Time And Tools You Needed
Lets see the time, material and tools you need to start the project.
Time
To make a deck over a concrete patio will take two or one weekends. A big one can take more days. Besides, different pattern form will take more hours to complete the job. Generally, it depends on the condition of the patio surface.
Tools
You need some simple tools to build and install your deck. You need two drills; regular one and a hammer drill. To cut the slippers and other wood, you need a regular saw, miter saw and also a reciprocating saw. Besides, keep circular saw, screwdrivers, flashing tape, levels, etc.
Materials
The main material of a deck is obviously wood. So, you need plenty of wood. When you go to buy wood, you should buy some extra wood. Choosing the wood depends on your living place. You can choose yellow pine or cedar wood. On treated pine, you can paint any color. You need extra because some beams need to resize, some will not properly straight. Buy a lot of screws. Besides, you need nails, glue, silicone, wood sealer, etc.
Glue Down The Border Pavers Over Concrete
After setting each paver, run a bead of construction adhesive up the side of it. That will keep the sand from washing out between pavers.How to lay paving stones
To get started, scrub the border area with a concrete cleaner or muriatic acid mixed with water . Any stiff brush will do, but a deck stripping brush on a broom handle makes it easier. Hose down the patio when you’re done scrubbing the border.
While the concrete is drying, grab a tape measure and a chalk line and carefully plan the locations of the borders . Using the chalk lines as a guide, glue down the border pavers along the house and two sides of the patio . We used polyurethane construction adhesive for a strong, long-lasting bond . If adhesive squishes up between pavers, don’t try to wipe it off. Just let it harden, then trim it off of the concrete patio blocks with a utility knife.
Resurface Your Concrete Patio
If youre just looking to give the old patio a refresh and make it look new again, resurfacing is an uncomplicated option. You can buy the needed supplies easily and knock out the job in a weekend.
The first step will be to clean the patio. Use a pressure washer to remove stains, dirt and debris. A little tip just this step alone can take years off the look of your old concrete patio. Removing those old mildew stains and spilled sodas is like a facelift for your patio.
Before you resurface the whole patio, spend a little time patching the cracks and pits. We recommend . For this stage, mix it to a consistency that lets you apply it easily with a trowel. Let the repairs dry completely before the next step.
Once your repairs are dry, completely saturate your concrete patio with water, then remove any standing water. Work in manageable sections, as the resurfacer will set up very quickly, and make sure to separate the gaps between workspaces to maintain the spaces between slabs. Mix the resurfacer one work section at a time and apply with a long-handled trowel, then go over it with a push broom or squeegee to get that flat finish.
And if you are not sure of how you want to resurface or if you want to put new concrete over old concrete, you can look at that article to come up with your decision. If you decide to resurface your old patio, check out this video from Quikrete for a step-by-step guide.
Planning The Layout Of Your Deck Boards
Careful planning of the finished deck layout will result in better looking finished projects. Fiberon composite deck boards are made to mimic the varied colors and grains of wood. Before you start installing your deck, its helpful to lay out the aesthetic pattern you want considering the wood tone variations and various grain patterns.
For example, you may want to line up boards in the same wood grain direction for a uniform look. An alternating direction style can add visual interest to your project. Also consider using two colors of deck boards with the lighter colored boards in the field of the deck and the darker colored boards as design accents around the perimeter of the deck.
Build Up Your Patio With Pavers
Pavers are probably the most time-intensive and costly method for covering an old concrete patio. For this solution, you will need to build a border of bricks around the outside of the patio.
- Set up your border. Use construction adhesive to hold the border in place.
- Once your border is built, lay down landscaping fabric and cover that with sand. You will want to make sure the sand is flat and clean before you start laying pavers. This process is called screeding, and it is important for making sure your pavers dont end up wavy and misaligned.
- Now you can lay your pavers.
Your options here are limited only by your imagination. You could even turn that concrete slab into an outdoor kitchen! Though for your first project, you may want to stick to smaller, individual paver bricks and save the fancy stuff for when youre a seasoned pro.
Should I Build A Low Level Deck Over An Existing Concrete Slab Or Install Paver Stones
Concrete Patio Slab and Threshold Elevation Closeup
Concrete Patio Slab Perspective View
Backyard View of Building Site And Working Space
I want to build a ground level deck in my backyard to cover an existing concrete patio slab that is 3×8 and 5″ thick.I am having trouble figuring out how to cover the patio slab since I only have 2-” from the slab to the bottom of the threshold. I attached pictures to give you a better idea of what my current patio and the space restrictions look like. I want to build a floating 18×11 deck that is not connected to the ledger. I live in Southern California so I don’t have to worry about placing the footing below the frost lines or anything like that.
Prepare The Installation Area
Next, you will need to prepare the paving slabs for deck installation. Whether you will set the decking on concrete or paving slabs, you will need to inspect for drainage problems. While it may not affect the deck, especially if youre using composite decking, it will affect the frame of the deck. For concrete, you can apply a self-levelling compound. You can also plan your decks to be sloped towards one end, away from your home is recommended.
For stone paving slabs, you may need extra protection from weed growth, more so if you plan to build a ground-level deck. You can protect your decking frame by installing a weed barrier or covering the paving slabs and tiles with landscaping fabric. For best results, you may need to add edging to protect further from weed growth.
Living Wall With Movable Planters
If you have a ground-level deck or patio and would like a bit of privacy, consider building a living wall. It can shield you from the neighbors, surround you with flowers and providefresh herbs just steps away from your kitchen or grill. The planter boxes are easy to build, and a drip irrigation system provides automatic watering all summer longno worries about missing a day of watering or losing all your plants when you go on vacation.
You Can Build A Floating Deck Over Concrete On Your Own
Youll also avoid having to install a ledger, the framing member that is the connection point between your deck and your house. You wont have to cut away your houses siding, install flashing, and do annual checkups on the health and safety of your ledger. Translation: less hassle, more savings. John Riha, DIY Network
Ease of installation is one of the top benefits of a Deck Cell floating deck. Do it yourself Deck Cell enables even the most inexperienced property owners to enhance their properties. Because floating decks do not require you to dig and install concrete footings, the labor required will be substantially less than that expended to install other types of decks.
Can You Cover Concrete Porch With Wood
Covering your concrete porch with wood provides a warmer feel. Covering a concrete porch with wood provides a warmer, cozier feel. It is also a good way to cover up peeling paint, slight chipping and discolored concrete. Whatever your reasons, adding a wood floor to your concrete porch is a fairly simple operation.
Merbau Decking Over Concrete Slab
Hi Everyone
I have been going through these discussion boards for a while and finally mustered to courage to post a question here
This would be my first deck. Have done some landscaping for myself in the past including a raised garden bed, however nothing major. As far as tools, I’ve a drill kit including hammer drill, a cordked circular saw and a random orbital sander.
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My proposed deck would be 350 x 370 with height from the slab between 17 – 18 cm so it stays flush with the brick and same level as my internal floor.
I’ve been advised that i could use H3 structural timber as joists and lay decking boards on top that.
1. How do I attach joists to the concrete? Use galvanized angle brackets like
2. How can I adjust the height so the finished decking board stays flush? If i used 140 board + .5 bracket + 19 mm board = it would be around 165 cm height. Which is around 1.5 cm lower than bricks. Can I use plastic wedges / window packers to compensate for around 1.5 to 2 cm?
3. This deck would be under alfresco cover and under eaves. In terms for water drainage, what would be helpful. Would the packers / wedges mentioned in Q. 2 help with the same?
AlfrescoRough plan showing pillar
On the last image, pillar is on the corner of the alfresco slab and the decking to the south of it would be on top of soil . Not much height difference from alfresco slab. What do I need to provide here under joist for support? Not enough height for a stirrup.
How To Make Concrete Patio Pavers
Living in a shipping container house? Then transform it into normal housing by adding a paver patio. Use the wood slats to make the pavers patio forms and next fill them up with concrete to make pavers. The concrete patio pavers will cost you $6.20 per square foot, and a solid cedar deck will be ready at $30 per square foot. homemade modern
Tips For Working With Sleepers
Screwing down sleepers with concrete screws is simple, but there are some things to keep in mind:
- Screws should penetrate the concrete by at least 1 in., so 3-1/4-in. screws are perfect. In low spots, where we had to stack up shims, we switched to 3-3/4- in. screws.
- As you drill, dust compresses around the drill bit. That slows you down, strains your drill and overheats the bit. To clear the dust, pull the bit completely out of the hole once or twice while drilling each hole.
- Drill the holes 1/4 to 1/2 in. deeper than the screw will reach. Extra-depth provides a space for dust and grit, so screws are easier to drive.
- Have extra drill bits on hand. As a bit wears, it doesn’t just drill more slowly; it also bores a slightly smaller hole and screws become harder to drive. We replaced each bit after about 40 holes. When all the sleepers are screwed down, take a few minutes to double-check for flatness. Set a 4-ft. straightedge on each sleeper, both across it and along it. If you find spots that are 1/16 in. or more out-of-plane, back out the screw and add or remove shims.
Reasons To Build A Floating Deck Over Concrete
Building a floating deck over concrete is one of the best ways to expand your living space while enhancing your propertys aesthetic appeal. By building a floating deck made with capped composite decking materials, you can swiftly transform a drab or dated concrete slab into a captivating living oasis for you and your guests. Below are eight reasons to build a floating deck.
Re: Merbau Decking Over Concrete Slab
Thank you very much for your very detailed response and advice. I really appreciate your inputs.
When you say brackets on the inside does it mean the horizontal bottom which is to concrete slab stays underneath the h3 timber like my rudimental drawing???
Am I ok to have 3 brackets per timber or do I need more?
I would start with getting the flush fit with the door once the decking is on and then level it from there
Forgive me if this question sounds very stupid, but how can I level further once the frame is bolted to concrete before I lay decking? Wouldnt the packers go underneath timber frame before I attach them to the bracket?
Am I OK to have only one screw per bracket although there are two holes? That way I could raise the timber from floor by 2-3 centimetres.
I wanted to extend the deck past the house to maximize deck space leaving just enough room for a single column stepping stone path. Also there is a water / gas point on the brick pillar and if I wanted to add a gas barbeque I could keep it in that corner. There would be only 35 x 45 cm over hang next to the pillar. Its less likely that anyone would every stand here in terms of load over deck.
Also as you can see on the first image, alfresco sliding door is more or less flush on the left hand side while the sliding door on right hand side is recessed and one layer of brick is exposed. Do I leave this brick exposed or do I cover it with decking board?
Thanks for reading through.
You Can Help Preserve Our Environment
Environmentally conscious property owners are often delighted to know that they can build a floating deck that is made with recycled materials. By using a durable Capped Composite Decking product, to build your deck, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with using a product that was manufactured using sustainable processes and that does not contain harmful chemicals.
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 finishand isnt 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.
How To Build A Raised Deck Over Concrete In 2021
Your old patio can be cracked or cratered. If you want to make some change of this concrete patio, you can just build a raised deck over it. It is not an impossible work for you. However, a concrete slab that is damaged severely cannot be fixed properly. So, the best solution to make the patio beautiful is to build a deck. It is also less expensive.
You can do this yourself without calling a contractor. In this article, I am going to show you the easier way how to build a raised deck over a concrete patio.
Patio After Setting Pavers Over Concrete Patio Slabs
Family Handyman
Pavers dress up the patio and make it an attractive outdoor living space.A concrete patio is made for practicality, not beauty. It starts out looking plain and goes downhill from there. As craters, cracks and stains accumulate, it can go from dull to downright ugly in just a few years. But theres a simple solution, whether you want to dress up a bland patio or hide an aging one. Covering concrete with paver bricks is much easier than pouring new concrete or laying paving stones the traditional way. It requires less skill and less time, and its a whole lot easier on your back. Here well walk you throughhow to lay paving stones over concrete.
Assess your slab This project will work with most patios. Surface damage like flaking, chips and craters is no problem. But a few conditions make this method a no-go:
- A too-low threshold. Door thresholds have to be high enough above the existing patio to allow for the thickness of the border pavers, plus an extra 3/4 in. to allow for frost heaverising of the slab when the soil freezes.
- Expanding cracks. This method will work over most crackswhich grow and shrink with seasonal ground movement. But if you have a crack that has noticeably grown in recent years, this method is risky. The crack may eventually telegraph through the pavers, creating a hump or gaps.
Note:
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 to see whether it’s safe to build a deck over your concrete patio. Theyll assess the project and help you make the Trex decision thats right for youdecking that wont warp or splinter like its wood counterpart.
Will It Work On Your Patio
Even if your patio is in terrible shape, you can deck over it. Cracks, craters and seasonal movement along cracks are no problem. But beware of these three situations:
- If an area is badly cracked and sinks noticeably year after year, any decking you put over it will also sink and develop a low spot. In most cases, settling concrete stops sinking eventually, so delay this project until it does.
- This project raises the level of your patio by 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 in. . So any door thresholds adjoining the patio must be at least that far above the concrete. If not, this project wont work for you. If you live in a climate where the ground freezes, allow an extra 1/2 in. so that seasonal frost heave can raise the slab without damaging the threshold.
- Stairs connected to the patio can complicate this project. To keep step heights equal, youll have to raise the treads by the same distance you raise the patio . On concrete steps, thats a straightforward job: You can treat them just like the patio, screwing sleepers to the treads and risers and decking over them.
Read Next
Can You Build A Deck Over Paving Slabs
Many homeowners already have paving slabs on their backyards. But the concern is whether you can install decking over them. Whether you can do it or not depends on many factors. In most cases, however, its completely okay to do so. More so if youre using high-quality materials like composite decking.
However, as previously mentioned, there are things you should consider first before starting to install the deck. For concrete slabs, you have to make sure that its in excellent condition. For stone slabs, make sure that every piece is stable and attached to the ground.
Regardless of whether its concrete or stone slabs, you have to ensure that there are no problems regarding water pooling, which can be a problem from wooden decking. Another issue that you have to take note is whether the slabs are level. Not only will it cause instability, but it can also damage the deck and shorten its lifespan.
Lastly, if your patio is in bad condition, its best to remove it and create a new foundation altogether. For this, you need to prepare the ground for decking. You can find a lot of guides on how to prepare your deck installation area, depending on what type of decking you are planning to build.
What Is A Sleeper System Here Are The Basics
If you have a crumbling concrete patio that needs replacing, you should consider installing a deck using Fiberon composite decking, available in a range of stunning colors that complement any space. Its incredibly durable and, best of all, easy to maintain. Plus, you can install Fiberon decking easily over a patio or on a rooftop space on a sleeper system.
A sleeper system is a substructure comprising joists that sit between a solid surface and the decking. Ground-level present unique challenges when it comes to water management and air circulation. The sleeper system enables adequate drainage and ventilation which, in turn, protects the deck boards from damage due to moisture build-up. Sleepers also enable easier access to the area beneath the decking, either for clearing accumulated debris or maintaining the surface material.
Build A Concrete Patio
How to build a concrete patio step by step? Get here the step-by-step guides and visual diagrams about how to pour a concrete patio by making the concrete slabs. Use the wood slats to add the bordering and then fill the concrete that you can smooth down a towel, and float using the respective tools. It will be solid and durable and will be super affordable too.
Tips For Proper Storage And Installation Tips For Composite Deck Boards
In order to protect your investment from the start, its important to store your composite boards in a level area. Keep products off the ground and covered on a flat, dry surface. Dark colors will absorb more heat than lighter colors and as such, will experience greater ranges in expansion/contraction.The following preparation and installation procedures will result in less visible gapping:
How Do You Attach Wood To Concrete
With wood decking, you have to really account for water seepage. If you have water pooling underneath the boards, it could soak into the wood and cause considerable damage. Damp wood can attract insects, cause dry rot and otherwise damage your deck.
For a wood deck, it is important to build a framework of sleepers and attach them to the concrete with plastic anchors and concrete bolts. You can use angled brackets to hold the vertical sleeper planks in place.
Diy: Turning A Concrete Slab Into A Covered Deck
Posted on Published:
Ever thought about turning your concrete slab into a covered deck? Its 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 atCatz, and Ive 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