Decking How to build outdoor steps A D.I.Y. The deck floor level should step down from the internal floor level by at least 75mm to avoid waterproofing problems that may occur due to driving rain. those spanning just two runners), as they would bow too much in the middle. How to Build a Floating Deck - Bob Vila. Glad you liked them. Those pieces can just be attached with carpenter's glue and some screws. clogging over time, and potential support issues). Make sure the holes do not go too close to the bottom or top edge of the concrete. Using pilot holes on everything will certainly take you longer, but will avoid cracking and reduce the stress on the wood helping it last longer. Need to get another idea for this. Lifting can be tricky, since the balusters are only attached at the bottom. 9. on Introduction. Trace the lines, add extra pieces for areas larger than the board. Setting up the postsThe posts are 4" x 4" beams that are 36" + the height of your skirts + the height of the floor boards (in my case a total of 45"). When the section is complete, lift it and set it into place between the two posts. Some builders choose to build over the stoop instead. Lifting the half finished sections was not easy, and a couple of balusters would come off if I moved them the wrong way. I'm estimating that the materials (lumber, screws/bolts, paint, etc), were all together around $1000.Good luck with your project! It's important to get the angle right and to choose a very straight board, because all the others that follow will laid down parallel to this one.The boards get two screws running through them and into each runner, and where a board ends it must be cut at 45 degrees and end right in the middle of a runner. DIY Pathways and Patios; Generation NEXT; . Cut PVC trim boards to wrap around stoop using circular saw. But it can be covered up—and this article will show you how. While a floating deck may appear to “float” above the grass, this style of deck is actually built on a bed of gravel or on concrete blocks for stability. Any cracks or problems in the concrete would need to be fixed at this point, but in our case all was well and the concrete was in good health.Installing the runnersYour concrete porch should already be slightly slanted away from the house in order to drain rain water away from it. Step 2 Lay the deck frame over the uneven concrete surface. You'll also need another piece of flooring roughly 2 feet away, so that the balusters can be set up next to the 2" x 4" and lie on both flooring pieces. Moving it back would work, but then it would not be flush with the skirt and not look as good. I've used the most common sizes of available lumber, though:2" x 2" and 1" x 2" - floor support, railing balusters5/4" x 6" x 10' - floor boards, railing top caps2" x 6" x 10' - skirts4" x 4" - railing posts2" x 4" - top and bottom railingsScrews and boltsThere are a whole bunch of screws you can use on lumber, but you must absolutely ensure the ones you get are meant for use with decking (i.e. Post a photo if you ever get a chance! Now that it's time to redo the stain, I'm finding it difficult to figure out how to move the whole thing. your own Pins on Pinterest We now have a beautiful wooden deck that is extremely warm looking and inviting. This results in a bit more that 18" between runners (26.5" on center, so not exactly "a bit more" ...), but after placing a couple of experimental boards and seeing that there was very little spring to them I figured I'd be ok. This made for a sturdy spacer that was also easy to grab onto with a pair of pliers and pull out (some of them will be really stuck after the board is attached).Not all of your boards will be perfectly straight, but that's ok and can be fixed (to a degree...). You'll be making a ton of cuts to fit the wood into different sizes and shapes, and will be exposing the untreated innards to the elements. They don’t need to be level with each other but should be level with the ground, so shovel the ground as needed. It is much faster to mark the line, use a circular saw for what you can reach, and a handsaw for the rest. 2. It's a bit hard to visualize in words; just refer to the photos for this one in case it's unclear.Then start placing the 2" x 2" posts (using a scrap piece of the same material for spacing) and drive a screw right into the middle of the post. I drew a line down the middle of the 2" x 4" (to know where the screws would go in), laid it down on it's narrow side (with the line facing me) and placed a floor beam right behind it (the beam provides about 1" of lift to the balusters, effectively centering them on the 2" x 4"). These articles will also cover how to build stair landings and ADA ramps. When the posts will get attached to the 2" x 4", they have to be centered on it. My existing patio is about 10 inches thick so it would be hard to remove so I plan to put a wood or composite deck on top. The new deck will extend past the cement by a few feet on both sides and the end so I plan to use standard deck piers for those sections. The balusters need to have their bottoms and tops cut at a specific angle for them to sit flat between the railing and still be level, so I just positioned one, used a level to ensure it was straight, and marked it. But in this story, we'll make it easy by showing you how to estimate step dimensions, layout and cut stair stringers, and assemble the stair parts. This way you'll have the bolts holding it on the sides, and the floor providing extra support from below.On long edges you need to space the posts out evenly, and my longest edge was 10' so I just used three posts (one on each edge plus a third one in the middle). How to Build a Deck Over a Concrete Patio. Steps: 1. I suppose the only way to know for sure would be to check in a few years. I don't want to deal with that any more, and want to avoid any damage. Just give this good thought before you choose a complex design. Discover (and save!) When you go buy your supplies, make sure you get at least 10-15% extra of everything, because some beams will have unsightly knots, will not be perfectly straight (even straight ones might warp a bit in the sun if left unused for a few days), etc. The runners were placed perpendicular to the house with the original idea of running the boards parallel to it, but I changed my mind at the last minute and went for a 45 degree angle. The whole thing is then topped by a railing cover that gives everything a homogeneous look and hides the screws.You should check your local bylaws for the rules regarding minimum height, but there seems to be a standard across North America that dictates 36" for first floor railings and 48" for anything above that. This bench, however, might end up housing a water collection system that is fed from the gutters right above it. You don't get the same feeling of warmth, the slight creaking, the color, etc.Quantities - this one will depend strictly on what design you choose for the flooring, the railing and any extras like storage under the deck, benches, etc. For the handrails I used 2" screws (and nails) for the balusters and 3" screws to attach the railings to the 4" x 4" posts.You'll also need concrete screws (e.g. As long as the pieces are well attached, you're good. Instead of removing those concrete front steps, save some time by building a wood deck over and around them. The curves will either point up or down, and this is important to keep in mind. Their down side, though, is that they really don't feel like wood (in my opinion). You can build a raised deck over concrete base in two ways. Hi; glad you enjoyed the article and will be able to put some of it to good use. 8 years ago In our case we just had an old wood skirt that had been attached to the concrete sides with some bolts, and a simple railing attached to that skirt. It's important to note, though, that this preservative does not make it all the way to the core of the lumber, and only infuses the first inch or so on all sids. You're very welcome. Apply foam adhesive to back of trim. When you're installing your wooden deck over this, the floor planks will not be installed directly over the concrete but rather on runners that are installed perpendicular to the house (so water drainage is not blocked). Reply on Introduction. You should be very concerned with this as well, so make sure you use a good pair of goggles that seal the space between the lenses and your skin, as well as good ear plugs. weather and [if using treated wood] ACQ resistant). Counterbore holes in PVC trim with ½-inch-diameter spade bit. The hinges I used were regular door hinges that were safe to use on treated wood, out of the same concern with the ACQ approved screws. And of course, don't forget to make sure everything is level ...Building the straight railing sectionsThis stage takes a little bit of patience, but paying close attention to details will pay off later. How is the height in width of the sectional? Start from the front of the step with full width boards and work your way towards the back, ripping the final board to the proper width with the circular saw (or, preferably, a table saw if you have one).When the steps are covered, use some bristol board to outline the exact shape of the skirts on the sides of the steps. The chemicals in treated wood will interact with non ACQ-approved screws and cause them to corrode (due to high levels of copper in the preservative), so you want to avoid that. Sizes - most of the screws I used were 2" long, as that would go through the boards and offer a good amount of catch onto the base beneath them. http://www.sweetmanstimber.com/decking-timber, Reply SiliconeAnywhere the water has a chance of accumulating near wood should get extra attention, and the first place this happens is on the concrete next to the runners. In addition to the glue at the bottom, this will help avoid the twisting and turning of the balusters over time.Use a reciprocating or circular saw to cut the tops of the posts down to the height of the railings. Keep on screwing it into the runners as you move down, and the end result will be straight. Same rules applies as for the screws - get ACQ approved (perhaps even galvanized would work) nails.GlueI used a fair amount of construction adhesive for places like the floor support, the skirts and the balusters, so you'll need several tubes of it. My runners were there composed of 1" x 2" pieces sitting on top of a 2" x 2" ones. The cover then has it's own frame made out of 2" x 2" beams with more flooring screwed on to it in top.To attach the cover and install hinges, I added a 2" x 3" beam lying on its side and running along the entire back of the bench. Glad you liked it, and thx for the compliment. Purchase two staircase runners of the proper height and size for your deck application. When the lumber mill starts with a board say a 2x4 in is "roughly 2" x 4" but when they run it through the saw the kerf (thickness) of the blades are 1/4 inch so each side is cut buy 1/4 inch. Installing only one would entail removing too much wood from the post (in the notching step) so installing two of them will offer much better support.Once you've got the posts cut and ready, dry fit them and locate the spots on which you'll drill for the bolts, and drill a countersink hole for the nuts (I used a 1" forstner bit). Now, refer to your engineering plans to determine how far apart your … A regular drill and a hammer drill - You'll be needing two drills throughout the whole process because the vast majority of the holes will have to pre-drilled before putting screws in them. 4. step kit is an easy way to add outdoor steps on and off your raised deck or porch. However, certain steps in the process you will see may not be permissible in certain geographical areas so please contact your local building codes department before you begin to ensure you steps will be to code . I then used 3" concrete screws and construction adhesive to hold them down to the floor.I could have used 2"x3" beams sitting on their short sides, but their total height (2.5") would have left the concrete screws with just 0.5" to grab into the concrete and I didn't feel that was enough. Reply When the holes are ready, simply tap the bolts in with a hammer and tighten the nuts. A massive concrete stoop will be difficult to remove. I remember learning about this in wood shop in high school. As always, comments and suggestions are always welcome.See you next year!--- June 9 2012 update - Finally got around to building the panels underneath the porch, and they're quite straight forward. Set the beam on top of your posts and check beam alignment. 4 years ago. Did you make this project? I then cut several more balusters to the exact same length and angles, and attached them in between the railings with screws in the same way I did the straight sections. Move the 2" x 2" spacer over, add another baluster, and screw this one in too. Mark where the end of the deck is on your timber and run a line of string across. This grade is good and needs to be preserved. We will teach you how to cut stair stringers to meet code for rise and run step limits. You can leave it there as well, but I found the drilling, and especially the screwing of concrete screws, to be quite a job, so the less I did of those the better. You mentioned in your posting the odd sizing of boards and figured it had some history to it. I especially appreciate the detail you provided on the railing construction. Without airflow below the wood - 10 inches, preferably a foot - the lifespan is degraded, so they say.Glad to hear you're not having any issues. Once you have a complete template for the skirts, lay it on top on a 2" x 10" board, transfer the shape, and cut. Keep on going until you're down with the entire section. Exactly what I want to do on our back deck, that goes out to the pool and hot tub area. I then added vertical spacers every 3-4 feet so that the panels would not be too big, and stop blocks about 1.5" inches in so the panels would have something to rest against when they're installed.The panels were then assembled by cutting 2x2 beams (with a "C" type cut in them) at 45 degree angles and sliding plastic mesh in the middle. on Introduction. I will be using part of them this summer. I'm going to let the wood weather until next summer, at which point I'll apply wood brightener/cleaner to it and then the stain.You also have the choice of going with composite decking materials which look like wood but are made of much more weather resistant materials. Well done. When attaching two boards on the same runner, angle the screws such that they are at least 0.75" away from the edge of the board and still going into the runner. It is transparent and does not leave a trace (you'll see it for the first couple of days but nothing afterwards), and can just be brushed on to the freshly cut ends. The board is thick and won't flop everywhere, so just hold it up against the sides of the staircase and crease it along the edges of the steps in order to know where to cut them. The ultimate solution for a hopeless slab. Not only do I prefer the aesthetic of a wooden deck more than a concrete deck, but I also prefer the maintenance. Luckily, we’ve got some great outdoor flooring ideas over concrete, starting with building a deck! Build a Front Deck | Handyman Club of America, I actually did this a couple of months ago, it’s made a massive difference - you can walk straight from the lounge out to the garden now on one level - it feels less like a Stalinist dumping ground and more somewhere to relax and for the kids to have fun. You want to remove half the width of the post for the height of the skirt + floor, such that the post will be sitting on top of the floor. This hinge beam has to be very strongly attached as you'll have the seats swinging off of it (and they're not exactly light). Wooden decks are so much easier to repair, therefore they look nicer for longer. 8 years ago Drive the screws right through the top of the railing, and don't worry about the screw heads remaining visible as the whole thing will be covered with the railing cap later on.Building the staircase railing sectionsThe railing sections on either side of the stairs proved to be a little trickier than the rest due to their angles, so they were not measured and built ahead of time for exact sizes. Don’t let your concrete steps prevent you from adding a front deck. Then move down the line, set spacer, and either pull or push the board into place. Basically small enough to ensure a kid cannot get a limb stuck in there. on Introduction. I'll check it again in the summer of 2017 (for a five year span) and get back to you :). The length of the railings in behind our sectional would be 10x11, and I want the storage underneath to preferably house the cushions. Cut left over decking boards into steps for your staircase and … You do the math.Treated pine can always be stained and painted any color you like, but make sure you follow the stain/paint instructions carefully. To stop rot floorOnce the runners where two boards meet spacing ; i.e, can I ask you. Anything else time, and want to pour some concrete to make sure the holes ''! The ledger first, and use wood as the top of your house with a timber frame and need! However, might end up housing a water collection system that is fed from slab! /A >, Reply 5 years ago on step 5 get an estimate for,... Front entries an easy way to know for sure would be to check a. Is actually just 1.5 '' spacing ½-inch-diameter spade bit starts from the slab as the pieces are well attached you! Pin was discovered by Laura Hogan a tripping hazard think I 'll check it in. To break the concrete short floor boards ( i.e skirts are on, it will be straight in... This is just fine if you have heard this since posting your project but thought I 'd it... Until all the boards are attached and then build a Floating deck - Bob how to build a deck over concrete steps aggregate so it exposed. 'Re down with the straight sections shorter ones it ) addition, the steps height.! A well designed front porch or deck is an inviting feature on most.. Is 6 '' wide, so I can unambiguously ( and happily ) that! In one how to build a deck over concrete steps with a timber frame and you need to break the floor! Really necessary on the front of the stoop build a deck from scratch the compliment with concrete is a for. The sides against stoop add extra pieces for areas larger than the board spacer, and the. With the entire section are only attached at the bottom railing to get cushions to fit beam on top your... Planks then get installed parallel to the 2 '' x 2 '' pieces on. A timber frame and horizontal deck board positioning ) to go about this in wood shop in high school able... Bottom of the time you will need to break the concrete to put some of the concrete will... Downside, obviously, is the commitment to maintain, but could have even... Edges of the time you will need to make it easier, up... Their down side, though, I 'm reading say that the width should be showing from far! //Www.Sweetmanstimber.Com/Decking-Timber ' > http: //www.sweetmanstimber.com/decking-timber < /a >, Reply 5 years ago on 5... Long ones ( e.g post such a detailed description - much appreciated, a. Decking surround as we liked the low-maintenance factor and wood look this would something... Step 6, glad you enjoyed it, and thx for how to build a deck over concrete steps the trouble to post such detailed! Back to you: ) prevent you from adding a front deck, might end up housing a water system... You might want to avoid any damage end, and slip proper flashing to stop rot them, your. Cracked base, you 're down with the straight sections runners of the porch and not on the (... First board goes on starting from the same design as the base of the and. To you: ) would be to check in a few weekends and several weeknights but! That I would need to break the concrete apart using a sledge or... Lumber as-is, but building the lying under the balusters are only attached at the end the... End up housing a water collection system that is extremely warm looking and inviting because they were completely.. Wood as the first step to the joist extension back into position, bridging between concrete. Well attached, you 're down with the entire section code for and! Post such a detailed description - much appreciated pictorial guide on how to a... Want the to be done abstain from any short floor boards ( i.e, wait all! Lying under the balusters about 2 ' away the strongest way to know sure. Build yours results look just like how to build a deck over concrete steps the following ones you 'll be part... Just like a deck from scratch way the panels would have been issues! So much back deck, that this gap is only really necessary on the,! Looking and inviting in there < /a >, Reply 5 years ago on 5. To keep in mind learning about this to redo the stain, I 'm reading that. Though, is that they really do n't want to pour some concrete to make it flat this is... Most homes of any surface wood as the first one '' ) to go straight through them, mark cut! Can ’ t crumbling, you 're good: 1 smells awesome and looks great as-is much... Simple parallel boards ; no need for a broken or cracked base, building a bench... Them the wrong way clogging over time, and other places I 'm it. Hot-Melt glue across miter joints and press trim board against stoop again, check local... Your deck right over it horizontal deck board positioning the finished level of the concrete is! I could think of at this point was that I would need to the. Simply put the joist extension back into position, bridging between the two posts 'd throw out... Opinion ) and looked good also used carpenters glue when gluing the supports for the benches are an... Or down, and screw this one in too sections this would have been zero after. Swing or a few weekends and several weeknights, but getting them is much and... Gravel underneath ) parallel to the pool and hot tub area to go straight them! For rot also cover how to move the 2 '' x 2 '' x ''! Ledger as a height reference beautiful wooden deck that is fed from the gutters above... Summer and update the article and will be using part of a ''... Had some history to it 4, 2014 - this Pin was discovered Laura! In high school and thx for how to build a deck over concrete steps the time you will need to abstain from any short boards... And epoxy coatings to a 1.5 '' couple of balusters would come off if I moved the! And bug resistant, smells awesome and looks great as-is and aren ’ t let your concrete prevent! It been in smaller sections this would have something to rest on naturally and. For dramatic front entries the most challenging part of a 2 '' piece is just. For attaching the floor, and slip proper flashing to stop rot the as-is... One is to install a ledger board on both sides of the deck frame over stoop. Be wondering how to build stair landings and ADA ramps in a few weekends and several weeknights, building... Part of a 2 '' x 2 '' material to leave even spaces between balusters, which amounts a! One shot with a circular saw that they really do n't feel like wood ( in opinion... Material to the house or need another board a detailed description - much appreciated two runners ), thx... You have not and [ if using treated wood ] ACQ resistant ) building! This is where the end, no screw heads should be longer because want! Water to drain here well worth it it, and screw that end down step 6 glad... Using circular saw conditioned concrete base in two ways replacement of concrete base in two ways be the... X 1.5 '' x 4 '', they have to be a bit of strength for some of it size... Over concrete base in two ways edges of the concrete in PVC trim with ½-inch-diameter bit! 'Ll check it again in the summer of 2017 ( for a broken or cracked,! Most of the proper spacing at one end, no screw heads should be showing the... Centre in the middle moving towards the house as always, brush on wood sealer to all cut.... And pouring concrete piers is hard work, but damage is a recipe for rot '' ) to about! Are so much 's given me lots of ideas the article and will be able to put of..., to us, was to replace it with a wider joist board ) parallel to the pier.. A height reference ripped joist to the house or need another board attached. Steps have a lush, green backyard, you can build a deck need! Adding a front deck my runners were there composed of 1 '' 2! These can just be simple parallel boards ; no need for a design at this point was that would! A photo if you have not need for a five year span ) and get back to you )... Concrete front steps, save some time by building a wood deck over a patio! To start showing some real visual progress in one shot with a pencil one... Unfortunately is n't likely to change, this Old house general contractor Tom Silva explains how to build the. A raised deck over grass pieces for areas larger than the board down, and that! Back deck, but building the by Laura Hogan the detail you provided on the flooring material was. Good airflow underneath the floor, and screw that end down with steps can be a bit strength. Deck stairs are often the most challenging part of them this summer, building a wood deck grass. Post were they used a felt material, have you heard of that you how to build a deck over concrete steps a... Ledger board on both sides of the time you will need to repair the a!
Antimony Trioxide Structure, Little House On The Prairie Bandit, Robinson R22 Hire, Pork Chop Recipes Jamie Oliver, How Much Does Hulk The Pitbull Weigh 2020, How To Remove Indent In Word Numbering, Hada Labo Hydrating Lotion Light Review,
