Has your old concrete patio become an eyesore? If it has, then you’re probably searching for ways to cover up that weathered, cracked slab of gray concrete. When weighing your options, you may have asked yourself if you can build a deck over a concrete patio.
It’s possible to build a deck over a concrete patio. This can be a great way to cover up any cracks or deformities in the surface. Before building the deck, homeowners need to ensure that the concrete isn’t sinking and that the deck height accounts for any door thresholds.
Read on to learn more about how you can cover your concrete patio floor with decking.
How to Build a Deck Over a Concrete Patio
Before you get started on your patio decking project, there are a couple of things you need to consider.
First, start by examining the condition of the concrete slab making up your patio floor. If it’s cracked, then there’s no need to worry. After all, the point of adding a deck over the concrete is to cover up any deformities.
How about if these cracks are causing the concrete to sink? Then, in that case, you shouldn’t start building your deck until you find the cause of the sinking and put an end to it.
The other factor to consider is that applying a deck will raise your patio’s level by up to 3.5 inches. In turn, you should ensure that the threshold of your patio door is high enough above the concrete to accommodate raised flooring.
You should also account for an extra 0.5 inches if you live in an area where it usually snows.
Once you check these boxes off your list, here’s what you’ll need to do to build a deck over your concrete patio:
Measure the Area to Be Decked
The first step in your patio deck project is to determine the exact area you’re building over. These measurements will allow you to measure the dimensions of the sleeper panels you’ll need to get.
Prepare the Sleeper Panels
Now that you know the sleeper panel size you need, start cutting your sleeper panels to fit the required specifications.
Next, start laying out the panels along your patio area. Make sure that you’ve determined their exact positions to avoid any complications in the future.
Once the panels are laid out, make sure they’re all positioned at the same level. It may seem simple enough, but this step is actually a major contributing factor to the success of your project.
Drill the Panels Into the Concrete and Lay Out the Decking
When you’re certain that your sleeper panels are in their correct positions, it’s time to start drilling them into the concrete base. As an added safety measure, you can also use L brackets to help secure the panels in place.
Start laying the decking beams perpendicularly over the sleeper panels. Remember to always keep the beams leveled like in the previous step.
Fasten the Decking in Place
Now it’s time to secure your decking to the sleeper panels. You can do this with the help of screws and bolts.
You can also go the extra mile and apply a sealant coating over the wood to shelter it from the elements and boost its longevity.
Can You Put Composite Decking Over a Concrete Patio?
If composite decking is one of the options you’re considering for your concrete patio, we’re glad to say that this is a sound choice.
Concrete is a highly durable surface, which makes it stable and well-suited as a foundation layer for composite decking. In fact, composite decking works better with concrete than it does with other bases, such as sand and gravel.
That said, you should note that you’ll need to have a substructure in place that can help facilitate drainage and airflow.
Final Thoughts
Concrete patios are as long-lasting and durable as they come. However, over time, they tend to become worn out and ugly. This dilemma may have you wondering whether you can build a deck over a concrete patio to restore your yard’s aesthetic.
The answer is yes, you definitely can! Just follow the steps outlined above, and we guarantee you’ll be extremely satisfied with the results.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get decking!
Ben has a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering. When not constructing or remodeling X-Ray Rooms, Cardiovascular Labs, and Pharmacies, you can find him at home with wife and two daughters. Outside of family, He loves grilling and barbequing on his Big Green Egg and Blackstone Griddle, as well as working on projects around the house.
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