skip to main content

Porches & Decks

Any ideas for my new deck (see my ugly deck here)

17 years ago

Ok - I have been trying to figure what to do with my deck. I have been having a hard time deciding what to do since there is also a raised concrete patio (8x18)adjacent to the house. Instead of rambling you can take a look at the pics for yourself.

{{!gwi}}

For one I need to do something with the patio. I was thinking of a stamped concrete overlay or possibly going over it with pavers - there is just enough room under the threshold to make that work. Any opinions on what to do with the patio?

Right now the current deck is kind of lifeless. I was thinking of doing a bumpout or partial octogon on the left side (when looking at the house) large enough for a table and chairs.

Beyond that I am in analysis paralysis and cant come up with something I like. Some issues I see are the basement window and water spigot adjacent to the current deck - should I move deck away from house to allow access in the area - I could even add a little landscaping between the deck and house for some interest. Level of patio vs deck - should the deck be at same level as patio like it is now?

I even kicked around the idea of doing a matching patio area on the right side (to match what ever we do on the existing patio) and only keeping a deck on the left side - maybe that would be too busy though.

Ideas, thoughts, and suggestions are welcome.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

bargamon
17 years ago
If your looking to not add on and just make it nice, I would:

Resurface the cement or cover with some kind of tile mosiac.

repair lattice and landscape around it to cover it.

Wood if decent I'd restore and reseal, but build new railing wither with metal balusters or bench/planter.

I can't see the rest of the yard nor what your budget is so its hard to say.

It just looks like it needs some TLC which the above would not cost too much.

Me, I went IPE and doubled size to 700 feet and droped a 500 gallon Hot Springs hot tub and had a custom wrought Iron rail made at 100 feet. I started off as a $4000 budget job but grew into a monster of a project long leaving that budget! The imagination is limitless but everyone has a budget!

Good luck!
jdew1920
Original Author
17 years ago
It's coming down and being rebuilt. Deck will be either ipe or cumaru. It is in worse condition than it looks.
Related Discussions
MGMC: Is it staining my new deck?
Q
Comments (19)
Doesn't disprove a damn thing. She isn't even having dark staining, it is light colored like you would have with just plain water. I guarantee that if you place a pot flat on a deck with no air circulation you WILL get dark staining from mold/mildew, dirt collection that will keep the wood moist longer etc. Plain and simple and it doesn't matter what kind of wood you have or pot or mix, some may be worse than others but your deck will stain and eventually rot. The water coming out of my pots certainly isn't "tea" by any means, I have never noticed any tint to it at all really but I have never captured it in a white container to check. Either way we have zero staining of any kind white or otherwise. Could also be that our deck dries faster due to it being 20' in the air with plenty of gap between the boards. I imagine there are numerous variables, but one 100% certain way to stain and rot your deck is putting pots or anything else flat on your deck for months on end.
...See More
Here is my almost finished deck pictures.
Q
Comments (6)
Wow this is just beautiful! Love the way you laid the wood down in different angles, really gives the deck an extra interesting element. Great porch fire place! What kind of patio furniture are you thinking about using? I think wicker would compliment this patio very well! Good luck on the rest of your project!
...See More
My deck is rotten. Any suggestions?
Q
Comments (12)
We are forced to use mcq pt lumber most very place. This material,even stamped ground contact, is Not made to be in the ground if you read the fine print just ground contact. Tests results using mcq sticks showing rot in 18 months. The sticker leval reads 1.5 not .40 that has always been the standared. Maine your thinking is flawed,uninformed and outdated. Using pt lumber for bottom plates under a house is completley different than joists/ decking exposed to the weather. Ten years ago the business was changing from cca to acq a slight chance exists that material was cca however the box stores did not sell .40 lumber it was 2.5 not made for ground contact and very low quality. Its completley normal to get 10 years or much less building with this material on an outdoor project. Cross ventilation could have extended the life of this deck to a slight degree but it was slated for a short life because of the penatration leval in the lumber and the chem used in the retort. Air moving under the frame of any deck will limit movement in the decking , cut down on mold/mildew and extend its service. John Hyatt www.deckmastersllc.com
...See More
Ideas for my cozy deck
Q
Comments (8)
Hi all, Sorry, I was sidetracked by yet another project which will be the subject of another decorating post. Well, after surveying the situation, the sad and bad news is that my 8 X 10 deck has shrunk to basically an 8 X 5 one! I know, right? Because the honking grill is 5' long and the door off the kitchen in line with the grill is opposite it, that essentially cuts down the deck size. Currently we have a folding table and two basic plastic chairs set up along the far end on the 8' edge with the umbrella next to the grill. If we upgraded the furniture, it might work. I don't think there's a whole lot of options. I love sitting out there for breakfast/brunch, lunch and dinner. After reading that Boston has allowed something like 300+ square feet to qualify as living space, I think my teeny deck would be roomy if done creatively. Can it also be comfortable? Thank you.
...See More
jade.d
17 years ago
I had this picture bookmarked.

Here is a link that might be useful:
jdew1920
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks - I kinda wish that patio wasn't there at all but I think it'd be a lot easier to put a new surface on it rather than rip it out.
riles_j
17 years ago
If it were me I'd rip the concrete patio out. It would take a little effort, but I think you will be happier with the end product.

My $.02
ron6519
17 years ago
Demo both the deck and the concrete pad. Install a stone patio at ground level. No maintainance, gives light to basement window, easy to add on to and...no maintainance.
Ron
jdew1920
Original Author
17 years ago
We are considering a paver patio. I love the look but I also like the warmth you get from a wood deck. Maybe I can somehow integrate a small deck area with a paver patio.
jdew1920
Original Author
17 years ago
We are considering a paver patio. I love the look but I also like the warmth you get from a wood deck. Maybe I can somehow integrate a small deck area with a paver patio.
riles_j
17 years ago
In my previous house I had a small wood deck off the back of the house. I build a step down brick paver patio off of that and it turned out fabulous. Best of both worlds. Might be something to think about.

Riles

Related Stories

MOST POPULAR See the Difference a New Back Deck Can Make

By Becky Harris

A dramatic 2-story porch becomes the centerpiece of this Ohio family’s renovated landscape

PETS Here’s How to Show Your Pet Even More Love

By Becky Harris

February 20 is Love Your Pet Day. Find all the ideas and inspiration you need to celebrate right here

STORAGE See a Hollywood Actor's Ship-Inspired Storage That's Boatloads of Cool

By Mitchell Parker

All hands on deck to check out this spacious storage and sleeping room featuring a steel gangplank, a pulley system and nautical rope

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: See How a Garden Author Brings Nature to the City

By Margot Hartford Photography

Garden designer and author Baylor Chapman shows her love of nature in her San Francisco apartment and deck

KITCHEN DESIGN Here It Is! See Our Finished Kitchen Sweepstakes Makeover

By Vanessa Brunner

This lucky New Jersey homeowner got improved storage, upgraded finishes and a better layout to accommodate his family of 6

THE ART OF ARCHITECTURE Laser-Cut Focus: The Future of Design Is Here

By Jess McBride

Discover how this laser technology can make almost any pattern a reality

REMODELING GUIDES See What You Can Learn From a Floor Plan

Floor plans are invaluable in designing a home, but they can leave regular homeowners flummoxed. Here's help

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING See a Soothing Backyard Bathhouse Born From a Salvaged Tub

By Annie Thornton

Creative thinking and DIY skills give a Portland couple a pergola-covered 'hot tub' under the stars

MOST POPULAR The Most Incredible Kids' Tree House You'll Ever See?

By Sarah Greenman

Duck your head to enter this unforgettable Dallas wonderwork, lovingly crafted with imaginative delights

EVENTS See 8 Stunning Abodes From 2 Modern Home Tours in Canada

By Stacy Briscoe

Can’t make it to British Columbia for 2 upcoming modern home tours? No sweat. Here’s a sneak peek

Sponsored

Kuhns Contracting, Inc.

26 Reviews

Central Ohio's Trusted Home Remodeler Specializing in Kitchens & Baths

More Discussions

Can I screen in my front porch to keep my cat from escaping?

4

Soffit and Deck Colour Advice

3

Moving Deck Stairs- help!

0

new shutters? door paint

7

Need a Stylish & Safe Front Porch: Non-Slip / Stamped Concrete Inspo

3