Free-standing low deck plans, framed to AWC DCA 6

Beta — engineering review in progress

Decks up to 28 in high and 16 x 12 ft, on 6x6 posts and round concrete footings, with joists, beams and stairs sized from the AWC DCA 6 tables and the IRC stair rules (risers at most 7.75 in). Never attached to the house; no railing needed.

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Platform deck
Beta — engineering review in progress
A free-standing rectangular deck on concrete footings, with a 4 ft stair in front. The simplest deck to build.
Size
12' x 12'
Skill
Medium
Materials
from $944
Deck with full-width steps
Beta — engineering review in progress
The same frame with steps across the whole front edge: easy to step down anywhere, and the steps double as seating.
Size
12' x 12'
Skill
Medium
Materials
from $1,041
Two-level deck
Beta — engineering review in progress
An upper level for dining and a lower level one step down, each on its own frame. Needs a deck at least 24 in high.
Size
16' x 12'
Skill
Advanced
Materials
from $1,411

Platform deck: size, framing and cost

The platform deck at each size, 24 in high, with its joists, beams, footings and estimated materials.

Platform deck by size
Size	Joists	Beams	Posts	Footings	Economy (est.)	Durable (est.)
10' x 8'	2x6 at 16 in	3-2x8	4	12 in round, 12 in+ deep	$944–$1,455	$1,344–$2,130
10' x 10'	2x8 at 16 in	2-2x8	6	12 / 16 in round, 12 in+ deep	$1,160–$1,765	$1,632–$2,560
12' x 10'	2x8 at 16 in	2-2x8	6	12 / 16 in round, 12 in+ deep	$1,268–$1,919	$1,764–$2,786
12' x 12'	2x10 at 16 in	2-2x10	6	12 / 16 in round, 12 in+ deep	$1,406–$2,097	$1,978–$3,096
16' x 12'	2x10 at 16 in	3-2x10	6	16 / 20 in round, 12 in+ deep	$1,960–$2,853	$2,685–$4,136

Worked out by our plan engine. Costs are estimates from typical US home-center prices, concrete, connectors and stairs included. Durable = composite decking.

Low deck questions

Does a low deck need a railing?

The IRC asks for guards where the deck is more than 30 in above grade. Our plans stop at 28 in, so no guard is needed; stairs with 4 or more risers get a handrail.

How deep do deck footings go?

At least 12 in below undisturbed grade, or below the frost line where that is deeper (AWC DCA 6). Frost depth varies by location: check your local code before you dig.

How far apart are the joists?

16 in at most under 5/4 wood decking (IRC Table R507.7); composite boards follow their label. Our 12 x 12 ft plan uses 2x10 joists at 16 in.

Can I attach the deck to my house?

Not with these plans. They are free-standing decks on their own posts and footings, which keeps the build simple and the house wall untouched.

More in our guide: Free-standing deck footings, joists and beams

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