Cost to Build a Floating Foundation Deck – 2021

The average price to Build a Floating Foundation Deck noted above is cost data to compare a contractor’s estimate with doing it yourself.

How much does it cost to build a 10-by-12 foot ground level deck? A deck contractor charges $2,090 to build a 10×12 foot floating foundation deck (built on piers, no cement footings). A homeowner can do the job for $710. 

Decks are typically built with cement footings buried into the ground. An alternative system designed for DIYers is to use a pier deck system of solid concrete blocks that floats on top of the soil and distribute the weight evenly.

This eliminates the need to dig holes and pour and mix cement for the footings. And while a conventional deck is attached to the house, a floating deck stands free from it and therefore is easier to build. The foundation for a ground level deck is made of cement piers that sit directly on the ground. They have slots in their tops and, depending on the height of the deck, hold either vertical posts or horizontal support boards. The decking is then secured to this framework.

If you’re budgeting for a new deck, here’s the numbers: A deck contractor will charge $2,090 to build a basic rectangular 10-by-12-foot ground level floating deck using a pier system of blocks and composite surface decking. That includes labor and material. You can do it yourself for $710, the cost of the material, and save 66 percent. The material includes concrete piers, 4-by-4 posts, 2-by-6 joists, decking and deck screws.

Deck building is labor-intensive, using heavy material and it requires working outdoors, so plan your time accordingly. You’ll need a carpenter’s level, circular saw, and power screw gun.

Here’s a link to a video with directions from Home Depot How to Build a Ground-Level Deck.

The average price to build a floating deck noted above is cost data to compare a contractor’s estimate with doing it yourself.