Convert a 2nd level deck into a concrete deck/patio

16 years ago

I have posted my question to another thread that was started several years ago, and thought I really should have started a new one.

My deck is two stories high (about 10'), it has south and west exposure that equates to 8 hrs of sun. Which also means we need to spend money quite frequently to maintain it. Right now I need to have it rebuild. I need your assistance to see if I can convert this deck into a concrete deck? huge balcony? high patio?(Not sure what is the correct term).

I am not able to find anything on the internet, most frustrating! There are info for above ground deck for pool, building a deck over a patio, or anything there is a mention of patio it is always on the first floor.

Before this I have decided on using composites material. I searched on the internet one last time before the project starts, and I have found comments from people that have stopped me in the track. It seems it is not a good alternatives. It is LESS maintenance, not NO maintenance. Unlike wood deck when the wood deck gets old it could be repainted and restain to look new. When the composite deck gets old, it will stay looking old and beat up. So what is the point of spending so much more money on having a composite deck and still have it repainted, to start the whole maintenance cycle again? Also there is the issue of getting moldy if I install the under deck covering. Since this deck is on the 2nd story and I like to use the area under deck it is something I am planning on doing.

Hope I am not alone here?!!!

Featured Answer

mym2222
Original Author

16 years ago

Appreciate the info on the Deckstone, I like how the tiles look and the materials sound so much better than composite deck materials. Never understand the logic of putting material that would rot or go bad into a product for exterior use, like putting wood in the composite wood, and those masonite sidings that had paper in it? It is like waiting for disaster to happen.

Tried to figure out if 'regular' exterior tiles weight less than Deckstone, and found this site:http://www2.daltile.com/exteriors.cfm. It lists a lot of choices just not able to get the info of the weight per sq.ft. like Deckstone has listed.

John made some excellent points, I would need steel frame for a concrete deck. That would be costly. I am leaning on tiling the deck.

So far after talking with two contractors, I basically had to redo the decking to hold the extra weight of the tiles. I am waiting for my handyman to come and confirm the cost and whether he is comfortable to do it or not. I think he is pretty honest to let me know his comfort level.

I will let you know how that goes. If you find anything else please let me know.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

john_hyatt
16 years ago
Most of the time a slab that high up will cost at least double the money.This project would require an outfit that knew what they are doing. There is a Guy over here I double up with sometimes we both bid a 16 x 50' 11' high walk out basement job latley. His price with steel rail/sprial staircase was around $44,000.

I could not agree more with you far as a lot of composite decking material goes. John
mym2222
Original Author
16 years ago
Appreciate the info. So it seems it is do-able thing to do this. What is the correct term for this?

The guy that is rebuilding the deck quoted me $1,200 for labor, and composite material is about $2,500. So it seems it will be double that.

Is this something this handy man can do or needs a 'specialty' company to install?
Related Discussions
Can elevated deck rest on concrete patio?
Q
Comments (2)
No, a 4" concrete patio can not support an upper level deck. No need to bust up the concrete tho. Go to home cheapo & buy you a diamond tipped concrete cutting saw blade for a circular saw. Use that to cut sections of the patio out for your footings. A typical 7 1/4" saw will only cut 2 1/8" deep you may have to rent a larger saw, 16" will cut all the way thru. If you have a hammer drill you could also drill a series of holes along your saw cut to finish out the holes if using the small saw. To cover up the uglinest you created on your patio making the new footings you can wrap the bottom of the deck post with a half column of rock or brick, or even box them out with wood.
...See More
deck tiles over concrete patio
Q
Comments (7)
Another decking tile which uses Ipe wood from Sth America is available at www.swiftdeck.com. These seem to be a bit thicker than the VIFAH tiles. They also have couple of styles and have some clip on accessory pieces which make a neat finish to the outside of the deck and might be useful if you want a neat finish around your raised patio. The tiles work very well if the surface is level. Here is a link that might be useful: swiftdeck
...See More
Pictures of large 2nd story decks??
Q
Comments (11)
Not finished yet, but have a pic for you where we're at. One thing I really like is the layout my husband did laying two pieces of the decking in the center perpendicular to the house & using 12' decking from center both directions. Eliminated seams. Our deck is pretty basic, pt rectangular ~10' x 24'. We'll have black aluminum railings. We'll be adding steps at the top right of the photo shown that goes to existing concrete steps on that hill. Later, we plan to add a patio or 2nd deck behind the garage for a grill area (top of photo) and a 2nd set of steps directly down to ground level (at opposite end of deck).
...See More
Questions on concrete multi-level patio conversion to deck
Q
Comments (9)
Thanks for the detailed response. On the last question about drainage. Then plan is to put a patio cover with gutters. So roof run off will not be an issue. Current concrete patio has slight slope (forget the word for that). As for clearance and the upper part there is barely room. About 1.5 inches by the wall and goes to about 2 something at the end of the upper level. I could start the freestanding just on the lower portion but I wanted it all to be one (aesthetics in addition to function). After looking closer looks like upper concrete is different than the main foundation but that is my unprofessional analysis with a quick look. I say that because looking at the side wall the upper slopes down. And you can see the difference better. again thanks for all the feedback. I'll take it into consideration.
...See More
john_hyatt
16 years ago
As you drive by a Comm building going up thats what we are talking about, Grade creet beams,steel posts I beams and truses. Creet placed over base.

A handy man can defently not do that.

J.
zyll
16 years ago
I'm currently building a house, and considering the same thing. The big problem I'm having is that it isn't commononly done, and so it has been hard to find someone that would be able/willing without spending way too much.

I ran across a 'hybrid' alternative, and am thinking about it:
http://www.dekstone.com/brochure_deckstone.htm

Dekstone uses a more conventional PT frame, but the deck itself is concrete 'tiles'.

In my current neighborhood a nearby house has an elevated concrete patio, and it is very nice. Please post what you end up doing.....

Here is a link that might be useful: Dekstone
boxofrox
16 years ago
You could also look into Miracote or Miraflex. I tore my old second floor cedar deck down and rebuilt it. I did all the framing and just had a contractor do the coating. I absolutely love it and it gave me a waterproof sun room underneath.

The deck is framed and then sheeted with 3/4" T&G marine grade plywood. Then mesh is stapled on. Then 14 coats of various materials including mortar, waterproof membrane, and the Miraflex are applied followed by multiple coats of sealer. You can choose the pattern or color you want, mine just happens to resemble leather (I couldn't figure out how to spell naugahide :-)

Here is a link that might be useful: {{!gwi}}
Gerri Becker
4 years ago
We have a second level wrap around deck and are also considering non wood and gapless options. What did you end up doing for your deck? Would love to know.
smakcanada
3 years ago
I think you need to consult with a Structural Engineer. I don't think you should attempt to build what you are talkng about for a few thousand dollars.
HU-335092671
3 years ago
I'm currently building a second story deck and you are right there're not too many choices when it comes a permanent material that requires little upkeep.

in the past I have done a porch deck that I wanted to incorporate into a set of concrete stairs. So I begun with a strong support 3''x4" than, 3/4" plywood with tar roofing, than I place Dimond expanded metal with pea gravel concrete six sac mix, doe to a limited space the concrete deck could only be 1''to 1 1/2" after 7 to 8 years, the deck did not show signs of cracking. Now I'm trying it in a large scale ( 2400 sf area which I'll be posting on YouTube I want to try different underlayment materials but basically the same process.

Convert a 2nd level deck into a concrete deck/patio

mym2222
Original Author

Comments (9)

john_hyatt

mym2222
Original Author

Related Discussions

john_hyatt

zyll

boxofrox

Gerri Becker

smakcanada

HU-335092671

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Convert a 2nd level deck into a concrete deck/patio

mym2222Original Author

Comments (9)

john_hyatt

mym2222Original Author

Related Discussions

john_hyatt

zyll

boxofrox

Gerri Becker

smakcanada

HU-335092671

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

mym2222
Original Author

mym2222
Original Author