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Ground-Level Lounge

A low cedar platform that hugs the yard. No railing, no stairs, just deck.

Ground-level decks are the lowest-friction way to add outdoor square footage: under 30 inches of height, most jurisdictions skip the railing requirement and many skip the permit. This template keeps the structure simple, a 14×12 cedar field at ten inches off grade, so the budget goes into boards you can see.

The spec

Footprint14×12 ft (168 sq ft)
Height0.8 ft
DeckingCedar (traditional)
RailingNone (under railing height)
StairsNone
Installed cost (est.)$4,200 – $6,700

Best for

  • Flat yards where a patio feels too hard and a raised deck feels like overkill
  • First decks: simplest framing, friendliest permit conversation
  • Cedar fans: the template ships with traditional cedar decking

Similar templates

  • Garden starter deck: A compact cedar first deck with planters, matched skirting, and an easy garden landing.
  • Floating island: Freestanding platform set at an angle in the yard, with diagonal coastal boards.
  • Poolside platform: Wide, low driftwood platform with breaker boards and string lights for evenings.

Deck planning guides