Floating Deck Ideas and Designs For Inspiration

Floating deck ideas have become increasingly popular. And that’s because they are extraordinarily flexible in design and can be used almost anywhere, whether it be for a small outdoor space, backyard, or around a pool.

Want to find some of the best  outdoor floating deck designs?

Keep reading!

17 Outdoor Floating Deck Ideas To Consider

Here are 17 floating deck ideas to get you started.

Warm Wood Retreat

floating deck idea with pergola that has warm wood color tones

This outdoor floating deck idea with a pergola uses the golden-brown tones of Ipe hardwood to create an inviting atmosphere that seamlessly blends the outdoor living with stone and grass.

The natural wood grain enhances the texture, adding depth and character to the deck, while the precision in the board placement emphasizes clean lines and a modern aesthetic. 

The elevated spa area and adjoining covered lounge, both crafted with the same hardwood, foster a sense of continuity and harmony in the space, which makes it a perfect blend of relaxation and style.

Poolside Elegance

Backyard floating deck idea with patio furniture and pool 

The smooth, curving lines of the sustainably sourced Ipe hardwood deck beautifully complement the organic shapes of the pool and surrounding area.

The hues of the wood are used to contrast to the cool blue of the water, showcasing the natural beauty of both elements. Crafted with precision, the pergola and decking boards enhance the space with durability and sophisticated design, offering a perfect blend of function and style for long-lasting outdoor enjoyment.

Integrated Palm Serenity

outdoor floating patio deck with three palm trees

This beautifully crafted Ipe deck embraces the natural environment by incorporating existing palm trees into its design.

The sustainable wood complements the tropical setting while offering long-lasting durability against the elements. The carefully fitted spaces around the trees highlight the deck’s thoughtful construction, seamlessly merging natural beauty with structural integrity.

Forest Retreat Deck

large backyard floating deck idea with wood deck furniture

Nestled among towering trees, this expansive hardwood deck creates a tranquil outdoor living space that blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings. 

The earthy tones of the sustainably sourced wood enhance the connection to nature while providing a durable, weather-resistant surface. The spacious design accommodates various seating arrangements, making it an inviting area for relaxation and gatherings amidst the serene landscape.

Contemporary Deck Haven

contemporary floating deck with outdoor seating arrangement

This modern Ipe floating deck idea exudes warmth and sophistication, seamlessly blending with the clean lines of the contemporary outdoor seating and pergola. 

The rich wood tones are not only visually striking but are also sustainably sourced, ensuring long-lasting durability in any weather. The elevated design creates a private, serene retreat perfect for relaxation and enjoying the outdoors.

Lakeside Luxury Living

floating deck idea with a pergola and outdoor seating for dining area

This above floating deck idea and pergola flow seamlessly together from the indoor living space to the outdoor lounge, creating a unified and luxurious environment. 

The wood’s natural grain complements the organic elements of the surrounding area, and its elegant design blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living.

Oceanfront Harmony Deck

expansive, open floating deck on the outside of a house

This expansive Ipe deck unites indoor and outdoor spaces, opening up to stunning ocean views. Built to endure coastal conditions, this durable deck provides a luxurious and tranquil environment for appreciating the beauty of the seaside landscape.

Poolside Curved Deck

outdoor floating deck that curves around a pool

The above floating deck design idea gracefully follows the curves of the pool and creates a harmonious connection between the natural wood and the vibrant blue water. The deck’s wood is designed to withstand moisture and sun exposure. This elegant design enhances the pool area and offers a stylish and functional space for relaxation and enjoyment.

Minimalist Sophistication Deck

Grey minimalist outdoor floating deck made out of composite decking

Crafted with Norx Composite Paris, this sleek deck complements the contemporary architecture with its clean lines and subtle gray tones.

The composite material offers the perfect blend of aesthetics and practicality, providing a durable, low-maintenance surface that resists weathering and wear. Ideal for modern outdoor living, this deck creates a sophisticated, cohesive space that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding landscape.

Retreat Deck

outdoor composite floating deck idea in an urban area

Crafted with Norx Rio Copacabana, this deck features striking gray tones that create a sleek, modern aesthetic perfectly suited for contemporary outdoor living spaces. 

The composite material is designed to resist the wear and tear of the environment while maintaining its visual appeal. Set against the minimalist architecture, this deck offers a refined and durable foundation for relaxation and entertaining.

Contemporary Patio Deck

Contemporary outdoor floating deck with composite decking and patio furniture

This sleek floating patio deck idea—also featuring Norx Rio Copacabana—offers a refined, modern look with its cool gray tones that perfectly complement the minimalist white architecture. The composite material ensures long-lasting durability, and the subtle yet sophisticated design creates a serene and stylish environment that improves the overall aesthetic of the home.

Coastal Serenity Deck

Thermowood® Ash floating deck idea lining the ocean’s coast

Crafted with Thermowood Ash, this expansive deck harmonizes with the serene coastal landscape, extending gracefully toward the calming infinity pool and the breathtaking blue waters beyond.

The warm tones of the thermally modified ash wood provide a natural and durable surface, ideal for withstanding the coastal elements. This design offers a luxurious and tranquil environment, perfect for enjoying the beauty of the ocean and surrounding scenery.

Urban Oasis Deck

Floating deck in an urban setting for gatherings and events

Thermowood Ash forms the foundation of this expansive deck, creating an inviting urban oasis that harmonizes natural elements with modern design. 

The tones of the thermally modified wood provide a striking contrast against the surrounding architecture, while offering exceptional durability in high-traffic areas. This deck is ideal for outdoor gatherings, and it offers a sense of versatility and style.

Courtyard Escape Deck

simple floating deck in a courtyard near water and grass

Constructed with Thermowood Ash, this courtyard deck offers a space for dining and relaxation. The rich tones of the thermally modified wood provide a durable, weather-resistant surface that enhances the overall aesthetic of the garden area. 

Surrounded by grass and water features, this deck creates a serene and stylish environment for social gatherings in an urban setting.

Tranquil Pond Deck

floating deck idea hovering over a pond

Built with Thermowood Ash, this tranquil deck overlooks a serene pond, creating a peaceful retreat within a natural setting. The thermally modified wood is both durable and resistant to moisture, making it ideal for this waterside installation. The lighted tones of the deck blend seamlessly with the surrounding vegetation, offering a perfect spot for relaxation and reflection.

Garden Dining Deck

outdoor dining area sitting on a floating deck next to water features

Highlighting the natural beauty of Thermowood Ash, this garden dining deck creates a serene setting for outdoor meals amidst lush greenery. The light, natural tones of the wood enhance the connection to the surrounding environment while offering durability and resistance to the elements. This thoughtfully designed space blends seamlessly with the garden, providing a tranquil and inviting area for relaxation and dining.

Contemporary Poolside Floating Deck

small backyard floating deck idea made with bright Thermowood® Ayous wood

Beautiful Thermowood Ayous envelops this contemporary poolside deck, creating a sleek and inviting outdoor space. The bright, golden hues of the thermally treated ayous wood harmonize with the modern architectural design, offering both aesthetic appeal and durability. 

This deck is not only visually striking but also highly resistant to moisture, making it an ideal choice for poolside installations that require long-lasting performance.

Material Choices for Floating Deck Ideas

A floating deck idea, however, is only as good as its decking material. Here are a few of the best decking materials to use for outdoor floating decks. 

Hardwood Decking Options

Hardwood decking, such as Ipe and Cumaru, is known for its durability and natural beauty. 

These materials have intricate grain patterns that are perfect for sophisticated outdoor spaces. Plus, they’re sourced sustainably from FSC-certified forests, and the hardwoods offer a long-lasting, eco-friendly solution with a lifespan of over 40 years.

Composite Decking

Composite decking is a popular low-maintenance option that mimics natural wood, made from a blend of recycled wood fibers and synthetic materials. 

It is resistant to rot, insects, and weathering, making it ideal for various climates and environmentally friendly by reducing the need for virgin materials. Minimal upkeep is required, with only occasional cleaning needed, making it a practical choice for busy homeowners.

PVC Decking

PVC decking provides an alternative to wood and composite options, known for resisting moisture, fading, and cracking. 

It is ideal for high humidity areas—especially ones near water features—as it doesn’t absorb water and is impervious to mold and mildew. 

However, it may lack the natural look of wood, and modern finishes now closely resemble natural materials.

Another benefit is that PVC is lightweight and easy to install.

Deck Tiles

Deck tiles are also excellent options for those seeking a quick and easy installation process. 

Available in various hardwoods, deck tiles provide versatility in design and are ideal for creating unique patterns. They are also easy to replace, making them a low-maintenance and cost-effective solution for upgrading outdoor spaces.

When considering the various materials for your deck, it’s essential to factor in their environmental impact and sustainability.

Sustainability in Decking Materials

Another consideration for floating deck ideas is sustainability, especially for homeowners and contractors. The environmental impact of decking materials can vary widely, with some options offering significant benefits in terms of resource conservation and longevity. For instance:

Eco-Friendly Wood Options

Choosing FSC-certified hardwoods or reclaimed wood for decking ensures that the materials come from responsibly managed forests and do not contribute to deforestation. Reclaimed wood also has the added benefit of reducing waste, as it repurposed materials that would otherwise end up in landfills​.

Sustainable Composite Decking

Composite decking made from recycled materials offers a sustainable alternative to traditional wood. By incorporating reclaimed wood fibers and recycled plastics, composite decking reduces the demand for virgin resources and helps to keep waste out of landfills. Furthermore, its long lifespan means that fewer resources are needed for repairs and replacements over time​.

Maintenance and Environmental Impact

Maintaining your deck in an eco-friendly manner is also important. Opting for natural cleaning solutions, such as vinegar and baking soda, can help preserve the environment by avoiding the use of harsh chemicals. Additionally, choosing eco-friendly sealers can protect the deck while minimizing its environmental footprint​.

Transitioning from the material considerations, it’s important to understand the practical aspects of building and maintaining a floating deck.

Invest in Quality and Sustainability with Lumber Plus

Lumber Plus offers a wide range of decking materials, from sustainable hardwoods to low-maintenance composites and PVC options. 

Whether you’re a contractor or a homeowner, our products are designed to meet your needs while prioritizing quality and environmental responsibility. Contact us today for more information.

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