Building A Deck Over A Concrete Patio

If you're looking to expand your outdoor living space, building a deck over a concrete patio is a great way to do it. A deck can provide a more comfortable and inviting space for entertaining, grilling, or simply relaxing in the fresh air. It can also add value to your home.

Building a deck over a concrete patio is a relatively simple project that can be completed in a weekend by do-it-yourselfers with basic carpentry skills.

Materials You'll Need

To build a deck over a concrete patio, you'll need the following materials:

Pressure-treated lumber for the frame and joists
Decking boards
Deck screws
Concrete anchors
Level
Tape measure
Circular saw
Drill
Impact driver

Step-by-Step Instructions

Once you have all of your materials, you can begin building your deck.

Prepare the concrete patio. Clean the concrete patio thoroughly and make sure it is level. If the patio is not level, you will need to level it before you begin building the deck.
Lay out the frame. The frame of the deck will be made from pressure-treated lumber. Cut the lumber to the desired length and assemble it using deck screws. Make sure the frame is square and level.
Attach the frame to the concrete patio. Use concrete anchors to attach the frame to the concrete patio. Make sure the anchors are spaced evenly and that they are driven into the concrete securely.
Install the joists. The joists are the horizontal supports that will support the decking boards. Cut the joists to the desired length and space them evenly across the frame. Attach the joists to the frame using deck screws.
Install the decking boards. The decking boards are the final surface of the deck. Cut the decking boards to the desired length and attach them to the joists using deck screws. Make sure the decking boards are spaced evenly and that they are level.
Finish the deck. Once the decking boards are installed, you can finish the deck by adding a railing, stairs, or other features as desired.

Tips

Here are a few tips for building a deck over a concrete patio:

Use pressure-treated lumber for all of the components of the deck. This will help to protect the deck from rot and decay.
Make sure the concrete patio is level before you begin building the deck. If the patio is not level, the deck will not be level either.
Use concrete anchors to attach the frame of the deck to the concrete patio. This will help to ensure that the deck is secure.
Space the joists evenly across the frame. This will help to distribute the weight of the deck evenly.
Install the decking boards evenly and level. This will help to create a smooth and even surface for the deck.