17+ Attractive Floating Deck with Pergola You Can Install in Your Backyard

There are many ways to design your backyard.

You can have a garden brimming with lovely blooms or a simple rock garden.

But, if you want something unique that can instantly enhance the visual aesthetic in your yard, you may want to consider installing a floating deck.

Haven’t you heard about that before?

Well, actually, a floating deck is one that’s usually not attached to a house and looks “floating”.

Most of the time, the floating design discourages us from building it, but actually, floating decks are easier to build than the standard decks. They can go anywhere as long as you have the railings that connect to a structure.

For a more comfortable place, it’s better to add a pergola.

Nothing beats a floating deck with a pergola when it comes to comfortable seating space.

There are many uses of a floating deck with a pergola. You can use it as a resting spot when you’re gardening or use it as a tea house for an Asian landscape. A floating deck with a pergola can also be used as a mini deck for a kid’s playhouse.

If you have to deal with an awkward corner or an under-utilized space, just turn it into a floating deck with a pergola to improve the look of your backyard.

Building a floating deck with a pergola is a simple project that you can include in your next DIY project. But sometimes, professional help is also needed. Either way, here are some ideas of floating deck with pergola that you can copy:

1. Floating Deck as an Outdoor Space Completed with a Cantilevered Fire Table and a Pergola

This floating pergola works as a comfortable outdoor space that provides all the comforts of indoor living space.

The cantilevered fire table, custom swivel mount outdoor TV, and a cozy seating space are enough to keep you comfortable.

This floating deck looks floated from the back, and it’s surrounded by artificial turf that’s more pet-friendly than the real one. The elevated decking space makes it look to pop against the entire landscaping and patio decking.

There’s a lower decking that can be used in many ways, and it seems that the designer wanted to fill the whole area with a deck in multilevel.

The pergola has a decorative cover that opens in one spot to ensure the area beneath will get the most natural light.

During the summer, this would be the perfect place to spend more time outside. And during colder months, you can add some removable covers to shield this area.

2. An Elevated Area is Higher Than the Concrete Surface as a Floating Deck with a Pergola on the Rooftop

If you live in a limited space but want to build a deck and a pergola, you can maximize your rooftop area.

Here, you can build a floating deck, which is easy as long as you keep it more elevated than the rest of the area.

This floating deck is just the same. Even though it is not a lot higher than the concrete floor, the decking is one step above the concrete surface.

It seems that the homeowners wanted to separate these two seating areas. The seating space on the floating deck seems more formal, and it can’t only be used as a dining table but also as an entertainment spot.

There’s a pergola to partially cover this floating deck finished in white color. There’s no plant on the floating deck and on the pergola.

Everything is clean and polished to maintain the sleek lines and minimalist design of this floating deck.

3. LED String Light in the Space Under the Trendy Floating Deck with a Pergola

Instead of seating space, the homeowners placed a bed on this floating deck.

It seems reasonable because what’s more comfortable than laying around on an outside bed?

To make it look more exclusive, the designer made the floating deck, an area that’s a bit higher than its surrounding. It’s as if the bed was placed on a stage.

Right at the space below the floating deck, the designer also installed LED string light. It won’t be seen during the day, but this trendy floating deck looks magical when the night comes.

The light glows around the deck and exclusively illuminates the decking.

The pergola on top of the floating deck makes this outdoor bedroom look even more comfortable. No need to worry about the bright sunlight.

To get a little privacy, there are curtains hung in every column of the pergola. The sheer curtain will fully enclose this floating deck pergola but still allow the people inside to feel the breeze.

4. Outdoor Fireplace Area in a Floating Deck with a Pergola

To create an outdoor fireplace area that is a perfect spot to host a small gathering, you might want to consider building a floating deck.

Unlike the previous pictures, this floating deck is much higher than the rest of the landscaping. Thus, it is completed with a wooden staircase to reach it.

The wooden staircase looks similar to the construction of the deck and the pergola, obviously to create a unison in a traditional look.

There is no space below the deck. Instead, the space is fully closed to accommodate two sets of stairs, which means there are two accesses to reach this floating deck.

The pergola design makes this floating deck look more secure, because the cover on top can be the shield from the hot summer sun. The outdoor fireplace keeps this area warm during the colder months.

5. Contemporary Floating Deck with a Pond Underneath and a Black Pergola

A contemporary deck like this is preferable if you want to stay low-key and keep everything minimalist.

However, despite the minimalist design, it appears that the designer wanted to make the floating deck prominent. You can see how they used a different material for the floor.

It seems that this floating deck is made of concrete, and it creates a contrast to the wood decking around. This concrete deck is also floated on top of a pond.

Building a pond underneath is a smart way to maximize this space; after all, who can’t resist being surrounded by living things in the water, especially if it’s completed with a water feature.

The black pergola is attached to the decorative wall that is used as an entertainment wall. The TV and the fireplace are recessed to the wall, creating a smooth and sleek look on the wall.

Black pergola ties every element together because such a neutral tone can bridge every other shade and create an elegant look at the same time.

6. Beach Style Floating Deck with a Pergola

Beach style is usually associated with white, blue, and green tones.

There’s no blue or green, but the beige and a touch of white color are enough to enhance the beach style look. The monochrome color softens everything.

Basically, this decking has several levels. The main area is a floating deck with a pergola and a seating space. There are two steps to reach the elevated deck, and those steps are used to fill the space under the deck.

Unlike the previous pictures, the pergola on this floating deck seems more solid. It’s more than just exposed posts and beams. It comes with a fully covered roof, and it even has a ceiling. It makes this floating deck look like an outdoor room without walls.

This way, no need for a patio cover to protect the seats from the rain or snow.

There’s no decoration on the floating deck or the pergola. The greeneries are planted in the planter boxes around, though. Therefore, the plants are more structured, and the floating deck and pergola area remain sterile.

7. Floating Deck with a Pergola Made of Weathered Timber Beside a Pool

Since most decks are usually made of wood, the most suitable style to decorate your floating deck is rustic.

Rustic or mountain style is a design that is usually associated with wood, and this one is no different. The rustic floating deck is completed with a pergola made of a similar timber used for the house.

The structure of the floating deck and the pergola is made of Trestlewood II timbers and weathered timber. The weathered look is in line with the worn-out decking around the pool, which creates a perfectly rustic look.

This floating deck is installed on top of a pool, so it’s right next to the pool, a perfect spot to relax and chill after getting wet in the pool.

Basically, this is a simple floating deck in a long and narrow design, following the line of the pool’s perimeter.

The wooden pergola is accentuated by a string of light that creates a dramatic look on the evening.

There’s an outdoor seating space placed on this floating deck and pergola to enjoy the view outside.

8. Water Fountain Floating Deck with a Pergola and a Floating Bridge

Asian landscaping is so tempting that it can turn every head. This one is actually the same.

This is a floating deck installed on top of a pond, and it’s completed with a pergola and a wall screen. The pergola and the screen may not fully protect the floating deck, but it’s more than enough to accentuate the whole look.

The wall screen and the pergola are simply there to emphasize the Asian style. Even though this area lacks seating space, it has a water fountain that seems to be decorated with rocks and boulders.

In order to access this place, there’s a wooden bridge that also floats on the pond. In order to create cohesion, the bridge is also made of similar species of wood to the decking.

The structure of the floating pond, along with the pergola, is in a light tone wood, so it can blend more seamlessly with the natural surrounding.

9. Small Floating Deck with a Pergola Used as a Tea House

If you have an awkward place in the corner of your backyard, you can optimize it and turn it into a small floating deck with a pergola.

There are two decks here, with and without pergola. However, both of them are floating, which means that they are one level higher than the rest of the landscape.

The one with a pergola is small, simple, and minimalist. According to the designer, this one was functioned as a tea house, a must-have spot if you incorporate Japanese styles.

The pergola is even completed with a roof to fully protect this tea house/floating deck.

We can see how the space under the deck is the extension of the rock landscaping. The crushed rock ground cover doesn’t stop just because there’s a floating deck. Instead, it keeps going even to the space below the floating deck.

This landscape is protected by a wood screen to get more privacy.

If you want to add more shade to your floating deck pergola, it’s recommended to have a wall screen like this. It may not fully enclose the deck, but it’s useful to shield it from the sunlight.

10. Simple and Traditional Floating Deck with a Pergola and Curtains

Small and simple yet so elegant, that’s the best way to describe this floating deck. It seems that this area is located on the rooftop, and the homeowners utilize the rooftop area to become an outdoor kitchen.

The floating deck is equipped with a pergola. This area is simply used as a decoration spot with potted plants and two chairs.

The chairs are not comfortable enough to use for a long time. It means that this floating deck is not used as seating space.

The chairs were only added to take a sneak peek below because it appears that this floating deck overhangs, and the homeowners can clearly see the view below if they stand beside the railing.

This area is also completed with curtains to maintain privacy. The curtains are placed on both sides. The material is sheer enough to accentuate the pergola, but it’s also sufficient to block unwanted attention from the neighbor.

The seating spaces are set on the lower level of this deck, not on the floating one. With such limited space, it would be difficult to fill it with a full set of seats.

If you have a small floating deck with a pergola like this, you can set the seating space below it and let it become a shrine for your plant collection.

11. Floating Deck with a Pergola in a Faux Ruin Design

If you’re a big fan of a rustic look, you can up the ante by creating a faux ruin like this. This is a whole new level of rustic design that will surely enhance your backyard.

This floating deck is surrounded by a garden and a pond. In the spot right above the pond, the decking seems to protrude from its original area; thus, it is not covered with a pergola.

This more open spot is equipped with Adirondack chairs, though, because this is such a perfect spot to enjoy the view of the pond.

The rest of the floating deck is built with half of the stone walls that are meant to be a ruin lookalike. See how the boulders around this deck complement the stone wall.

The pergola is also completed with a retractable canopy. This way, The homeowners don’t have to worry about the weather.

This floating deck is used as seating space. We can see a formal setting of the seat here, complete with the table and tall back chairs. It seems that this is an outdoor dining room.

What a clever way to decorate outdoor space like this. Everything looks natural and artsy at the same time.

12. Transitional Floating Deck with a Pergola and Concrete Edging

Like a more polished and sleek look? You’ll love this one.

This floating deck looks modern and traditional at the same time with its clean and sleek lines and wood with black stain.

The deck boards are made of Ipe wood, while the cantilever is made of smooth cedar with metal posts. The black metal posts deliver a modern look, while the smooth cedar is more traditional. Hence, a transitional look.

This floating deck is placed right next to the pool. The elevated area has no space below it. Everything looks solid because this wooden deck is bordered by concrete edging.

After swimming, the homeowners can climb right up to this floating deck and enjoy the warmth from the modern gas fire pit.

The pergola is attached to the wall screen. In fact, they come as a whole to partially cover the floating deck.

Behind this area, there’s a screen to protect the backyard and mark the property. The additional wooden screen that comes with a pergola is useful to add an extra layer of protection and complete the whole look.

The pergola is fully covered. The smooth cedar is functioned as a roof to protect this seating area from the weather.

13. Contemporary Floating Deck with a Pergola Surrounded by Wooden Planter Boxes

This is another rooftop area that is used as a deck.

There are two levels of the deck. The lower one has a concrete floor, and it has lounge chairs to chill and unwind. This is a perfect spot to soak up the sun during the summer days.

The upper one is considered a floating deck. This deck has a sectional, a big chair, and a round table at the center to bring comfort.

This area is surrounded by planter boxes made of wood that are also meant as a border to secure this place. There’s even an even higher wooden screen to protect this deck, making it a lovely spot to hide.

The greeneries and the blossoms fill the perimeter of this deck beautifully. This is an excellent way if you want to accentuate your floating deck and add a splash of color.

The pergola is simply used as a structure to solidify the whole area. It has no roof or cover, but it’s useful to make the floating deck look exclusive, different, and separated from the lower deck.

14. Floating Deck with a Pergola Made of Treated Cedar Tone with Solar-Powered Lights

The floating deck doesn’t always mean a deck with a hollow space underneath that can be filled with landscape or pond.

In fact, a raised deck with steps around the landscape is also one of the best floating deck looks. This is an easier way to design a floating deck because you don’t have to fill the space below the deck. To access the deck, you’ll need to climb up the steps.

This one is made of pressure-treated cedar tones. There’s a pergola to separate the deck’s seating space from the rest.

The pergola is simple, constructed with exposed posts and beams with no cover. It’s made of 6x6s, 2x10s, and 2/8s, quite common for a pergola, but it’s enough to complete a round tabled seating space.

This floating deck is completed with solar-powered lights that will be automatically turned on once they absorb enough power from the sunlight. Those lights make this space look dramatic and impressive during the night.

The lights are installed on the steps of the floating deck.

This is an excellent way to keep your floating deck and pergola free of clutter coming from lights.

15. Craftsman-Style Floating Deck with a Pergola Used for The Spa

Most of the floating decks are used as seating space. Yet, this one is utilized for a spa. Imagine how comfortable it would be to relax in the spa installed in a raised and floating deck.

This deck is more like a stage because it is several steps higher than the garden around.

The deck and the steps are made of wood, but the spa seems to be stone. There’s one little step with a concrete cap to access the spa. The combination of stone and wood will never fail to deliver an organic look.

The designer also added a pergola over the spa to get the most out of it. This is not a partially covered pergola. This one is completed with a roof to make sure the homeowners will get the most comfortable experience in the space, despite the weather.

The pergola is finished in a dark tone to contrast the light tone wooden deck and the stone element. There is no need to worry about privacy because this backyard is fully protected with a high screen around the trees.

16. Freestyle Floating Deck with a Pergola and a Railing

If you want something more whimsical with a bit of fun, it’s recommended to build a freestyle floating deck.

Commonly, a floating deck is in a square shape used. However, this one is different. Basically, this floating deck is long and narrow. See how the pergola follows the line of the deck. The pergola itself is long and narrow.

This freestyle design is perfect if you have a sloped landscape or a remaining area that you don’t know how to maximize.

The area can be transformed into a floating deck, and it becomes a better-looking floating deck because it has no conventional shape and design.

This floating deck is much higher than the main ground. That’s why it’s completed with a railing to secure the ones on the deck, so they don’t accidentally slip off the deck. The black railing comes with wooden caps attached to the pergola’s posts.

To accentuate the whole look, the homeowners hang strings of lights in the pergola, which can also illuminate the entire area in the evening.

17. Large Floating Deck with a Pergola to Secure a Small Spot as Covered Seating Space

A pergola in this floating deck is simply used to differentiate the spot from the rest of the deck.

This large floating deck is an excellent example of a classic backyard that is used for an outdoor kitchen.

The deck looks spacious because there is no dining table or chairs. Even the floating deck on the pergola looks bare with minimal decoration and furniture.

Instead of chairs, the designer created a built-in bench attached to the railing on the pergola space. That may not be the most comfortable bench in the world, but that’s enough to accommodate some people to enjoy their meals outside.

The pergola is made of simple exposed posts and beams, the classic type. If you have a large and spacious floating deck like this and you want to secure a small spot as covered seating space, building a pergola would be nice.

Add some pots with blossoms in each post of the pergola to accentuate the whole look.

18. Elegant Floating Deck with a Pergola Painted in White to Match the Main House

White will never fail to deliver a minimalist yet stylish look.

Instead of finishing your floating deck and pergola with a natural tone of the wood, finishing it in white color will be better, especially if you want to achieve a beach-style look.

This floating deck, along with the pergola, matches the siding of the main property. Even though this area is detached, it complements the main house, creating a uniform look.

There’s a seating area in the center of this deck, which indicates that this can also be used as a porch but with a more open design.

This elegant white floating deck is raised from the main path, so there are several steps to reach it.

This area is not fully closed, but it’s completed with a railing in the perimeter and a pergola to provide a cover. No need to worry about privacy. You’ll be fine as long as you can install curtains on the pergola.

See how the curtains on this pergola complete the whole look. They can be functional and decorative at the same time.

If it’s needed, the curtains can be closed to hide this area and maintain privacy, but even though it’s not needed, the black and white color combo is great to accentuate the white floating deck and pergola.

19. Tips to Design a Floating Deck With a Pergola

With seating space, outdoor TV, and a fire pit, sometimes they’re just not enough to complete your floating deck with a pergola.

To maximize the space, here are other things you can do:

1. Add lighting. The best and most visually pleasing lights you can add to your space are right at the space under the floating deck. You can install a string light to surround the area. This way, when the night comes, your floating deck and pergola area look even more magical. For a simpler look, just hang a string of lights between the columns.
2. Install a privacy screen. If your backyard backs up to another, a bit of privacy is needed so you can enjoy your quality time undisturbed. Add a privacy screen around or half of the floating deck pergola and paint it black or add a chevron detailing for a more modern touch.
3. Build a pond. If you think that water is calming, install a pond around your floating deck and pergola. Make the deck an island pavilion. You can build a floating bridge made of a similar wood to create a consistent look to access it.
4. Add a water feature. If a pond is a bit too much, you can install a water feature instead. Add a water fountain around, and it will give you a soothing sound of splashing water. The water fountain can be added to a rocky landscape.
5. Build a landscape. The area below the floating deck, if possible, should also be maximized. Add some landscape with blossoms, bushes, or simple turf to accentuate the deck. If you don’t want to deal with plants, just build a rock landscape. Fill the space below your floating deck with a crushed rock or river rock. Add some boulders to complete the whole look.
6. Add creepers. Expanding your garden to the floating deck area is easy. You just have to add some creepers to the screen of your floating deck. These plants can also be used as an extra layer of protection to give you more privacy. Plus, the blossoms can accentuate the deck, especially if you finish it in a neutral tone.