your house. This type of deck is perfect for an outdoor living area. Think about using stones around the deck to frame it. The symetrical plants at either corner of the deck along with the L shaped couch make this a perfect place to sit and enjoy the outdoors that leads perfect out to your garden. This type of deck is also perfect in winter where the stone and paved pathway allow you to stay out of the mud whilst still using the space. This deck is similar, but is floating in the yard as a stand alone platform. A floating deck platform is a great place to have dinner during warm summer nights. Adding pavers to your lawn is a great way to connect the deck to the house, and the gravel/stone around the deck is great for hiding the deck blocks under the deck. This deck is built into the garden bed at the end of the yard. The pathway connects is seamlessly to the house, and allows you to sit in your yard whilst enjoying the nature around you. A two toned deck is always a nice touch. A floating ground deck is perfect for a bbq and inviting friends over for a feast! Building on a slope yard? Well TuffBlock allows you to build using posts at various heights for a deck like this. Consider creating a bench as part of your floating deck for an extra place to sit. You can also build a firepit next to your deck to warm you up in the evenings! We hope these six stunning examples of floating decks have sparked your creativity and inspired you to embark on your own backyard transformation. Each deck, with its unique blend of simplicity and style, demonstrates how when using deck blocks, like TuffBlock, a single day's effort building a floating deck can result in a breathtaking outdoor sanctuary. Whether it's a cozy corner for your morning coffee or a spacious platform for social gatherings, the possibilities are endless. Now it's your turn to bring these ideas to life! Grab your tools, choose your design, and start building. Remember, the beauty of these decks lies not just in their construction, but in how they harmoniously integrate with the natural landscape of your yard. We can't wait to see the incredible spaces you create, transforming your outdoor areas into personal havens of relaxation and joy. Happy building!
Before you get to work constructing your dream outdoor space, take some time to consider a few factors that will help while building a new deck.
Sunny Days are for Enjoying a Beautiful Deck, Drinks with Friends, BBQ - Not Working up a Sweat to Repair or Maintain it ! Build a Better Deck with EcoHome
Not sure what to look out for when building a deck? I documented all the steps in our DIY deck journey, what to expect and mistakes to avoid.
Here are Matt Risinger's three top deck building tips to double the lifespan of your new deck! Hint: They all deal with water and rot issues.
A deck makes a backyard more enjoyable. A deck allows you to enjoy outdoor grilling and dining or simply hanging out with friends. Unfortunately, upkeep for a deck is a nuisance and one that homeowners fail to do on a regular basis. With the cost to build a deck being very expensive, you should maximize
Avoid headaches, save time and build a rock-solid deck.
Hiring A Deck Builder
6 Tips on knowing When To Replace Your Deck | DIY Deck Project | Composite Decking or Wood | How to Replace your Deck | How to Build a Deck
From the simple to the extravagant, here are a few backyard ideas to get you started.
Mastering Deck Building: The Importance of Lateral Beam Placement and the 3-4-5 Method 🔨 Building a deck? Don’t forget about lateral placement for your post and beams! Use the 3-4-5 method to make...
Sizing deck footings made easy with this comprehensive guide.
When you’re building a deck or other structure solo, it’s pretty hard to level long joists and beams, then hold them in place while you secure them.
A sun deck is the ultimate outdoor entertaining space, featuring a terrace or balcony that is positioned to catch the sun.
How to build a raised deck for beginners with no prior experience. Step-by-step guide on how to build a composite deck.
This is the step-by-step guide you’ve all been waiting for. The BuildTuff team have crafted this how-to-guide to assist you with your next deck build and/or decking project. Whether you’re a DIYer or home contractor, this guide will walk you through: The fundamental steps to building a deck, The correct application and technique when using TuffBlocks as the foundation system to your decking project, The recommended materials for each stage of your build and; How to decorate your deck so that you can enjoy your new, outdoor living space. If you haven’t done so already check in with your local building authority to seek approval for your build and to ensure your site is clear of any tree/tree root systems as well as underground cables and services. Once you’ve received approval we recommend drawing up some deck design ideas and/plans so that you can get building! Once you’ve calculated your deck dimensions, we recommend using our free decking calculator to ensure you have enough TuffBlocks to complete your build. Want a sneak peak at the list of materials we used for our deck build? Click here to download the PDF version. We hired the sod cutter and compactor from our local hardware store - we recommend you do this if a shovel is not sufficient. Now that you have your deck plans drawn up, you’ve received approval from your local building authority and you have a list of materials for the build, it's time to get started. Step 1. Site Preparation First let’s mark out the dimensions of the deck. Grab a bottle of spray paint and a straightedge to mark out the dimensions for the build. We highly recommend marking out the dimensions so you have a reference point throughout the build. For our project we hired a sod cutter from a local hardware store to help loosen up the topsoil. If you’re unable to hire or obtain access to a sod cutter, we recommend using a shovel for this step. Remove the topsoil before progressing to step 2. Step 2. Level and Compact To ensure our TuffBlocks sit nice and level, we need to compact the ground. Due to the dimensions of our deck, we dug out 4 terraces on our site. The first terrace sat 1ft from the top edge of the build with the remaining terraces sitting 5ft apart. When digging the trench for your terraces, ensure there is sufficient width to fit both the TuffBlock and the compactor. Once you’ve dug up all your terraces, lay out the paver base and use the compactor to compact the ground. Step 3. Level TuffBlocks Before placing the TuffBlocks down, we need to ensure the ground is level. Scoop out some road base (we recommend enough to cover the base of the TuffBlock), level it out with your rectangular trowel and tamp it down, place the TuffBlock on the ground and ensure it sits level. Our recommendation is to complete this step in each corner of your deck build - that way you can get started on building the outer deck frame. Once the first, 4 TuffBlocks are level, it’s time to cut your joists to your deck length. After measuring and cutting your joists, we suggest treating the cut ends of your lumber with sealant to enhance the longevity of your lumber. Before adding on the joist hangers, measure your first joist and ensure it’s level. With our most recent deck build, we built on sloping ground - which meant that we needed posts for our build. To measure our post height we measure from the base of the TuffBlock up to the joist. The BuildTuff team used a technique known as notching to secure the post to the joist, which required taking the measurement from the top of the joist down to the base of the post - note down this measurement and proceed to step 4 to learn what comes next. For those that are not building on a slope or using posts in a deck build, we recommend ensuring your first joist sits level. You can then proceed to step 5. *NB: It’s important to note that once you have measured, cut and ensured your first joist is level that you can add on your joist hangers for a more efficient build. Step 4. Cutting Posts If building with posts, we recommend the notching technique introduced in Step 3. Note the measurement of your joist and post, make sure your joist is level and then mark up the lumber. Using your miter saw we are going to cut the first post. Adjust the width on your circular saw and create close cuts for the notching technique. Once you have completed your close cuts, use a hammer and tap from the top end of the post. The lumber should come loose. Even out the lumber with a chisel. As this is a fresh cut, we recommend treating the lumber with sealant - again to enhance the longevity of your lumber. From here place your post into the TuffBlock, connect the joist and post with screws and continue building the outer frame of your deck. NB: Check the first joist and post is the exact height measured in step 3 before proceeding with the remainder of the outer frame. Step 5. Check Measurements Now that the outer frame of the deck is up, it is important we ensure the structure is level and square before adding in the center joists. To ensure the structure is level, simply lay your level on all 4 sides of the deck frame. To ensure the structure is square, we recommend two methods. The first is the 3,4,5, method - this is best explained in our YouTube video. The second method we suggest is to measure the hypotenuse of your square, measure the diagonals and if they’re equivalent, your deck is square. If you’re eager to build your deck, head over to our YouTube channel, subscribe and check out our videos. In the meantime keep an eye out for part 2 of our deck build series. Build on!
Buy PDF & Cut List Create a comfortable retreat anywhere in your yard with a ground-level deck.
Composite decking is a long-lasting wood alternative, but it isn't wood. Here are some pro tips for building your composite deck the right way.
Uncover the magic of secluded spaces and unique features that invite you to create a personal oasis.
Pro deck builder Bobby Parks builds stairs from the top down on this second-story deck.
Want to avoid deck decay and enjoy your outdoor space for the rest of your days? If you use these deck building tricks during the initial build, you’ll find yourself with a sturdy backyard oasis for a long, long time.
💡Pro tip: You've spent 💰thousands on your new deck project so don't cut corners and skip this step! * Joist tape can extend the life of your deck by not only creating that barrier between decking &...
Create your dream outdoor space with our comprehensive 20'x16' Deck Blueprint Package. This bundle includes everything you need to bring your vision to life: Deck Framing Plan: Detailed blueprint outlining the structural framework for your deck, ensuring stability and durability. Deck Perspective: Visual representation of how your finished deck will look, providing insight into the layout and design. Deck Elevation: Scaled drawing showing the height and dimensions of your deck from different viewpoints, aiding in visualization and planning. Material List: Comprehensive list of materials required for construction, including quantities and specifications, simplifying the shopping process. Deck Construction Guide: Tips for building your deck, from preparation to finishing touches, making the construction process seamless and efficient. With this complete blueprint package, you'll have all the necessary tools and guidance to build the perfect outdoor oasis for relaxation, entertaining, and enjoying the great outdoors. Start building your dream deck today!
Knowing how deck loads work will help you to build a structure that can stand up to heavy use.
Learn several fool-proof methods for supporting and connecting stringers.
