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A freestanding platform deck is a low-maintenance option for creating an outdoor floor. Because it can be constructed virtually anywhere, in almost any size, a platform deck works in nearly any landscape. The wood can be left natural, stained or painted to blend with your house and other landscape elements.

You'll be able to build this deck over a single weekend. It uses lumber in standard lengths, so you won't need to do a lot of cutting. In addition, this deck uses precast concrete footings, rather than poured footings. These precast footings are available at home improvement centers and lumberyards.

This 12 × 12-ft. deck rests on a 10 × 10-ft. base formed by 18 concrete footings arranged in three rows of six footings each. Joists are secured in slots in the tops of the footings, simplifying the building process.

Materials: Precast concrete footings (18), 12-ft. 2 x 6s (38), 2 lbs. galvanized 3" deck screws

Directions: Platform Deck

Install & Level the Footings

1. Measure a 10 × 10-ft. area for the deck foundation, and mark the corners with stakes.

2. Position a footing at each corner, then measure from corner to corner, from the center of each footing. Adjust until the diagonal measurements are equal, which means the footings are square.

3. Place a 2 × 6 across the corner footings for the back row, setting it in the center slots. Check this joist with a level, then add or remove soil beneath footings as necessary to level it.

4. Center a footing between these corner footings. Use a level to recheck the joist, then add or remove soil beneath the center footing, if necessary (photo A). Remove the joist.

5. Repeat the process described in #3, #4 and #5 to set and level the footings for the front row.

6. Position the remaining 12 footings at equal intervals, aligned in three rows. Position a 2 × 6 from the front row of footings to the back, and adjust soil as necessary to bring the interior footings into alignment with the front and back rows.

Install the Joists

1. Seal the ends of each 2 × 6 with wood sealer/protectant and let them dry completely.

6. Repeat #4 and #5 to install the other rim joist.

Position the Sleepers

1. Measure and cut six 2 × 6 sleepers to fit between the front and back joists and the rim joists. Seal the cut ends with wood sealer/protectant and let them dry completely.

 

2. Position one sleeper in each row of footings, between the first joist and the rim joist (photo D). Attach each sleeper by driving a pair of galvanized deck screws through each of the joists and into the sleeper.

Square Up the Frame

1. Once the framing is complete, measure the diagonals from corner to corner. Compare the measurements to see if they are equal (photo E).

2. Adjust the framing as necessary by pushing it into alignment. Have someone help you hold one side of the framework while you push against the other.

Lay the Decking

1. Seal the 2 × 6 decking boards with wood sealer/protectant and let them dry. Seal all exposed framing members as well.

2. Lay a 2 × 6 over the surface of the deck, perpendicular to the joists and flush with the rim joist. Secure this board with deck screws.

3. Repeat #2 to install the rest of the decking (photo F). Use a framing square to set a 1/8" space between boards. Rip cut the last decking board if needed.

 Variation--Adding a Railing