Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
That messy little no-go zone behind my sauna and woodshed is finally getting a facelift. Between the stacked firewood, sharp axes, and that scorching sauna pipe, it’s always been off-limits to the kids—so I decided to make it SAFER by building a small floating deck.
This type of “floating” deck isn’t attached to anything, so it’s perfect when you want a solid surface without pouring footings. (Just remember: if your deck is more than 24" off the ground, you’ll need railings—and always check your local building codes!)
For this build, I’m using Western Red Cedar because it’s naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insects. It’s lightweight, easy to cut, and takes fasteners like a dream—no splitting. I’m leaving it untreated so it can weather naturally into that beautiful silvery-grey finish.
If you’ve got an awkward or unused space around your property, this is a simple project that can totally transform it.
__________
Cottage Life TV—Find out where you can watch our programs:
bit.ly/3776Muk
Do you have a cottage-related question for us?
bit.ly/3bnhJv2
Looking for Cottage-related DIY projects, design tips, recipes and more?
Check out cottagelife.com
SUBSCRIBE to one of our newsletters:
cottagelife.com/newsletter
SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel!
bit.ly/2ErAr5S
Come and see us! Cottage Shows & Events
bit.ly/2OAdbIf
Cottage Life Podcast
Join Michelle Kelly, editor of Cottage Life magazine, for a new podcast that explores cottage topics from entertaining and maintenance to wildlife and the environment
cottagelife.com/exp/podcast
Social Media
Twitter: twitter.com/cottagelife
Facebook: facebook.com/cottagelife
Pinterest: pinterest.com/cottagelife
Instagram: instagram.com/cottagelife
That messy little no-go zone behind my sauna and woodshed is finally getting a facelift. Between the stacked firewood, sharp axes, and that scorching sauna pipe, it’s always been off-limits to the kids—so I decided to make it SAFER by building a small floating deck.
This type of “floating” deck isn’t attached to anything, so it’s perfect when you want a solid surface without pouring footings. (Just remember: if your deck is more than 24" off the ground, you’ll need railings—and always check your local building codes!)
For this build, I’m using Western Red Cedar because it’s naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insects. It’s lightweight, easy to cut, and takes fasteners like a dream—no splitting. I’m leaving it untreated so it can weather naturally into that beautiful silvery-grey finish.
If you’ve got an awkward or unused space around your property, this is a simple project that can totally transform it.
__________
Cottage Life TV—Find out where you can watch our programs:
bit.ly/3776Muk
Do you have a cottage-related question for us?
bit.ly/3bnhJv2
Looking for Cottage-related DIY projects, design tips, recipes and more?
Check out cottagelife.com
SUBSCRIBE to one of our newsletters:
cottagelife.com/newsletter
SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel!
bit.ly/2ErAr5S
Come and see us! Cottage Shows & Events
bit.ly/2OAdbIf
Cottage Life Podcast
Join Michelle Kelly, editor of Cottage Life magazine, for a new podcast that explores cottage topics from entertaining and maintenance to wildlife and the environment
cottagelife.com/exp/podcast
Social Media
Twitter: twitter.com/cottagelife
Facebook: facebook.com/cottagelife
Pinterest: pinterest.com/cottagelife
Instagram: instagram.com/cottagelife
