I Want To Lay A Small Deck However There Are A Few Road Blocks I Am Faced With At The Moment
Use tile to cover a concrete patio. Diy wood deck over concrete slab. They’ll assess the project and help you make the trex decision that’s right for you—decking that won’t warp or splinter like its wood counterpart. Watch this video to see how easy it is to install our deck tiles over an old concrete patio: Fiberon composite deck boards are made to mimic the varied colors and grains of wood. If the damage to your concrete patio appears too far gone, consult with a local trexpro® to see whether it�s safe to build a deck over your concrete patio.
Hi, i am about to install a wooden deck over my 2 concrete slab patios. Very low deck over concrete. Turning a cement porch into a wood deck. March 21, 2019 at 7:23 am Severely cracked and cratered, some areas raised by frost, others sunken after 50 years of settling.
Unlike wood or composite material, concrete can be stamped with a wide array of patterns however there are a few road blocks i am faced with at the moment. Even if we removed the austere concrete slab, the patio door threshold was barely above grade.
Fiberon composite deck boards are made to mimic the varied colors and grains of wood. Perfect solution for an outdoor patio that needs updating. Here are some thoughts, tips, & photos from our experience! March 21, 2019 at 7:23 am You can avoid the cost and mess of tearing it out by just screwing down wood sleepers and decking over it.
Evaluate The Concretes Condition Before Adding Composite Decking Over A Concrete Porch
Cracks and craters with minimal growth may still be covered without issue, but be cautious if an area of your patio sinks year after year. If the damage to your concrete patio appears too far gone, consult with a local TrexPro® to see whether it’s safe to build a deck over your concrete patio. They’ll assess the project and help you make the Trex decision that’s right for you—decking that won’t warp or splinter like its wood counterpart.
How To Build A Deck Over An Existing Patio Slab With Low Clearance
Hey, some of you have been ignoring our great deck how-tos because you think you can’t build a deck over your patio slab. Check this out: My uncle kept bugging me about building a deck in his backyard. I tried to explain to my uncle that he didn’t have enough elevation at the door to build a deck over his patio. Even if we removed the austere concrete slab, the patio door threshold was barely above grade. But because of his persistence his patio area took on a remarkable transformation, and we came up with a solution that can be a benefit to many who would love to have a deck in place of their concrete patio slab. Here’s how:
Left: Measure from the existing patio to the threshold or bottom of the door frame. Allow for the thickness of the decking material. Right: Sight down the board to determine crown. Turn the board so that the convex edge is against the fence.
Determine the joist height for the system. To get the height of the joists, subtract the thickness of the decking from the distance between the top of the slab and the bottom of the patio door threshold. In our case this was 2-1/2 inches. You will probably need a minimum of 1-1/2 inches to do this project. Anything greater than that is a bonus.
If your tolerances are very tight, you can gain another 1/2 inch of room by going with one of the synthetic decking types that measure only 1 inch in thickness.
Chop shims into lengths of about 4 inches.
Install the Joists
Decking
Side Note 1
Side Note 2
Composite Decking Over A Concrete Porch Gives A Backyard New Life
I hadn’t seen my cousin in over a year, so when I had some free time, I decided to make the drive to her house. I was surprised to see that she had two puffy eyes and a rag held to her nose when she opened the door. She’d been gardening, and while moving potted plants around had stumbled over a crack in her patio, stubbing her toe and smacking herself in the nose with a pot. She was embarrassed, but unharmed aside from a nosebleed.
When I checked out the scene of the crime it was easy to see how it had happened. The slab behind the house was subsiding, and deep cracks had fissured the concrete. I was able to turn over a sliver five inches long with my foot and kick it off the patio. I asked her if she’d considered replacing the slab, and her reply was that she didn’t have the time. Having a contractor over would interfere with her planting. I suggested putting a ground level deck down, but she likes gardening in bare feet and worried about splinters. I suggested putting composite decking over the concrete porch. Good quality composite decking is barefoot-friendly and looks like real wood decking. These qualities piqued her interest and we started to discuss the options.
The Challenges of Building Decks on Top of Concrete
Preparing the Surface by Leveling the Slab
Installing Composite Decking Over a Concrete Porch
Building A Patio Deck Over Concrete: Time Money And Tools
Time: Covering a patio with decking typically takes a weekend or two. This patio took much more time—five long days. That’s partly because it’s a big one . The grid pattern formed with different-colored decking also added a few hours to the job. But the biggest time factor was the unevenness of the patio surface. All those ridges and sunken spots meant hours of tedious shimming under the sleepers to form a flat surface for the decking .
Cost: The cost of building a patio deck depends mostly on the decking you choose. Decking ranges from about $1.50 per sq. ft. for treated wood to more than $10 per sq. ft. for a top-grade manufactured product. The other materials for this project add up to about $1.50 per sq. ft., so your total cost could be anywhere from $3 to $12 per sq. ft. For looks and durability, we used two different colors of decking made from PVC, but there are less expensive alternatives.
Tools: Aside from standard carpentry tools, you’ll need a hammer drill for this project. You can get a hammer drill for less than $50 that will do the job. But consider spending $100 or more. Even a very small patio will require more than 50 holes, and a more powerful drill will make that chore a lot easier. Also consider buying an impact driver. Impact drivers pack a lot more torque than standard drills or drivers and will drive concrete screws much better. Most models are cordless, but you can still find inexpensive corded models online.
Can You Install Composite Decking Directly Onto Concrete
An existing concrete patio will make your deck installation much easier and faster, and you can install your deck directly onto the concrete.
You will want to account for water drainage and material expansion/contraction, so it is best to place boards called ‘sleepers’ underneath the deck. It is also a good idea to add small spacers between the sleepers and the concrete patio.
- When you install your sleepers, keep them no more than a foot apart. You want to provide as much support for the top planks as you can, and too much distance can leave your deck feeling unstable and springy. It can even be dangerous – nobody wants to put a foot through the deck.
- Some composite decking can be installed directly onto concrete without sleepers. In this case, you will want to make sure your patio is very level and well settled. If your concrete patio sinks an inch in various places over the years, so will your deck. Do yourself a favor and check the manufacturer installation guide before you decide on a deck built flush to the concrete.
- In either case, there will be a need to attach some elements to the concrete. To do this, you will need to drill holes and add plastic anchors to the concrete. Regular nails and screws will not attach to concrete.
Deck Vs Patio: Which Is The Right Outdoor Space For You
When you consider whether to choose a deck vs. a patio, there are several considerations.
A deck is an open outdoor platform that rises above ground and is connected to a house. Commonly made of wood, a deck doesn’t have a roof overhead. A patio may or may not have a full or partial roof and is defined as a paved area of the ground. Unlike a deck that’s always connected to the home, a patio may or may not be connected to your house.
Decks are typically built with wood, including cedar, bamboo, mahogany, redwood, Ipe hardwood, or pressure-treated pine. Other materials such as aluminum, stone, cement, rubber, fiberglass, or composite materials that appear similar to wood are also popular decking choices. Choosing the right material for your deck can depend on a range of factors such as your climate, budget, personal style, and the deck’s location on your property.
For instance, will the deck be under full sun, or are there shady trees overhead to protect it? This is a key question to ask when determining what decking material is right for your needs. A local patio contractor, a deck builder near you, or even taking a quick jaunt around the neighborhood to see what is popular locally can also help you decide what material is best for your deck or patio.
Patios are paved with stone, concrete, or cement, making them more permanent, or at least more complicated to move or replace in most situations.
Avoid Diy Mistakes When Building A Deck Over Concrete
Thinking of being your own builder? A standard deck may take as few as four working days to finish—and isn’t as daunting a task as you may think. Take note of these deck-building basics before you get started.
Post positive. Posts should be anchored to the existing concrete to help stabilize the framing. Consult with your local building code official on the best methods for attachment.
Gap like a pro. Proper gapping is necessary for water drainage and expansion and contraction, and also allows for shrinkage associated with wood joist systems. Consider using Trex Hideaway® Hidden Fasteners, which create proper gapping when used with our grooved-edge boards.
Pre-drill. Worried about splitting boards? Try pre-drilling surface screw holes to avoid damaging the end of your composite boards.
Know your local laws. In most cases, building permits are required before you start construction. Ensure your deck plan meets local building codes and safety standards. In addition, some states require stamped construction drawings from engineers when applying for a permit.
Other Items To Consider When Building A Deck Or Patio
When deciding between a deck or patio, it’s also important to keep in mind where you live. Your overall landscape and the climate of your region does have an impact on what option is best for you. A good aspect about decks is that they don’t rely on a specific ground environment to support the structure.
However, materials may need more maintenance in exceptionally dry or humid climates. Moving on to patios, their materials can keep their appearance and condition, even in very hot or very cold places. Although, patios are harder to protect from ground moisture or flooding. Therefore, the most adaptable choice would be to build a deck when it comes to landscape and climate conditions.
Best Diy Concrete Patio Ideas That Beginners Can Do
Every time you wish to transform your patio, the concrete is an ideal choice. It is durable, affordable, and much doable. So, get the outstanding patios with these 12 best DIY Concrete Patio Ideas that involve using the concrete to make concrete patio pavers, concrete patio tiled walkways, and solid clean concrete pathways. You can use the custom forms, stamps, and patterns to give too many variations to your concrete patios like the cobblestone pattern. To check out all stunning patio transformation, just check out these 12 DIY concrete patio ideas that are adorable and will require much low maintenance. You can build a concrete patio around a pool around deck, and it will be great to feature in your outdoor landscaping. You will get the much-needed home outdoor improvements with these concrete patio ideas in a budget-friendly way.
The concrete patio ideas will not merely involve building the concrete patio floors and pavers, but they will also involve doing the decorative makeover of old, tired, and cracked concrete floors. Use the whitewood or 2x4s planks to set up the concrete pavers form and then pour the concrete in them. Smooth them down, float, towel, screed, and add joints if necessary. Finally, finish them off with decorative edging. Install the concrete patio with a gravel base and build the concrete patio pavers with gravel lining.
Building A Wood Deck Vs Building A Hardscaped Patio
If you’re looking to expand your outdoor living space this summer, you’ve no doubt been asked if you’re planning to build a deck or a patio. Both offer a beautiful way to enjoy your property, giving you space to eat, relax and entertain. Although on the surface patios and decks seem similar, there are, in fact, some key differences that could make one better suited to your property than the other.
Featured product: Borealis patio slab
Wood Deck Or Hardscaped Patio: Whats The Difference
A deck, typically made of wood or composite product, is a raised structure, most often attached to your house. Wooden decks can be a few inches or several feet above grade and require a supporting structure underneath. This structure is most often also made of wood but can be made with poured concrete pillars for extra strength.
Convert A 2nd Level Deck Into A Concrete Deck/patio
I have posted my question to another thread that was started several years ago, and thought I really should have started a new one.
My deck is two stories high , it has south and west exposure that equates to 8 hrs of sun. Which also means we need to spend money quite frequently to maintain it. Right now I need to have it rebuild. I need your assistance to see if I can convert this deck into a concrete deck? huge balcony? high patio?.
I am not able to find anything on the internet, most frustrating! There are info for above ground deck for pool, building a deck over a patio, or anything there is a mention of patio it is always on the first floor.
Before this I have decided on using composites material. I searched on the internet one last time before the project starts, and I have found comments from people that have stopped me in the track. It seems it is not a good alternatives. It is LESS maintenance, not NO maintenance. Unlike wood deck when the wood deck gets old it could be repainted and restain to look new. When the composite deck gets old, it will stay looking old and beat up. So what is the point of spending so much more money on having a composite deck and still have it repainted, to start the whole maintenance cycle again? Also there is the issue of getting moldy if I install the under deck covering. Since this deck is on the 2nd story and I like to use the area under deck it is something I am planning on doing.
Hope I am not alone here?!!!
Faqs: Design Considerations For Your Deck Or Patio
There are several factors to take into consideration when designing your outdoor space, but the primary question you should answer before making any decisions might be the simplest: How do you plan to use your deck or patio?
And then you can build from there. For instance, do you need a roof that covers it partially or completely, do you need to account for stairs or railings or leveling the ground underneath for stability and safety purposes? Are you thinking of adding a grill or outdoor kitchen area? Will the patio or deck be connected to the house or another structure or be free-standing? These questions will lead you to build the perfect outdoor space.
What Other Options Do I Have For Covering My Patio
Building a deck is a very attractive option for covering your old concrete patio, but there are several other options you could try.
- Resurface your patio to repair cracks and pits.
- Use paint or stain to lend some color and dimension to a boring old patio.
- Cover your patio with pavers and you’ll add visual appeal and texture, not to mention long-lasting durability.
Lay The Sleepers And Predrill For Concrete Screws
The sleepers don’t have to be level; they can follow the slope of your patio. But they do need to form a flat plane. If your patio is in good shape, you’ll get a flat plane automatically. If your patio has ridges and sunken areas, you’ll spend lots of time fussing with shims.
To preview the situation, lay a straight board across the patio in a few spots. Look for the highest hump in the patio and fasten your first sleeper there. Then work outward from the high spot, adding sleepers and checking for flatness along each sleeper and across them. Add shims to raise low spots.
Drill through sleepers, spacers and into the concrete with a hammer drill, then drive in concrete screws. Overhang the sleepers along one edge of the patio and trim them to exact length later.
Level Concrete Using Trowels And Concrete Floats
Pump the Concrete
The backyard in this project has easy access, so the concrete company was able to pump the concrete directly from the truck into the forms. If this isn’t possible, the work crew would use wheelbarrows to bring the concrete back to the forms one load at a time. As concrete starts going into the forms, start moving it around in the space so that it fills the forms evenly. Using trowels and concrete floats, level out the concrete for a smooth surface.
Diy: Turning A Concrete Slab Into A Covered Deck
Posted on Published:
Ever thought about turning your concrete slab into a covered deck? It’s definitely doable! Here are some thoughts, tips, & photos from our experience!
Well, this post has been a long time coming. We completed our wood deck covering for the front of the house back in the spring of 2017, and published that post at the same time I actually started this project, which was a much larger undertaking! Shockingly to me, that post about turning a cement porch into a wood deck has become one of the most popular posts here at Catz, and I’ve had a number of people ask for this post about the back deck. My plan was to publish it last summer, but it ended up being a surprisingly busy season for us, so here I am shooting for this spring!
An idea began to develop, and after sketching it out and doing some research, we decided it was plausible – a peaked, 12-foot, clear roof to cover the new deck. It was certainly going to be a little more complicated than a straight, slanted roof, but we thought the potential benefits were worth it. At 12 feet, it would be high enough in the center to feel open and airy, while the clear roofing would let lots of light through during the many, many gray days here in the Pacific Northwest. That was the idea anyway…
How Much Does It Cost To Put In A Concrete Patio
The best way to determine the cost of your project is to get quotes from concrete patio contractors near you. But, you can use the ranges below as a starting point when figuring out your budget.
Plain Design
*Calculated using: Plain – $4.50 per square foot; Simple – $8 per square foot; Custom – $12.50 per square foot; Elaborate – $18 per square foot.
Keeping It Simple: More Ways To Improve A Patio
If you’re a beginning DIYer, don’t let all the details on our deck scare you away. Your project can be a whole lot easier if you choose a simple decking design. The simpler you can make your deck plan, the faster and cheaper it will be to build.
Whether your patio is in bad shape or just bland, there are many ways to revive it. But before you weigh the options shown below, there’s one thing to consider…
The crack factor: Cracks in your patio drastically limit your options. That’s because cracks tend to move. Some grow wider over time, while others shrink and widen as the soil freezes and thaws. Some become uneven as one side of the crack sinks. Any movement happens so slowly that it’s hard to detect. But if you know—or even think—that you have moving cracks, you have to choose a patio upgrade that can “float” over moving cracks without becoming damaged.
Stylish Patio With Large Poured Concrete Pavers
You will love the shiny, stylish appeal of this concrete and gravel patio. Just build first the frames for the slabs using whitewood studs. Pour concrete in the wooden frames and smooth and then fill gravel in the narrower lines among the slabs. Remove the frames and get a clean, sleek looking concrete patio. homedepot
You Can Build A Diy Concrete Patio Step By Step
It’s easy to pour and build a backyard patio made of concrete in this How To article. On a small scale, concrete is fairly easy to work with, but installing an entire patio can be a challenge. It is possible to build an attractive concrete patio yourself, but careful planning and preparation is necessary. Be sure to place all the concrete at once; a big patio can be broken down into smaller manageable sections using 2×4’s.
Once concrete is in place, you’re stuck with it forever; replacement is costly and difficult. Planning is essential for a perfect DIY conrete patio.
Build and install forms, making sure they’re level and properly graded for drainage. To prevent rain puddles from forming, design a 2% slope . Place and level a 4″-6″ bed of gravel; you need a gravel base in areas of poor drainage or freezing temperatures. Be sure to compact the gravel base and rent a compacting machine if necessary.
Check gravel thickness with a homemade template that extends down from the tops of the forms 4″ of the finished patio; when it just touches the top of the gravel, the base is thick enough. A taller slab will be stronger- we recommend 4″ thick. Let the gravel extend under the edges of the forms.
If the patio will abut an existing concrete patio or slab, install isolation-joint strips. Attach the strips flush with the top of an existing slab using hardened concrete nails or construction adhesive.
Step 2 Drive Stakes Along The New Layout Lines
“Drive stakes along the layout lines, putting them at the corners of the patio and every 2 feet in between. Drive the stakes straight up and down, firmly embedding them in the ground, trim them to height later.
The patio must slope away from the house at a rate of 1/8 to ¼ inch per foot-check local code for the proper rate.
Measure down from the batterboards and mark the two end stakes at the finished height of the patio. Hold a chalk like tight at the marks you made and snap it to mark the rest of the stakes.”
How To Transform An Old Cracked Concrete Patio
If you have got bored with the old concrete patio that has cracks, and is looking tired, then think of a quick concreting backyard makeover it. Get here instructions about how to transform your cracked patio with the rust-oleum stone effect. The project will cost you much less, for sure. Details here thehappyhousie
Concrete Patio Cost Vs Other Paving Materials
A concrete patio costs less than patios made of stone, brick, or tile. This is beacuse patios made of natural materials are usually higher priced and require more intensive labor to install.
Some concrete contractors estimate that stamped concrete costs one-third less than the cost of other materials. The lower price tag combined with the wide array of patterns and colors available are some of the main draws of choosing a concrete patio.
Do I Need A Permit To Build A Concrete Patio
The short answer is, ‘It depends’. If the concrete patio you’re building is on-grade or less than 30 inches from the ground, you will most likely not need a permit. There is a chance that you might need to pull an excavation permit in that case to make sure you’re not digging in any utility pipes or cables.
However if the concrete patio you’re building is above-grade, you will likely need a permit. Other cases where a permit might be required are if you are located in an area with development restrictions, if external structural changes that will be made to the house interfere with land zoning regulations, if you decide to cover a concrete patio, and if you decide to add lighting provisions.
It’s always important to adhere to regulations when remodeling your outdoor space. With All Pro Deck’s, you don’t have to worry about whether or not you’re following all local regulations. Our team is fully trained and up-to-date on the safety regulations that must be followed in order to build a patio.
The Main Difference Between A Deck And Patio
The main difference between decks and patios is that decks are structures elevated from the ground, while patios rest directly on the ground. Since decks and patios are not the same structure, their cost to build varies. These two structures also vary in price, materials used, sustainability, and more!
Step 4 Splice Boards Together If Necessary
“On sides too long for a single board, butt two boards together. Cut a strip of ½-inch plywood and nail it across the joint. Drive a 2-stake at each end of the plywood strip and nail it to the form with duplex nails.
Place a 1/2×4-inch expansion joint against the foundation of the house and any other existing concrete that meets the patio. This will prevent the pad and foundation from bonding and then cracking if they settle at different rates.
Coat the form boards with a coat of commercial release agent or vegetable oil to prevent the concrete from sticking to the form boards, motor oil—an early substitute for the release agent—doesn’t work as well and contaminates the ground.”
Costs Estimates Of Building A Deck Or Patio
The overall cost to build either of these structures depends mainly on its size and materials used. On average, decks cost around $7,000 to build and around $35 per square foot for installation.
Also, the materials for decks cost around $3 – $25 per square foot. On average, patios cost about $3,200 to build and around $10 – $20 per square foot to install. Then, the materials cost close to $1.50 – $30 per square foot. As shown, it’s cheaper and easier to build a patio. The cheapest material to build a patio with is concrete.
Since building a patio or a deck is considered a home improvement, it has the potential to increase your resale value. Which is the better investment? Let’s see. Decks are more costly to install, but have a higher return on investment at around 60-80%. Patios cost less to install, but have a return on investment at around 50%. So, the best overall investment would be to build a deck.
Secure Forms For Patio Framing With Stakes
Build Forms for the Patio Area
Spray-paint an outline of the desired patio shape onto the ground and build a wooden form matching the outline. Since the patio for this project had dramatic curves, the crew used sturdy bender boards to capture the outline. Secure the forms with stakes pounded into the ground with about one foot between stakes.
Beautiful Concrete Patio Ideas And Designs
The Spruce / Almar Creative
Of all the materials available to build patios, concrete is the most traditional yet versatile choice. It’s smooth, clean, can be cast and formed into curvilinear or geometric shapes, and, with the addition of tints, can become anything other than the classic light gray.
Other benefits: it offers permanence, durability, and is fairly inexpensive?even more so if you do it yourself?provided you know what you’re doing and are more than capable of accomplishing the task. For beginning do-it-yourselfers, it’s not easy work, nor is it a one-person job. If you aren’t sure you can tackle a concrete patio project on your own, hire a contractor.
You can’t go wrong with pouring a simple concrete slab, but if you want to add textures or a pattern, certain techniques can be applied during the curing process. One of the easiest ways to add texture is to apply a stiff broom over the drying concrete, once in each direction, which will give the surface some “tooth” and keep it from becoming slippery when wet.
Colors and materials used inside are continued outside to connect the spaces of this Arizona home. Designed by Coffman Studio, the yard features acid-finish concrete patios and pavers, a rusted metal fire pit, bold yellow and aqua walls, rusticated steel planters, ornamental grasses, succulents, and a cover for filtered shade.
That’s Simon relaxing on the synthetic lawn.
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