Can decking be laid over concrete?

8 years ago

Does anyone know whether if someone wanted to put build a deck but there is already a concrete patio in the same place, can you build directly on top or would you have to remove the concrete pad first? Thanks!

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Comments (3)

User
8 years ago
The answer is determined by several elements that need to be taken into consideration for a job like that. The answer is a deck can be installed over a concrete patio, but many factors must be considered.

Does the patio slope away from the house?

Is the patio level?

Is the patio concrete surface spalled/chipped/pitted?

How much rain/snow does the area get?

What kind of decking will be used?

How high off the patio surface is the deck surface planned?

Will there be a way to clean out debris from between the patio floor and the deck substructure?
PRO
AdvantageLumber.com
7 years ago
Hi Cecilia Woods,

HandyMac is absolutely correct about all the points he mentioned. It can be an issue because of the lack of ventilation under the deck as well as the concrete slab's ability to retain temperature. It can be a troublesome installation, but it can be done when the builder takes the appropriate precautions for the environment.

There are other options like Deck Tiles that are squares designed to sit in a connector floating system right on top of concrete. No sleepers required, or any real problems as long as your slab is flat.

Hope this helps you!

Downtown Los Angeles Rooftop Deck · More Info
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John, I think the tone of your post speaks for itself, and I find it really unnecessary. There's a distinct difference between trying to talk a contractor down FROM a fair price vs. talking them down TO a fair price. Consumer protection, John. It's my right to do my homework. I don't know anyone who doesn't obtain several quotes for comparison or at least go by word of mouth, and for good reason. My observations and experiences are based on the contractors I've dealt with, not with the general population. When quotes for the same work come back with figures ranging all across the spectrum, it is evident that something is skewed. That's my observation. If you aren't one of "those" contractors, then don't get your panties all up in a bunch.
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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
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We have a wood deck over a concrete pad by our kitchen door and it works fine. We have an unusual situation because that area gets a LOT of run-off from uphill and across the driveway, all of which drains under the deck and into the back yard. The builder sloped both sides of the concrete slightly toward center so it channels the water there. We used garrapa wood (ipe was too expensive at that time because the Chinese were buying it all for Olympics construction). We did not paint or seal it, so it has weathered to grey, but shows no sign of deteriorating after 3 years. You do have to put the deck on 4x4 legs and raise it enough to allow air to circulate under it. Hope you get your deck back!
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Basically, I don't know what I want, other than to fix the drainage issues. I'm just not sure logistically if option 2 is even an acceptable/appropriate option. I basically have been asking people what they would do to fix how it's settled. Budget is on the basic side as we still have to regrade and replant the front and fix the leaking cracks in the basement. I don't really want to excavate the front and reparge the foundation wall because we're in a townhouse, so that gets really complicated. And there's not enough leaking to need an interior French drain. Was hoping that regrading the walkway and the dirt/plants would be the first thing to try as it's not crazy expensive. I could wait on the walkway and just do the regrading and plants, but that seems a little silly.... The whole row of townhouses has had water issues this past year and no one has excavated anything. Companies want $20k to do that. The HOA is working on implementing some kind of drainage solution for the entire row, so I also don't really want to excavate till we see if that solution helps our basement. I hate basements. :-\
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PRO
Coverdeck Systems
7 years ago
Hey Cecilia

We offer a wide range of deck tiles that would work very well with your application.

We have Weatherstone Composite and Ipe Wood Deck Tiles among other options.

Both of these photos below were installed over concrete.

Please give us a call and we would be glad to answer any questions for you.

(800) 550-3325

www.coverdeck.com

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Can decking be laid over concrete?

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