How to build a deck over concrete
If you are like so many of us that enjoy a wood deck but don’t want the maintenance, then you can build yourself a composite deck over concrete. Composite decking comes in many styles with even more options to customize your structure. With a little work and planning this is the perfect solution to spending time on your yard and less time maintaining it. You will save time and money because composite decking requires little or no maintenance.
Summary: You might be planning to build a deck over your concrete patio. However, you need to consider doing some preparation and several other things before starting to build the deck.
How to build a deck over concrete
If you want to build a deck over concrete, there are several options to consider. First, if you have an existing concrete patio, you can build a deck directly on top of it. This is a good option if you don’t want to disturb the existing patio or if your concrete needs repair work before construction can begin.
If you have no existing patio or if your patio doesn’t meet code requirements for support, another option is to build a platform that’s at least 6 inches thick and large enough to support the weight of the deck’s joists. You’ll also need to install adequate footings and posts in order to support the additional weight of the overall structure.
The third option is to install a ledger board — also known as a ledger plate — along one side of the building and then attach joists that span between the ledger board and any vertical supports on either side of it (such as walls).
How to Build a Deck Over Concrete Patio
Building a deck over concrete is similar to building a deck on the ground, but there are some differences.
You can build a deck over concrete in two ways:
Raise an existing concrete patio to make room for the new deck’s framing and footings.
Lay out and pour a new slab of concrete, then frame and frame the new patio into that slab.
Raising an Existing Concrete Patio
When you want to create more usable space by building over an existing concrete slab, you can do so without having to remove the old patio first by raising it. This process is much easier than digging out your entire yard and pouring a new slab. The steps below will help you raise your existing patio so you can build over or around it:
Decks are a great way to add value and functionality to your home. They can also be a very expensive project, depending on what type of materials you choose. Decks built over concrete patios are just as attractive as those that are built over dirt or grass. However, they do require more preparation and labor than traditional wood decks.
The first step in building a deck over concrete is determining whether it is possible at all. Before digging up the concrete, check with your local building inspector to make sure that it will not interfere with the foundation of your home or cause any other structural problems. If there isn’t any reason why it can’t be done safely, then you can proceed with construction.
If possible, dig down below the level of the patio’s surface by at least two inches before pouring a new concrete pad for the decking material. This will provide room for a drainage system beneath the decking material so that water does not build up below it and cause damage from rotting or mold growth in high humidity areas such as Florida where I live.
Once you have poured your new pad and leveled it out, you may want to consider adding another layer of gravel before laying down any other materials such as boards or plywood sheets if they aren’t already
If you’re building a deck over concrete, you’ll first need to remove the old concrete. This can be accomplished in several ways, but the most common method is to use a jackhammer. If you do not have access to a jackhammer, you can rent one from your local home center or hardware store.
Once the old concrete has been removed, you will need to level and compact the soil beneath your new deck. To do this, use 2x4s as forms and fill them with gravel or crushed rock until they are level with the surrounding ground. Then fill in around these forms with more gravel or crushed rock until they’re flush with the ground.
Next, build up the sides of your new deck by adding pressure-treated lumber vertically from front to back on each side of your site. The height of these walls should be equal to or slightly higher than one half of the total height of your deck’s joists (including overhang). These walls will serve as support for all components of your new deck including footings and posts.
You can now install your decking boards following standard construction techniques (such as those used for attaching decking boards over concrete patios).
If you’re looking for a way to make your concrete patio look more attractive, there are a few options. One of the most popular is to build a deck over it.
Composite decks are durable, low-maintenance and easy to install. You can build one yourself or hire a contractor to do the work for you.
Before you begin building your deck, there are some things you’ll need to consider:
Location of the deck — Decks should be located at least 6 feet away from any property line so that they don’t encroach on other people’s property (you may need permission from your neighbors to build a deck on their side of the property line). The same applies if you have an existing fence or wall that borders or separates your backyard from your neighbor’s backyard; make sure that the deck does not block access to any utilities such as water spigots or electrical outlets that might be behind these structures.
Deck size and shape — Size will depend on your budget and how much space you have available in your yard, but generally speaking, longer decks tend to look better than shorter ones because they create the illusion of more space. Square or rectangular shapes are popular because they’re easier
If you have a concrete patio or driveway, you can create a one-of-a-kind deck that’s sure to impress your friends and family. Building a deck over concrete is an easy DIY project that requires only basic carpentry skills and tools.
First, you’ll need to prep the area by removing any weeds and grasses from the space. If there are any cracks in the concrete, fill them with polyurethane foam sealant. Next, sweep away any dirt and debris using a broom or leaf blower. Finally, cover your patio with a drop cloth to protect it from sawdust and debris while building your new deck.
Before installing your deck’s joists, create a level base for them by applying pressure-treated wood chips in layers no thicker than 3 inches (7.6 cm). Once the wood chips are in place, lay down pressure-treated plywood sheets as a subfloor for your new deck’s joists. Use screws at least 2 inches (5 cm) long to secure each sheet of plywood firmly against the ground. Then attach each joist to 4×4 support posts with 3 1/2 inch lag bolts for extra support and stability during construction (see image
Composite decking is a great choice for today’s decking projects. It’s strong, durable and looks great. Composite decking is a great choice for today’s decking projects. It’s strong, durable and looks great.
There are two main types of composite decking materials: PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and HDPE (high-density polyethylene). While both materials have their advantages and disadvantages, HDPE is the more popular choice since it tends to be more affordable while offering similar performance characteristics as PVC.
Composite decking comes in a variety of colors with some being “wood grain” effects that can replicate cedar or other wood species. Composite decking also comes in different thicknesses from 1/2 inch up to 3/4 inch thick boards. Most composite decks will be constructed using 3/4 inch thick boards because they offer better strength and durability over thinner boards.
When installing composite decking over concrete you have 2 options: fastening directly onto the concrete or installing an underlayment such as MagicLok Underlayment before attaching the new deck surface onto the existing concrete patio surface
A composite deck is an attractive, low-maintenance alternative to wood. It’s also more expensive than a typical wooden deck. Before you install a composite deck, you need to know how much it will cost and whether the material will last as long as you expect.
Here are the steps for building a composite deck:
Measure the area and decide on its size. Use a tape measure to find the length and width of your patio, then add 10 percent to make sure it won’t be too small. If your patio is more than 50 feet long or wide, consider adding a second row of balusters to create privacy screening between your deck and any neighboring homes or porches.
Decide if you want a straight railing or one that curves around corners. This decision affects how far apart the balusters should be spaced — typically 2 inches wider than the baluster itself — as well as how much lumber material is required for each section of railing.
Choose between using treated wood posts or metal posts with brackets secured into concrete footings below ground level (this method is most common). In either case, use treated 2x4s for posts that go through concrete footings; otherwise use pressure-treated 6x6s under each post
Composite decks are a great option for covering concrete patios, but they require careful installation to ensure a good result. The most important steps in the process are to make sure that your decking boards are level and even with each other, and that the joists are installed correctly.
The first step is to remove the old decking from the patio. You can do this by yourself if you have strong muscles, or hire a professional contractor to do it for you if you don’t want to risk damaging your patio. If you do decide to remove the old decking yourself, be sure to wear protective gear such as goggles and gloves.
Next, install joist hangers onto the hanger bolts that came with your new decking boards. Each hanger needs two holes drilled into the concrete patio surface: one for each bolt on each end of the board. Slip these into place and tighten them with an adjustable wrench until they’re secure enough for you not to worry about them moving around later on in the installation process.
If there are any gaps between existing joists or beams above your patio floor that need filling in before installing new joists, now is the time to do so using mortar or cement (depending on where you live). Mortar
If you have a concrete slab and want to build a deck over it, you’ll need to remove the concrete first. First, check with your local building department to find out if you need permits for the project. Then hire a professional contractor to remove the concrete, as this is a very difficult task.
Once that’s done, you can install the joists for your decking material. Use pressure-treated lumber for your joists and place them on top of concrete footings extending two feet into the ground.
For your decking, use composite materials such as Trex or TimberTech. These materials are more expensive than pressure-treated wood but will last longer and require less maintenance.
You can build your own decking by following these steps:
1) Lay out your deck plan on graph paper to scale (1 inch = 1 foot). Include all measurements and cutouts necessary for staircases, rails, etc. This will help ensure that everything fits together properly when it’s time to build it!
2) Measure each piece of lumber with a tape measure before cutting it down because this will save time later on! Make sure that each piece fits together properly before moving onto the next step! (e