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Undertaking the task of installing a low profile patio deck over my 26ft x 16ft concrete patio was no small feat. Despite the labor-intensive nature of this project, I knew I had the determination and a willingness to get this done. The end result would far outweigh the challenges I faced. After all, the satisfaction of completing a project of this scale with my own two hands is priceless—a testament to the value of hard work and perseverance.
Before backyard Makeover
Ugh…after years of neglect, and looking at our backyard everyday during covid, it was time for a backyard makeover!
Materials Used to Install a Patio Deck:
- Pressure treated 2×4 wood for the sleepers
- 1/2” pvc trim board cut into blocks for spacers.
- Flashing tape usually used for windows
- Good Life Escapes composite deck boards (1in. x 6in. x 16ft.) – Tuscan Villa / Grooved
- Tools: Hammer Drill & Impact driver, Measuring tape, Level, Circular saw & Jigsaw
- Fiberon Armorguard Hidden Deck Fasteners
- 1/4 x 3 1/4” Titen Turbo Concrete & Masonry screws
- Carbon blade 3/16” Drill Bits (I went through a lot of these, buy extra)
Preparation & Layout
- Pressure wash your patio to clear the surface of any debris and ensure it’s level.
- Measure the area of your patio.
- Layout of deck sleepers depends on floating deck layout.
- For standard deck designs with all boards running one direction, use rows of parallel sleepers.
Building the Subfloor:
- Lay pressure treated 2×4 sleepers parallel to the direction of your deck boards.
- Use pvc cut into blocks, to create spacers to keep sleepers off the damp concrete, and allow for proper water drainage when it rains.
- Sleepers don’t necessarily have to be level, but they must create a flat surface
- If patio is uneven, use plastic shims. My patio was level therefore did not need this.
- Drill through sleepers, spacers, and into the concrete with a hammer drill.
- Drive concrete screws to secure sleepers in place.
Installing the Deck Boards:
- Before decking, cover sleepers with flashing tape to prevent water from soaking the tops.
- Common grades of treated lumber will rot if kept damp; flashing tape is the best insurance.
- Installing deck boards over sleepers is similar to standard deck framing.
- Begin screwing the deck boards into place using the Armorguard hidden deck fasteners.
Do your Research:
- I researched many Youtube videos & Blog posts from Home RenoVision DIY and Family Handyman before tackling this project. I would encourage you to do the same.
Finishing Touches to Your Floating Deck:
- Trim any excess deck boards to fit the dimensions of your patio.
- Double-check for levelness and stability before finishing.
Conclusion:
Building a floating deck over a concrete patio is a rewarding project that adds value and functionality to your backyard space. With the right materials and research from YouTube videos, anyone can tackle this DIY project with confidence.
I won’t sugarcoat it—this was a labor-intensive endeavor that demanded some serious elbow grease and determination. But hey, nothing worth having comes easy, right? So roll up your sleeves, grab your tools, and transform your patio into a beautiful oasis!
The time to complete this project was 2 weeks. The cost was higher than my normal projects, but it’s a fraction of what it would’ve cost to hire someone else to do the job.
Follow the link if you would like to see my complete Backyard transformation into a Mediterranean Oasis
