Patio help!!
by
Autumn B
+6
I have a concrete patio that was pored in 1980. Over the years the concrete has worn away to expose agate rock, which was often used in the 80's. I would like to have a wood deck that was "barefoot friendly". Does anyone know if a deck can be put down over the concrete, or does it need to be removed???
9 answers
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I really don't see why not as long as it is stable it would provide a good base for the deck and since it has been there that long it should give good stability if it's in good shape.
William Gabbard
on Aug 10, 2013
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Thanks for the input.
Autumn B
on Aug 10, 2013
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Yes and no. Build over it but not directly on it, if that makes sense, Since whatever touches the concrete may be at times in standing water or ice, the less touching the better. Keep in mind that you'll need drainage and the wood should be weather treated.
Tess Borgra
on Aug 11, 2013
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Autumn you can build directly on the concrete if it's the same size as the deck or build partially on it if you want it bigger than the concrete. There are anchors made especially to attach the deck posts to the concrete. Any posts that are put into the ground should have gravel in the bottom for drainage and concrete added to set the posts for stability. It only stands to reason and common sense that you would use treated wood or composite decking if this is outside, which I assume it is.
William Gabbard
on Aug 12, 2013
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You can do this, but as Tess Borgra stated standing water can become an issue. The joists that will support the deck should be set on brackets that prevent them from coming into direct contact with the cement. Not only to help prevent rot, but to allow water to properly drain out and not become trapped between the supporting members of the new deck. Be sure to align them with the drainage pitch of the patio so any water that gets under the deck can flow freely out from the house. I have seen deck systems that work really well for this. The contractor or home owner simply creates small pallet style deck units that are placed directly down on to treated 2x4 boards that are laid on their sides. Alternating patterns give the deck a unique look. The benefit of this is that these panels can be simply lifted up to enable you to hose any debris that collects or to get those car keys that dropped between the slots. The construction of this is also very simple. You make a simple form about two or three feet square. Something that you can pick up once everything is screwed together. place one or two 2x4s on their side and cut and fasten your deck material of choice on them. Once you have several made, you then simply lay your treated 2x4 boards on their sides onto the patio surface. Then set the pre-made squares down onto the top of them. Along the edges of the patio you use a few stainless wood screws not plated. To hold the edges of the patio pallets into place so they do not move. which in turn will hold everything else. Need to run a low voltage wire, pick up the sections to allow access. Harsh winters? Pick up and stack the squares and cover them. Need so stain and clean. Pick up and work on saw horses and not on your knees.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Aug 12, 2013
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Autumn, I just did this myself and used brackets such as I mentioned, most patio's have slopes away from the house to keep standing water from being a problem. I used the brackets as pictured which keep the posts from sitting directly on the concrete. If you want your deck level then also take into account any slope in your patio of course.
William Gabbard
on Aug 12, 2013
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Thanks so much, everyone. I have seen these brackets on other deck posts, and my concrete patio does have a slope & drainage grids, too. I think I'll be O.K. In GA we don't have to worry much about snow, just monsoons every year or two.
Autumn B
on Aug 12, 2013
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Thank you Autumn B for your question, I have the same concrete patio built back in the 1980's and the advice that is given to you I'll copy if you don't mind, I have been wondering how to go about repairing the patio without removing the concrete.
Priscilla
on Aug 12, 2013
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Pmoc, feel free to copy all of the advice...we are on here to help each other out. Good luck.
Autumn B
on Aug 12, 2013
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