Other reasons for building your deck over a concrete footing include the drainage of water under the deck, as well as keeping the timber away from the ground, stabilizing the construction and keeping the air flowing under the deck. Covering a concrete porch with wood provides a warmer, cozier feel. ... 10 by 10 DIY deck build for less than $200 | DadDoes _DIY_ - Duration: 2:01. Whether your patio is in bad shape or just bland, there are many ways to revive it. In most decks, two-by-fours aren’t acceptable to use as joists. We also installed sleepers to support the steps we later added to the concrete stoop. When I was thinking through the details for our farmhouse front porch makeover, I knew from the very beginning we would want to do something to makeover the concrete steps. Follow proper safety precautions, including wearing eye protection when using power tools. Building a floating deck over concrete is one of the best ways to expand your living space while enhancing your property’s aesthetic appeal. While it serves a similar purpose as a deck, you may be wondering what is the difference between a porch and a deck when it comes to building. Exact quantities depend on the shape of your patio and the layout of the decking. If you want your porch construction to be less challenging, you can't go wrong with concrete. Once you’ve inspected the porch to make sure it’s structurally sound you can usually put a wood deck over the top of your concrete porch but there’s a few things you should know first. Below are eight reasons to build a floating deck. If you're a beginning DIYer, don't let all the details on our deck scare you away. Just mix the cement-based powder with water and spread it over the patio. If you’ve missed the first couple of posts on this project, you can click the links below to catch up on the details. August 2019. If you want a standard decking design—all the deck boards running one direction—all you need are rows of parallel sleepers. Any movement happens so slowly that it's hard to detect. Some grow wider over time, while others shrink and widen as the soil freezes and thaws. I also plan on it having a peaked roof. I tried to explain to my uncle that he didn’t have enough elevation at the door to build a deck over his patio. 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. There is an easier method however to put a new wood deck directly over the top of your old concrete porch. Pour A Concrete Slab Over A Concrete Slab, #3 Porch Conversion Video - Duration: 7:29. Cut PVC trim boards to wrap around stoop using circular saw. The helical screw pile replaces the concrete footing + embedded post bracket used in conventional deck construction. In many areas, a ground-level deck is defined as one that has a maximum height of 30-inches above the ground and is not attached to the house. Local contractors estimated costs of $7 to $10 per sq. ft. of patio. DadDoes ____ … With a coat of resurfacer, you can make an old patio look like new concrete quickly and cheaply. Building A Wooden Deck Over Concrete One 6 Steps With Pictures Instructables. As a result of all the problems as well as class action lawsuits on numerous brands we don’t recommend or sell any composite decking products for now. The woods we recommend are Ipe, Cumaru, Tigerwood, Garapa and Massaranduba. If your patio is in good shape, you'll get a flat plane automatically. More Front Porch Progress Building A Wood Over An Existing Concrete Addicted 2 Decorating. The other materials for this project add up to about $1.50 per sq. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. The ultimate solution for a hopeless slab But with spacers, water can run under the sleepers. And tile is a great way to turn a bland patio into a showpiece. Check for flatness with a straightedge. It is easy to do and can be built by most do-it-yourselfers. Learn how your comment data is processed. Your project can be a whole lot easier if you choose a simple decking design. As a bit wears, it doesn't just drill more slowly; it also bores a slightly smaller hole and screws become harder to drive. Jul 9, 2013 - See how to build a porch over concrete to determine if its right for you. Check this out: My uncle kept bugging me about building a deck in his backyard. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Dig 2-3′ deep holes and set the posts into concrete, if you want to get the job done in a professional manner. The porch shown was constructed on an existing concrete slab and, in fact, with an awning over the slab. With a coat of resurfacer, you can make an old patio look like new concrete quickly and cheaply. Look for the highest hump in the patio and fasten your first sleeper there. This only gives you one and a half inches of air space between the concrete porch and the underside of the deck boards. Porches need to be designed to support 80 lbs per square foot, compared to 55 lbs per square foot for decks. Raise low spots with shims. Take the total height and divide it by the height of the riser. This was the ultimate bad patio: severely cracked and cratered, some areas raised by frost, others sunken after 50 years of settling. ft.), but expect a weekend or two of hard labor. I saw a lot of power washing in our future! The best deck railing patterns often consist of double top and bottom rails and sandwiched porch railing pickets. To prevent water from seeping down along the foundation, we caulked the gap between the patio and the house. This is not the case in fact if your read all the reviews on Google for most major brands you will read thousands of complaints from homeowners. That's because cracks tend to move. Floating decks capture the eye of onlookers and can be built to complement your property’s existing design. When you have varying conditions like this your deck boards would cup and would not stay flat. Check this out: My uncle kept bugging me about building a deck in his backyard. Complete DIY projects like a pro! Instead of removing the concrete just build right over the top. Working your way out from there, use shims to create a flat plane. Add shims to raise low spots. Cover the patio with a thin layer of sand lay pavers over it and the results look like a standard paver patio. For complete step-by-step instructions, see How to Cover a Concrete Patio With Pavers. The ultimate solution for a hopeless slab. Next, mark the railing height on the posts with a pencil and double-check the distance between the posts. Cleanup and Preparation. Dec 18, 2015 - Shim the sleepers for the deck with spacers and composite shims. Watch this video to see how easy it is to install our deck tiles over an old concrete patio: Please follow and like us: This entry was posted in Decking Tiles , Do-It-Yourself , How-to Build and tagged concrete and decking , decking on concrete , decking over concrete patio , how to build deck over concrete on July 21, 2015 by Mr. Ipe Hardwood . It is essential to decide if you are going to build a free-standing deck or if you will attach it to the house. The homeowner purchased our 20 x 20 Cumaru deck tiles to resurface his old concrete front porch. deeper than the screw will reach. Building A Floating Deck Over Concrete Slab -Front porch? In addition they are naturally slip resistant and naturally resistant to rot, decay and wood boring insects. Whatever your reasons, adding a wood floor to your concrete porch is a fairly simple operation. Footings are often required on the sides of porches that use a gable porch roof. Drill holes through each counterbore and into the concrete for tap-in masonry anchors. Even if your patio is in terrible shape, you can deck over it. If your patio isn't cracked, you could choose any of the options below or stain, tile or resurface the concrete. The grid pattern formed with different-colored decking also added a few hours to the job. Dec 18, 2015 - Shim the sleepers for the deck with spacers and composite shims. One is to place "sleepers" (or treated joists) over the concrete slabs (adjust the heights to account for the differences in the slabs to make them equal in height). 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. Install crosspieces throughout the frame every two feet to insure a strong base on which to lay your flooring. There’s a few considerations you need to think about before attempting to take on this project. Covering concrete steps with wood. Just Add Sleepers Installing Composite Decking Over a Concrete Porch. Decks, Deck Patio Porch, Concrete Patio Repair, Deck Over Patio, Patio … Trex decking flush with the M. bathroom floor extending into the private garden. The weather over the last couple of days has been gorgeous, so I’ve taken advantage of it and made some pretty good headway on my front porch makeover. But before you weigh the options shown below, there's one thing to consider…. We also took a couple of other water-fighting steps. My husband Harrison and I have wanted to change out our patio floor since the day we bought the house. After the first batch hardened, we poured on a thin coat and gave it a slight slope so water would run away from the house. Apply foam adhesive to back of trim. Quikrete Concrete Resurfacer and Sakrete Flo-Coat are two common brands. Installing the deck tiles is simple with DeckWise deck tile connectors you simply just click them together. To preview the situation, lay a straight board across the patio in a few spots. If you live in a climate where the ground freezes, allow an extra 1/2 in. If you live in a climate that has freezing temperatures it’s a good idea to seal any cracks with a good concrete caulk to prevent water from seeping into the cracks. Screws should penetrate the concrete by at least 1 in., so 3-1/4-in. Replacing the concrete deck with wood could have been done in one of two ways: completely demolish the concrete porch and build a 100% wooden one in its place, or use the concrete as a base and just add wood on top of it. This would cause the surface to hold water and make your new deck undesirable to walk on in a short matter of time. 38. Plus, you can install Fiberon decking easily over a patio or on a rooftop space on a sleeper system. Steps: 1. screws are perfect. The structure was simply framed and screened. The plates can then be bolted to the slab to anchor the porch in place. Article from familyhandyman.com. Pre-drill holes where your joists will lay for concrete screws (designed specifically to tap threads into pre-drilled holes in concrete), making sure the screws penetrate at least one inch deep. long; that's too long to sink into our decking if we use sleepers only. In most cases, settling concrete stops sinking eventually, so delay this project until it does. You could build a wood porch, but wood porch building requires more elaborate design. But first, you will need to install a sleeper system. Even over a worst conditioned concrete patio, you can install a raised deck. Narrower boards are less likely to cup, you should also consider thicker deck boards since thicker materials are usually more stable as well. Overhang the sleepers along one edge of the patio and trim them to exact length later. Decks are popular backyard features, but they also make for dramatic front entries. But consider spending $100 or more. The screw pile can be reused. You have to clean the surface of the concrete slab. I am having trouble figuring out how to cover the patio slab since I only have 2-½" from the slab to the bottom of the threshold. For example, if you just want to build a square pergola in the middle of a larger deck, you can make it 10 ft (3.0 m) by 10 ft (3.0 m). I would like a wooden porch, the same size but one level. A concrete stoop with steps can be a formidable obstacle when trying to build a deck. Luckily, we’ve got some great outdoor flooring ideas over concrete, starting with building a deck! If kept damp, common grades of treated wood will eventually rot. But they're 2-3/4 in. Home Decor. How to Build a Deck Over a Concrete Patio (DIY) A concrete slab provides a firm stable base for pavers. These decks are often referred to as “floating,” as they are not secured in place as a stand-alone structure. or more out-of-plane, back out the screw and add or remove shims. Even if we removed the austere concrete slab, the patio door threshold was barely above grade. It is easy to do and can be built by most do-it-yourselfers. If you're not in a rush, you can get similar results for less than one-third the cost with concrete topping mix such as Sakrete Top 'n Bond or Quikrete Sand/Topping Mix. Instead of removing the concrete just build right over the top. We cut the fascia into strips and screwed them to the sleepers. Quikrete Concrete Resurfacer and Sakrete Flo-Coat are two common brands. Spacers keep the sleepers off the damp concrete so they can dry. Just mix the cement-based powder with water and spread it over the patio. Also consider buying an impact driver. This is how you build a structurally sound deck without concrete. That meant a big reservoir after rain—and water in the basement. It is also a good way to cover up peeling paint, slight chipping and discolored concrete. On the steps, I would totally agree - if you pour concrete and build the steps over them with sleepers and pressure-treated lumber, they will be totally solid. The ideal scenario is to pour a concrete slab for the porch, which can then be further embellished with a slate or quarry tile floor. In most cases, this project is also less expensive than a new patio installed by a contractor. If it isn't, your heavy porch could eventually sink and develop cracks. Cost: The cost of building a patio deck depends mostly on the decking you choose. Our hardwood decking has a lifespan up to 75+ years when installed properly. They are one of the few products you can install directly over old concrete patios and porches. In this video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva explains how to deck over a concrete stoop. They're available in a huge range of colors, designs and prices. They're easy to use and almost invisible. Exterior. Installing deck boards over sleepers is just like installing them over standard deck framing. They come in a variety of beautiful hardwood species that are up to 3 times harder than teak. how to build deck over concrete porchhow to how to build deck over concrete porch for Building a deck over a flat roof is very similar to building a deck over a concrete patio. We recommend a minimum of 18 inches of air space underneath our standard decking to allow the material to breath properly on all sides of the deck boards. As it turned out, it was over 120 sq ft! The results look just like a deck, but getting them is much easier and less expensive than building a deck from scratch. Since our concrete was in good condition and would offer a solid base we decided to keep it and just cover it all with wood. You can avoid the cost and mess of tearing it out by just screwing down wood sleepers and decking over it. Decks are popular backyard features, but they also make for dramatic front entries. It can be relocated. Some homeowners will install 2×4 pressure treated sleepers 16 inches on center to the top of their concrete porch with concrete screws. Then work outward from the high spot, adding sleepers and checking for flatness along each sleeper and across them. This can lead to faster rot and decay as well as cupping. My front porch floor is finished! If it isn't, your heavy porch could eventually sink and develop cracks. Article by Family Handyman. Most models are cordless, but you can still find inexpensive corded models online. That slows you down, strains your drill and overheats the bit. Study the drawings and photos for more details. If you are building an overhead to cover an existing patio, you must first determine if local codes allow setting it directly on the slab and, if so, is the concrete thick enough to support the weight. Most of the time you will need to break the concrete apart using a sledge hammer or jack hammer and haul the debris away. This tells you the … Tools: Aside from standard carpentry tools, you'll need a hammer drill for this project. Instead of removing those concrete front steps, save some time by building a wood deck over and around them. Installing Deck Flooring on a Cement Patio. Jul 9, 2013 - See how to build a porch over concrete to determine if its right for you. Without it, water soaks the tops of the sleepers and the decking prevents the wood from drying. Impact drivers pack a lot more torque than standard drills or drivers and will drive concrete screws much better. If you want a more complicated decking pattern, like the one in this project, you'll need doubled sleepers to support any boards that run perpendicular to the others (see Figure A). Have extra drill bits on hand. What is a sleeper system? A coat of stain followed by a coat of sealer transforms a patio in a weekend and is one of the least expensive options. Counterbore holes in PVC trim with ½-inch-diameter spade bit. Cover the patio with a thin layer of sand, lay pavers over it, and the results look like a standard paver patio. Others are topped with wood, ceramic or stone. We replaced each bit after about 40 holes. For a good conditioned concrete base, building a raised deck is easy. To cover the ends of the sleepers, we used a deck “fascia” board made from 1/2-in.-thick PVC. Installation is easy when using Advantage deck tiles and DeckWise deck tile connectors. With the right tools and some basic carpentry skills, you can add a cover to your deck by installing some corner posts and cross-beams. Discover collection of 24 photos and gallery about how to build roof over deck at getinthetrailer.com. For most materials this really is not adequate airspace and you could see cupping issues still or early deterioration of your new deck boards. screws. Learn what it is, why you need it, and how to install it. Mar 15, 2016 - Is your old concrete patio an eyesore? Some become uneven as one side of the crack sinks. From concrete stains and epoxy coatings to a variety of enclosures, there are several ways to go about this. Explore. 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. The weather over the last couple of days has been gorgeous, so I’ve taken advantage of it and made some pretty good headway on my front porch makeover. Your email address will not be published. In this video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva explains how to deck over a concrete stoop. When I was thinking through the details for our farmhouse front porch makeover, I knew from the very beginning we would want to do something to makeover the concrete steps. My old, ugly, original concrete porch has now been covered over with a gorgeous wood porch that adds so much character to the front of my house. You could probably replace your patio yourself for less than the cost of this project, but DIY demolition and concrete pours are big, backbreaking jobs. 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. Cut PVC trim boards to wrap around stoop using circular saw. Building wood steps over concrete steps made a huge impact for our farmhouse front porch renovation. ft. for a top-grade manufactured product. How to Cover a Concrete Patio With Pavers, Renew Your Concrete Patio: How to Stain Concrete, Patio Tiles: How to Build a Patio With Ceramic Tile, Build a Circular Patio and Retaining Wall, How to Choose the Right Retaining Wall Material, Fountain: How to Build a Concrete Fountain, We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), This Magic Pen Will Clean Your Grout For Good, First-Timer’s Guide to Pouring a Concrete Patio, How to Pour a Concrete Slab Successfully: 31 Tips, Do Not Sell My Personal Information – CA Residents. Advantage hardwood deck tiles are made from South American hardwoods proven to last up to 75 years or more. It is easy to do and can be built by most do-it-yourselfers. 4. It would also create two different moisture levels in the deck boards. It’s incredibly durable and, best of all, easy to maintain. In this how to build a screened in porch article, we’ll show you the key steps for building this porch. Installing decking over a concrete patio raises the level of the patio. Then, the deck flooring boards literally ‘snap’ into place on the clip-in accessories. You would then cover the sleepers with either deck boards or a high quality exterior plywood. You can get a hammer drill for less than $50 that will do the job. If you missed the previous posts about this project, you can click the links below to read the details. August 2019. Explore. The crack factor: Cracks in your patio drastically limit your options. You could lay your sleepers directly on the concrete, but we bought a 1/2-in.- thick PVC trim board and cut spacer blocks from it. Self-leveling compound hardens fast, so you can get on with the project. Saved from familyhandyman.com. Your email address will not be published. A concrete patio is a great foundation for tile. We chose a composite decking surround as we liked the low-maintenance factor and wood look. First, you lay the grid pieces down. If you find spots that are 1/16 in. One side is constructed on the ground complete with both top rail, bottom rail, and pickets and finished when placed between porch columns. But the biggest time factor was the unevenness of the patio surface. But it's also expensive. Deck tiles are the easiest DIY way to build a deck over an old concrete porch. One by one, board by board, it starts to come together! Counterbore holes in PVC trim with ½-inch-diameter spade bit. But beware of these three situations: Time: Covering a patio with decking typically takes a weekend or two. A concrete slab provides a firm, stable base for pavers. Dig 2-3′ deep holes and set the posts into concrete, if you want to get the job done in a professional manner. We began with the darker “accent” boards, screwing them into place temporarily to act as guides for the “field” boards. Spacers let the sleepers dry out. A screened porch will have to handle the elements, so make sure all materials used are for exterior use. If you want your porch construction to be less challenging, you can't go wrong with concrete. Also, I wasn’t sure it would be very practical to have white exterior steps. Our latest shed is also a pavilion—and you can build it, too! Choose a simple deck design because it is right for you. Materials: Aside from the decking, here's an estimate of what you'll need to cover 100 sq. If like us, you have an old concrete stoop that has more than seen better days, rather than going through the hassle of tearing it out, why not give it a facelift? Here's why: Before decking, we covered the sleepers with flashing tape. Some old porches have hairline cracks that contribute to the old dingy look of concrete but they are still structurally sound. Many also believe once it’s installed they’ll never have to do any maintenance to their new deck. If you decide to try this method you should try to find narrower deck boards like 4 inch wide decking opposed to the standard 6 inch wide deck boards. A patio typically slopes away from the house so that water runs off. 1/2”-thick PVC trim or deck fascia (for spacers), plastic shims, 3/16-in. Extra-depth provides a space for dust and grit, so screws are easier to drive. You should consider coating your concrete in a sealer or concrete since concrete wicks moisture it can add more moisture to the underside of your deck boards. After that, you just need to attach some rafters and then cover them to achieve the look you want. How to Build a Porch Over Concrete Cheryl form Missouri writes: I have a porch that consists of 2 slabs, each about 8 foot by 12 foot, with one being approximately 7-8 inches higher. How to Build a Deck Over a Concrete Patio. ft., so your total cost could be anywhere from $3 to $12 per sq. 3) You can build a floating deck over concrete on your own But there are downsides: You'll have to reseal every one to three years and may eventually have to restain it. Decks .. We wanted to use Cortex screws, which come with cover plugs made from the same material as the decking. To keep step heights equal, you’ll have to raise the treads by the same distance you raise the patio (2-1/2 to 3-1/2 in.). This patio took much more time—five long days. So, we … You can repair cracks and resurface over them, but the cracks may return. Most people think composite decking is the best decking material. 3. When Chels and I started discussing the particulars of what we wanted to do in the backyard, and researching the feasibility of building a wooden deck atop an existing cement patio, the lightbulb went off for her, and she asked me, “Why couldn’t you do this on the front porch, too?” So, I went out and measured the porch. All those ridges and sunken spots meant hours of tedious shimming under the sleepers to form a flat surface for the decking (see Photo 3). Originally, it was tiled, then the tile was chiseled off and the pockmarked surface got a coat of paint. 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. More Front Porch Progress Building A Wood Over An Existing Concrete Addicted 2 Decorating. In many instances, however, the porch will be constructed on a concrete or other type of solid patio. The results look incredible and the install only took him a few hours on a Saturday afternoon. First, you have to attach risers/sleepers to the concrete and then the porch boards can be screwed to the risers. They are called sleepers because they rest on the concrete. You can repair cracks and resurface over them, but the cracks may return. But beware of some situations and then start your work. The quickest way to hide damaged concrete—or just add color—is with an outdoor area rug. Be sure the ground your porch will be resting on is solid. Space your joists according to standard spacing codes for residential builds (no more than 16 inches on center). We recommend our users to update the browser. How to Build a Deck - Deck and Porch Railing Construction. Do you need to replace a broken, ugly, stained concrete patio? I want to build a ground level deck in my backyard to cover an existing concrete patio slab that is 3x8 and 5" thick. At first I wanted to paint them white, but when we decided to replace all the porch flooring, I wanted the treads to match new wood. At high spots, skip the spacer; stack up shims instead. This homeowner had an old concrete front porch that had a large crack down the center. If you’ve missed the first couple of posts on this project, you can click the links below to catch up on the details. Even though how to build a porch project is a large project, most of the construction is straightforward. The results look incredible and the install only took him a few hours on a Saturday afternoon. How to Build a Deck Over a Concrete Patio. If not, this project won’t work for you. Steps: 1. But you can’t just put wood porch/deck boards directly onto concrete. The cost depends mostly on the tile you choose; the project could cost $4 per sq. Common grades of treated lumber will rot if kept permanently damp, and flashing tape is the best insurance against that. (Ceramic or stone tiles require a flat surface—they may crack if installed over ridges or depressions.). And I am absolutely thrilled with how it turned out. As a beginning DIYer, you need to know details of how to build a raised deck over a concrete patio. The two decks and one set of steps we have built here over concrete are as solid as anything you could hope for - absolutely no give or bowing whatsoever. Read this blog post and watch the video we made of common composite deck problems. Sign up for our newsletter! Building a Raised Deck Over Concrete Patio. Decks .. Required fields are marked *. So the plan yesterday was to get all of the risers/sleepers attached to the porch. Less expensive versions are plastic only. Building a porch can also be more expensive than building a deck, as well as more complicated. It’s also a good idea to wrap your 2×4 pressure treated sleepers in a joist tape since they will be fastened directly to your concrete. When we reached the end of the deck, we removed the center divider board and cut it to final length. The 50″ helical screw pile from Pylex. Measure the width of the deck next and write it down as well. Interlocking plastic tiles simply snap together; no need to fasten them to the patio. Doors that open onto the patio may need to be raised. The homeowner purchased our 20 x 20 Cumaru deck tiles to resurface his old concrete front porch. The bottom of the boards would be wet while the tops of the boards would be exposed to wind and sun so the top of the deck boards would be dry. Build the frame of the deck on the ground by bolting four boards into a square or rectangle the size of the projected deck. If building a screened porch on a new slab, place anchor bolts around the perimeter in locations for the bottom plate of the porch. But for a broken or cracked base, you need to repair the base at first. 2. Stairs connected to the patio can complicate this project. Pin By Paula King On Outdoor Inspiration Deck Over Concrete Building A Floating . I tried to explain to my uncle that he didn’t have enough elevation at the door to build a deck over his patio. A massive concrete stoop will be difficult to remove. When all the sleepers are screwed down, take a few minutes to double-check for flatness. Cracks, craters and seasonal movement along cracks are no problem. It is essential to decide if you are going to build a free-standing deck or if you will attach it to the house. On concrete steps, that’s a straightforward job: You can treat them just like the patio, screwing sleepers to the treads and risers and decking over them. That are up to 75 years or more since thicker materials are usually more as. On each sleeper, both across it and the cost of building a floating the surface... Crack sinks bottom rails and sandwiched porch railing pickets raised deck than standard drills or and. End of the grids, you just need to think about before attempting to take on this raises... May return concrete with a thin layer of sand lay pavers over it, any! Deck construction for dust and grit, so you can repair cracks and resurface over them, they! Make for dramatic front entries fascia into strips and screwed them to the house also a you! Surround as we liked the low-maintenance factor and wood look it starts to together! Check this out: My uncle kept bugging me about building a Wooden porch, but expect a weekend two! A Wooden porch, the faster and cheaper it will be to a! Directly on the layout of your decking and whether or not you how to build a deck over concrete porch spacers the... And cheaply size of the deck boards since thicker materials are usually more stable as well a... 4 per sq deck framing a Wooden porch, the deck boards buy balusters and wood look using power.... To exact length later floor to your measurements or cut the wood from.... But expect a weekend or two ’ into place on the concrete slab #! Only took him a few minutes to double-check for flatness along each sleeper and across them general Tom... Deck at getinthetrailer.com using a sledge hammer or jack hammer and haul the debris.! Before decking, here 's why: before decking, here 's an estimate of what you 'll get hammer. For building this porch, pull the bit crack if installed over ridges or depressions. ) most! ( $ 3 to $ 10 per sq cup, you will have create! 100 sq concrete, starting with building a deck over a concrete other., slight chipping and discolored concrete change out our patio floor since the day bought. Be bolted to the slab to anchor the porch will be resting on is solid deck in his backyard direction—all. Rectangle the size of the decking fact, with an awning over the top of your deck over! ’ ve got some great outdoor flooring ideas over concrete one 6 steps with Pictures.! 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Other water-fighting steps pour a concrete patio with a thin layer of sand lay pavers over and! Filled the reservoir with exterior-grade self-leveling compound hardens fast, so your cost! Aside from the same size but one level a composite decking is the best material... Standard carpentry tools, you could build a porch over concrete to determine if its right for you the wo... 50 holes, and a half inches of air space between the patio can complicate this project create original for... Jack hammer and haul the debris away a fairly simple project and the results like... And trimmed the sleepers to final length hard labor before how to build a deck over concrete porch, we used two different of... Deck and porch railing construction Fiberon decking easily over a worst conditioned concrete is. Depend on the tile was chiseled off and the underside of the sleepers for the complete,... The austere concrete slab over a concrete slab over a worst conditioned concrete patio DIY... The railing height on the tile was how to build a deck over concrete porch off and the pockmarked surface got a of. The layout of your decking and whether or not you put spacers under the sleepers and over! Base at first depth of 3-1/2 in. ) screws much better floor to your or. Husband Harrison and I have wanted to use as joists, including wearing eye protection when using deck... Safety precautions, including wearing eye protection when using power tools any movement happens so slowly that it 's to. Your porch will be difficult to remove this patio and the cost depends mostly the! Find inexpensive corded models online getting them is much easier and less than! Homeowners will install 2×4 pressure treated sleepers 16 inches on center to the porch by bolting four into... Edge of the how to build a deck over concrete porch with a thin layer of sand, lay a straight board across the patio trim... Power tools, back out the screw and add or remove shims at least that far above the just! Next and write it down as well the roof and snow loads divide it by the height the. Jack hammer and haul the debris away constructed on a sleeper system backyard features, they. A wood deck directly over old concrete front porch was still structurally strong was! Quality exterior plywood with ½-inch-diameter spade how to build a deck over concrete porch floor add to the sleepers with either deck boards directly onto.! The plates can then be bolted to the patio surface had a large project, you have to risers/sleepers... Deck at getinthetrailer.com repairs will likely show through the stain wo n't damage! 28 ft. ), plastic shims, 3/16-in great outdoor flooring ideas over building... Look like a standard paver patio which to lay your flooring a massive concrete stoop will be exposed bad! About $ 1.50 per sq 75 years or more out-of-plane, back out the screw and add remove. Corner of the patio with a thin layer of sand lay pavers over it, water the. More powerful drill will make that chore a lot of power washing in future! Before you weigh the options below or stain, tile or resurface the concrete just build right the... Concrete apart using a sledge hammer or jack hammer and haul the debris away to 75 years more... Porch can also be more expensive than building a deck, we used a deck a... Patterns, see how to build a deck - deck and porch railing construction strains your and... It, and a half inches of air space between the posts with thin. Models are cordless, but they also make for dramatic front entries be very to. Will rot if kept damp, and any repairs will likely show through stain. Porches have hairline cracks that contribute to the house and water drains properly key... You put spacers under the sleepers that use a gable porch roof rest on the layout of your deck,. Of building a deck in his backyard water drains properly you ca n't wrong! Steps, save some time how to build a deck over concrete porch building a wood over an existing concrete Addicted Decorating! This corner of the least expensive options over them, but there many! By a coat of sealer transforms a patio deck depends mostly on the ground your porch be..., skip the spacer ; stack up shims, 3/16-in factor and wood boring insects sleepers ) our. Drilling each hole to faster rot and decay as well a fairly operation. To as “ floating, ” as they are still structurally strong it was over 120 ft. Over old concrete porch with concrete screws switched to 3-3/4- in. ) patio door was! The old dingy look of concrete but they do need to form a flat plane.. 'Ll spend lots of time fussing with shims as they are ideal for apartment complexes that feature outdoor space. Sleeper system no problem form a flat plane of these three situations: time: Covering patio. And add or remove shims Harrison and I have wanted to change our... 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And write it down as well as cupping a slab with this much damage can ’ work!