Of course, there are plans to do anything yourself on the internet. Here is a step-by-step guide to build the deck; http://www.ideas-for-deck-designs.com/deck-building-project.html and some plans for any types of decks; http://www.deckplans.com/free-deck-plans.
I would highly recommend the website: www.bhg.com/home-improvement/deck/ideas/. They feature some very nice simple designs that will help you with your deck plans.
Many websites on the internet have freestanding deck plans like diyadvice.com and bhg.com. Your local Home Depot or Lowe's may also offer freestanding deck plans.
The most simple porch decks are probablly the ones that are wooden. Those are nice and cheap. You can find your porch deck plans cheap at the home depot.
Try the octagonal deck plans at www.instructables.com. Step by step plans will give you details to make doing it yourself simple and straight forward.
Hiring a contractor to design a deck for your home can be costly. Those households that are looking to save some money should look elsewhere for deck plans. There are several websites that can be found with a simple search that will offer free deck plans. Measurements can be easily adjusted in these free plans, and they are a great place to find inspiration, as well as the perfect deck plans.
You can purchase a book of deck plans from your local book stores, or perhaps take one from the library. There is also a wealth of information on the internet where you can find complete instructions including the materials required. You may want to check the HGTV and DIY sites for assistance in finding simple deck plans.
These three websites have some plans for sale at good prices http://www.homedecks.com/ and http://www.ideas-for-deck-designs.com/ or http://www.decks.com/
I would try out Deckplans.com to see if they have any designs you want to try to build. There are various websites that offer free deck plans. Do a simple search.
You can find deck plans on line . I found these sites that have great deck plans. They also have boat deck plans here are the sites Shannon Deck Plans www.Shannonachts.com/shannon_deck.html and another one is Deck plans- Boat deck www.pnc.com.au/-byceme/fairsky/boatdeck.html
Many deck planning software programs have different plans with different levels of difficulty. Pick a plan that matches your level of skill and you should have no problem at all.
I wouldn't recommend building a deck if you're a beginner. It requires much skill and experience. But if you want to give it a go, I'd recommend http://www.decks.com/deckbuilding