What is a Floating Deck
The first thought in your mind when you think of the words ‘Floating Deck’ might be a mystical type of a surface, quite alladinesque as one may imagine it as a deck that is hovering above ground. Contrary to that, a floating deck is a type of a deck that isn't attached to a building but is rather freely another part of the house or your backyard entirely. These are also called freestanding or ground level decks because such decks are barely above ground level and do not require handrails or guardrails.
Read more: How to Build Stairs with Paver Stones
If a deck is attached to your home, it will merit different tax regulations or permit requirements as it is considered a part or an extension of the existing house. However, floating decks being a freestanding outdoor stone and they usually do not require permits or approvals before building. However, it is something that needs to be checked in because different places might have different laws regarding floating decks.
Read more: How to Install Composite Decking
Before we get started there are quite a few things that need to be taken into consideration. First consider the location of where you are building your floating deck. Secondly you need to consider the terrain because tanzanite stone deck tiles are usually heavier than composite decking or wooden decking in general therefore the soil needs not to be soft so that the deck sinks overtime. If permits are required then you might require more time and cost to build a floating deck.
Read more: Selecting the Best Decking Color for your Home
Floating Deck Costs and Material Considerations
The cost of building your deck will depend on several variables such as the amount of stone tiles that you require. Tanzite offer the best prices with quickest delivery for tanzanite stone deck tiles. Be sure to factor in the cost of concrete and other materials that are required in the building of your deck. You might need to rent or purchase a diamond saw to cut tanzanite stone tiles properly so be sure to add the cost of renting or purchasing one in your budget.
You can head on to our deck design tool to design the stone deck that you have dreamt off. You can also use our deck estimator to calculate the cost of the deck that you require.
Read more: How to Build a Raised Deck
Building a Floating Deck : Step by Step
Even though floating decks appear to be floating on grass, you usually need to build this style of deck on a bed of gravel or concrete blocks for stability purposes.
In this example we are going to talk about a floating deck which is situated on a concrete block. Since the deck is not situated directly on the ground the blocks would allow the main frame and deck structure to be ventilated and not crack easily.
Read more: How to create a Herringbone Decking Pattern
Preparing the deck Area
Assess your terrain first on where you want to build your floating deck. If you're wondering how to build a floating deck over dirt, firstly, you need to remove any foliage such as grass weeds and another thing that is covering the deck surface. The ground would need to be cleared and then raked to make sure the entire thing is properly leveled before placing the deck blocks.
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Setting the Concrete Blocks
When your floating deck is built on deck blocks. You create a good amount of stability that soil does not provide. It also enables good ventilation for your deck and to ensure a stable structure. You would need to take into consideration the size of your deck as this dictates how many concrete blocks you will require. If the size of your deck is 8’ x 10’ it will dictate how many concrete blocks you will need to create a stable surface that is slightly above the ground for the frame to go on. Space your blocks in regular intervals both horizontally and verticals to make sure the weight is balanced. Use a level to ensure that the blocks are leveled so that your deck wont have a tilt eventually once the frame is built and the decking is laid on it. This will form a good solid foundation for your floating deck to be on.
Read more: Anatomy of a Deck
How to build a floating deck frame
The driveway or any other flat space would make a great build area for your floating deck frame. Use a circular saw to cut seven 2 x 6 boards to 93 inches for your joists. You’ll also have additional boards of 10 ft serving as your end joists. Lay this boards out in a rectangle shape and drill screws into each corner to secure your deck properly.
Read more: Brown Decking Ideas
Position The Deck Frame
Arrange your floating deck frame over the concrete blocks neatly. You should use a framing square to help you properly align all of the decking frame with the concrete blocks. Then, add additional gravel or soil to the concrete blocks if necessary to make them properly even. Your biggest challenge when building a deck on uneven ground is to make your ground even so that your deck stays properly stable.
Read more; How to Build a Freestanding Deck
Install the Decking
Add your tanzanite stone deck tiles to your outdoor stone deck. There are several different sizes and measurements available for these deck tiles; you can order a tanzite stone deck tile sample box to see what suits your needs. Align a row of deck tiles along the length of your deck and screw it in properly and keep moving forward. After everything is aligned properly, put some polymer sand in between all your decking and put some water on it to seal it properly in place. Tanzanite stone deck tiles do not require any staining whatsoever as Tanzanite is resistant to water or any other forces of nature.
What is a floating (freestanding) deck—and how is it different from attached?
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A floating deck is self-supporting and not attached to the house; it typically sits low to the ground. Many small, platform-height versions are code-friendly, but you must still confirm local rules.
Do I need a permit for a floating deck?
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Often not when the deck is very low (commonly under ~30 in.), but requirements vary by city/HOA. Always check first.
Do low floating decks need guardrails?
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By the IRC, guards are required when the walking surface is over 30 in. above grade. Low, ground-hugging platforms are typically below that threshold—verify locally.
What base works best: dirt, gravel, blocks, or footings?
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For true “floating” builds, many DIYers use concrete deck blocks on a compacted gravel bed for drainage and stability. In frost/heave zones or poor soils, prescriptive footings below frost depth may be required.
Will freeze–thaw damage a floating deck?
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In cold climates, surface-set blocks can heave. Some builders still accept seasonal movement; others switch to helical piles or frost-depth footings. Check local code and frost depth before choosing your foundation.
How many deck blocks do I need—and how far apart?
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There’s no universal number. Lay out blocks to support joist spans and beam lines per span tables and your decking system’s requirements (heavier surfaces = closer supports). Add more blocks under beam/joist intersections to spread load.
What joist spacing should I use under Tanzite stone tiles?
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Most deck-board systems call for 16" on center for straight layouts and 12" O.C. for diagonals; Tanzite content and builder references align with that guidance. Always follow the specific Tanzite series install guide.
Can I install Tanzite over an existing deck frame?
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Yes. Appalachian installs over a wood/metal frame; Rainier is a free-floating waterproof system that can go over an existing deck or plywood subfloor (and provides dry-space protection). Match your series to the application and follow the manual.
How do I level a frame sitting on blocks?
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After placing the frame on blocks, shim/adjust until level and square (composite shims are common). Keep consistent elevation across all block points to prevent future rocking.
Any special fasteners or clips for Tanzite?
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Tanzite uses clip/fastener systems (starter, edge, fascia, etc.)—no mortar/glue—with standard corrosion-resistant screws. Choose G-185 galvanized or stainless hardware for outdoor durability.
Do I still need to call 811 if I’m “only” setting blocks?
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Yes—call 811 before you dig to mark underground utilities, usually a few business days in advance. It’s free and often legally required.
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