19 Creative DIY Deck Plans and Design Ideas

Stacy is an expert writer for The Spruce covering home DIY projects and crafts. She has over 18 years of journalistic experience, appearing as a DIY expert on the Dr. Oz Show and several radio shows. She has published hundreds of articles and co-authored a book.

If you're looking to build a deck or upgrade your existing one, checking out some deck designs can help you carry out your vision. You can find many free deck plans online, with lists of materials and tools as well as step-by-step instructions. See what it takes to build a deck, with plans, photos, videos, illustrations, as well as 3D deck plan development tools to guide you.

Watch Now: How to Build a Floating Deck

Wood or Composite Deck Plan

Lowe's has a great free deck plan that includes a tools and materials list, tips on designing and laying out the deck, as well as step-by-step instructions that will take you through every step of building the deck, stairs, and railing. Instructions are available for both wooden and composite decks. If you feel like getting more creative, Lowe's Deck Designer is a great way to create plans for your own custom deck. It's a free tool that lets you create the deck of your dreams. Use it to build your own or to show it to a contractor so they understand what you're looking for. This deck can work for any outdoor space, including plans for attached and freestanding decks.

Floating Deck Plan

Here's a free plan for a floating deck from Rogue Engineer. Since it doesn't need to be attached to a house, you can build it literally anywhere you want. This deck is built beside a house but has space beneath it to make it float. Two stairs lead up to the deck, giving it further support. There's a required tool list, materials list, color photos, and written instructions that will take you through each step of building this beautiful deck.

Ground-Level Floating Deck

The Family Handyman has a free deck plan that will get you a floating oasis in just one weekend. The result is a retreat where you can relax and unwind. This is a project that may take a few weekends to build but it will be well worth the work. A materials list, cutting list, construction drawings, step-by-step directions, color photos, and several videos can help you complete this project.

Freestanding and Attached Deck

Humboldt Redwood includes plans for a freestanding deck and an attached deck that measures 8 x 10 feet. This free plan comes in a PDF file format with building instructions, diagrams, and blueprints. A freestanding deck can be placed in any part of the yard, which is especially helpful if your state or locality has regulations or taxation implications with attached decks. Some woodworking experience is required to execute the plan.