
How to build a deck over an existing patio slab with low clearance.
- Install the Joists. Lay the joists across the concrete perpendicular to the house wall at 16 inches on center. Level the joists using the shim stock.
- Decking. Now you are ready to deck over the low-deck joist system as you would on any deck. Layout the deck boards perpendicular to the joists.
- Determine How Many Joists to Buy. Plan a layout for the joists. We decided on the decking manufacturer’s recommendation of 16 inches on center.
- Determine How Much Decking to Buy. Most lumber yards and home-improvement stores have people and print-outs that can help you determine how much decking you need to buy for your ...
- Ripping Long Joist Boards. Always wear protective safety equipment, including safety glasses and ear protection. ...
How to build a deck over an existing patio slab?
How to build a deck over an existing patio slab with low clearance. Install the Joists. Lay the joists across the concrete perpendicular to the house wall at 16 inches on center. Level the... Decking. Now you are ready to deck over the low-deck joist system as you would on any deck. Layout the deck ...
What should I put under my wooden decking?
Placing a material under the wooden deck allows you to maintain the rustic wooden look of the deck while providing a material that prevents leaking. A second story deck that is made of wood flooring includes gaps between planks and around the perimeter of the deck. Water seeps through these gaps onto the level below.
Can you put decking over a concrete stoop?
A massive concrete stoop will be difficult to remove. Most of the time you will need to break the concrete apart using a sledgehammer or jackhammer and haul the debris away. Many people choose to build over the stoop instead. Can You Put Composite Decking Over Concrete?
How do you measure a patio for a deck?
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.

Can you build a deck over an existing patio?
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.
How do you lay a deck over a concrete patio?
4:0611:59Building a Deck Over Concrete PLUS 5 BONUS Decking Tips! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith the joist positions marked out on the slab lay out the joist. And start drilling the holes.MoreWith the joist positions marked out on the slab lay out the joist. And start drilling the holes. This first step is just basically to get a mark on. The concrete now find yourself some tape.
Can I lay decking over existing 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, it's completely okay to do so.
Can you deck over paving?
6) You can easily install a deck over brick paving or level compact sand. The nature of raised decks makes it easy for them to be installed over existing paving or sand. In fact, experts point to the installation of floating decks as a cost-effective way of covering dated or worn brick or patio.
How do you cover up an old concrete patio?
You can't turn back time on spalling or cracks, but you can cover them up with the right concrete repair products. For example, a layer of Quikrete's Re-Cap Concrete Resurfacer will give your patio a smooth and wear-resistant finish with the look of freshly poured concrete, but with a shorter working and wait time.
Can you put wood over concrete patio?
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.
Can you put composite decking over patio?
Yes, you can install composite decking on concrete. Concrete patios and other hard surfaces are an ideal place to lay deck tiles because they are stable and durable. Concrete provides a more stable surface for composite decking, compared to surfaces such as gravel or sand.
How do you cover old paving slabs?
0:569:3610 Ideas How to Makeover Concrete Patio for Small Backyard - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTry to perform this test with a high-strength pressure washer mix the concrete resurfacer. And beginMoreTry to perform this test with a high-strength pressure washer mix the concrete resurfacer. And begin to apply it bear in mind that concrete resurfacer sets quickly therefore.
Can you put composite decking over patio slabs?
Yes. In most cases you can lay composite decking over concrete (keeping in mind you'll have to build a substructure that allows airflow and drainage). In fact, concrete surfaces can provide a dry, durable, and stable area that's essentially ideal for composite decking.
Can you lay a new patio on top of an old one?
With rigid/bound bedding (mortar or concrete) it is highly unlikely that the old bed will perfectly accommodate the new paving, so it should be removed prior to laying new. There may be a temptation to lay a new bed directly over the old, but this, too, is not always a sound plan.
What is a floating deck?
A floating deck is a deck that isn't attached to a building and they “float” above the ground. Generally, floating decks are low to the ground and don't require handrails or even staircases. They are sometimes called “grade-level” or “freestanding” decks because they're built just above the ground level, or grade.
How to figure number of joists for deck?
To get the number of joists, divide the length of the decking in inches by 16. Then add one. Your particular design may also require an additional board or two for rim joists (one board that caps off the end of the joists) or ledger boards (attached to the house for joist hangers). Side Note 2.
Can you use a nail to space a deck joist?
Note: Each joist extension should be marked and cut independently because the tops of the pier blocks will vary in elevation. With the low deck joist system in place, you can use standard decking techniques to complete the job. Use a nail to space the decking boards and fasten with the appropriate length screws.
How long does it take to install composite decking on concrete?
But the time it may take to put composite decking over a concrete front porch will depend on the size of the area. A smaller project can be knocked out in a weekend, but a larger project could take upwards of five days. Apart from the size of the area, the amount of time required will mostly depend on how much shimming is necessary for sleepers to form a level surface.
How long does it take for a concrete patio to sink?
When a concrete foundation begins to sink, it can take 5+ years to stop. And if you decide to build a new surface on your patio during that time, then the new surface will continue to sink along with its foundation.
Can you put a sleeper on a concrete patio?
Sleepers can be placed directly on the concrete, or they can be set apart with ½” PVC spacers. Sleepers can also be level or sloped, as long as their surface forms a single flat plane. Starting from the highest point in your patio, place your first sleeper in position, using plastic shims to raise low spots if necessary.
Can you build a deck over a concrete stoop?
Most of the time you will need to break the concrete apart using a sledgehammer or jackhammer and haul the debris away. Many people choose to build over the stoop instead.
How far should a roof deck be from the house?
The roof deck surface should sloped away from the house a minimum 1/8 inch per foot so the water will drain and not “pond.”. The finished walking surface of the roof deck surface should be below the level of the interior floor by at least 1-1/2 inches.
What is Duradek decking?
One is Duradek, a slip-resistant PVC-based material originally designed for boat decks. The system can be applied directly to concrete and has other components such as an aluminum railing system and must be installed by certified installers.
Can you build a leak proof deck out of concrete?
However, you need to go well beyond code to build a reliable leak-proof deck over a living space. You can build the structural deck out of concrete, as it sounds like you are doing, or wood-frame construction. Either will work.
Why put a material under a wooden deck?
Placing a material under the wooden deck allows you to maintain the rustic wooden look of the deck while providing a material that prevents leaking. Advertisement.
What is the best material for under deck decking?
Steel. Steel panels are another option for your under deck system. Steel systems are not free standing and must be attached with a 24-gauge panel that locks together. It is sturdy enough to sustain the heavy weight of a torrential downpour or snow and ice buildup. Available colors include blue, green, brown and red.
What is the best under deck system?
Aluminum. Aluminum provides a structurally-strong under deck system. Current aluminum systems come in multiple colors, so you can match your under deck system with your deck or patio. Aluminum doesn't contract or expand, so it helps to prevent leaking. Advertisement.
Can vinyl be used under a second story deck?
The materials allows rainwater to collect and drain in an area away from the lower story. It also provides the added benefit of covering the view of the underside of your decking. However, vinyl can contract and expand leading to eventual leaks. It is also not the most sturdy material and is susceptible to damage through prolonged use and storms .
Can vinyl be used on a deck?
It also provides the added benefit of covering the view of the underside of your decking. However, vinyl can contract and expand leading to eventual leaks. It is also not the most sturdy material and is susceptible to damage through prolonged use and storms.
Can wood decks be used for outdoor entertaining?
Wooden decks add ample space for outdoor entertaining, but the space between planks provide an opportunity for water to seep through the upper deck to your bottom patio. This drainage can quickly cause a damper in your party and make your deck appear less attractive to guests.
