How I spent my summer

[f6john]

My deck as it was when I purchased my house.





25 years with only two applications of latex solid stain just wasn’t enough for the protection of the decking, handrails and pickets.


Where I’m at now.










I had no complete plan when I started tearing off the old decking but it was obvious that it was past time to do something. The joist were fine which saved a good amount of money and time or I would have been starting at ground zero. I started putting down the new Trex deck boards before I had all the old boards off so I would have something to stand on. As I got closer to the steps, it occurred to me we didn’t really need steps going down to the back yard, so I tore all that down. That allowed me to extend the deck out another four feet. There is a concrete patio area under the deck and it extended out under the old stair well area, so I gained a lot of space coming out of my basement with zero cost.

I wanted low maintenance so that meant no exposed wood. My remaining two posts were structurally fine but looked awful and was happy to find vinyl post wrap available for 6x6 posts and they came in 9 foot lengths. So two took care of the bottom sections and another package was enough to cover the 4 foot sections above the deck. Current plans call for me to use all aluminum posts and handrails in a bronze finish. And I have also found a company that markets a vinyl product that as I can use as a ceiling underneath the deck that also provides for drainage rain water that passes between the deck boards. I’ll cover the sides of the exposed 2x10 band boards with vinyl also. My wife and I are already going out and sitting on the deck some and we are enjoying the elevated views. Due to the orientation of the house, the deck catches the morning sun, great for that first pot of coffee, and fully shaded in the evenings catches some nice evening breezes. Only a wad of $$$$$ left and I’ll be done.

[carolinarider09]

Very nice looking.

If I might ask, you said no wood so, the decking boards are what kind of material?

[f6john]

Trex is a composite material. Not sure what it is comprised of, but it’s pretty tuff stuff, and expensive. $42.00 for a 16 foot board.

[Avanti]

If water is able to run behind the vinyl the wood will still deteriorate, you just will not see it happen.

[f6john]

A night view. I’m planning to add some under deck lighting too. We are find the concrete patio area under the deck a much more inviting place since we spend much of our time in the basement living area any way, which was another reason for eliminating the stairs.

[f6john]

If water is able to run behind the vinyl the wood will still deteriorate, you just will not see it happen.

It doesn’t run behind the vinyl. It will drip down onto the sloped vinyl ceiling material into a gutter. Since the joists have lasted 25 years with no appreciable damage I think they will be fine. The ceiling panels are designed to be able to be removed if necessary to clean if too much debris accumulates.

[carolinarider09]

Trex is a composite material. Not sure what it is comprised of, but it’s pretty tuff stuff, and expensive. $42.00 for a 16 foot board.

Thanks.   I was thinking that was what it might be but forgot the name.  I have been using pressure treated pine.  Last some time but not forever. 

I'd use something like Trex but because there are some 2x6's I cannot replace the Trex would be thinner.   And that might cause a tripping hazard. 

[Jess from VA]

Beautiful house and new deck John.   

At our age (and code requirements), I suggest a handrail.   

[Chrisj CMA]

Beautiful house and new deck John.   

At our age (and code requirements), I suggest a handrail.   

Railing or airbags on the ground all the way around 

[f6john]

Beautiful house and new deck John.   

At our age (and code requirements), I suggest a handrail.   

Beautiful house and new deck John.   

At our age (and code requirements), I suggest a handrail.   

Railing or airbags on the ground all the way around 

All the rail options (that I really like) are out of my budget. We really like the open views. I haven’t found a viable force field in my budget either! We may have settled on a compromise but it will cost as much as I have already spent on the whole deck thus far. Pictures will follow as progress takes place, hopefully not from a hospital bed 

[Jess from VA]

A solid wood framework and stretched cable should be economical, and pretty see-through.



I like a 2 X 6 cap rail to set my beer on.   

[f6john]

A solid wood framework and stretched cable should be economical, and pretty see-through.



I like a 2 X 6 cap rail to set my beer on.   

That looks great, till it doesn’t! No exposed wood for me this time around. I like the cables and it is available in some preassembled  pre-finished aluminum  sections but still too pricey from r my budget. I also like the clear glass railings but just too much for a country boy.

[cookiedough]

looks nice just be careful not go over the edge.  smart idea to get the steps gone, at our age steps can be a falling hazard that I know.

both my neighbors next door have fancy wooden decks, etc. but my 12x16 ft concrete slab cost me 500 bucks to do in 1993 has been used 1000x's more than both neighbors ever use theirs.

[f6john]

looks nice just be careful not go over the edge.  smart idea to get the steps gone, at our age steps can be a falling hazard that I know.

both my neighbors next door have fancy wooden decks, etc. but my 12x16 ft concrete slab cost me 500 bucks to do in 1993 has been used 1000x's more than both neighbors ever use theirs.

I’m betting we (really me) will use the concrete patio under the deck more than the elevated deck since I practically live in our walk out basement anyway. But my goal since we bought the house 6 years ago was to make everything the way she wanted it. Hopefully the deck is the final piece of the puzzle.

[h13man]

Beautiful house and new deck John.   

At our age (and code requirements), I suggest a handrail.   

Railing or airbags on the ground all the way around 

 

BTW, that looks very nice!