Backyard Reno - Need Advice!
We have a 400 square feet area of concrete in our backyard that we are looking to cover. We recently got a quote for wood decking, but are curious to know about other options (ie. brick, stone, etc.). Can anyone recommend some other materials that might work, as well as contractors they’ve worked with? We…
We have a 400 square feet area of concrete in our backyard that we are looking to cover. We recently got a quote for wood decking, but are curious to know about other options (ie. brick, stone, etc.). Can anyone recommend some other materials that might work, as well as contractors they’ve worked with? We would prefer not to remove the concrete, but simply cover it.
Thanks.
Denton, I stand corrected, shanes number does begin with 917. Thanks for the proofread.
@11:02, I used Shane for some basement work, his name is Shane Deary, he’s a carpenter by trade, but I believe his number begins w 917 not 718. At least it did when I used him. He did a very nice job for me, btw.
DIBS- $30 per SF covers the whole decking system- the sleepers the install the delivery everything (at least that’s what it looks like). Not everyone is DIY. That pricing for Ipe is very industry correct. In fact we charge about $32 per SF installed.
bugleg, I have seen pricing online for some group called New Jersey Ipe, or something like that. I know we order it from Texas.
Where can I get Ipe for $2/foot? 1×4? 5/4 x 6?
400 sq. ft. is 873 lineal feet and should normally cost $1.75-$2.50 for Ipe. That comes out to $1,500- 2,200 for the decking. Substructure should be another $300-500 in materilas.
Labor should not be $9,000-10,000 for this type of job. Keep looking.
I agree that it is much easier to cover the concrete with decking material. I have not worked with Ike, but would recommend a composite decking such as Trex. Composite is low maintenace, easy to install, and nice on the feet. My brother is a contractor in brooklyn and has had much experience with decks. his name is Shane (718) 495-7120. I am sure he would be willing to answer any questions for you. He is local to brooklyn and does very nice work.
$12,000 sounds like an awful lot of money for a relatively small area. If that sounds high for you too, there’s a lot of ways that you can create a striking looking garden for not much money.
Here’s one suggestion:
get old railroad ties (cheap) to create a border of about a foot around the edge. You’ll be able to get the soil deep enough for some nice planter.
Inside the railroad ties, create a “path” with paving tiles that are mortared in place straight onto the concrete.
Finally, infill the rest of the concrete with gravel, or other aggregate that you can buy in bulk, in a contrasting colour.
Hey presto – instant garden!
Ipe is an excellent choice. And $30 per SF is a good price. Brick will not look high end enough when you’re comparing it to Ipe. You could also do a combination of Bluestone and Ipe. Like a 2-3′ border of bluestone with an Ipe center. The bluestone can be leveled to the Ipe using a couple layers of dowboard and rubber shims. It’s a nice look.
The quote was around $12K for Ipe Wood. Yes, there is a drain in the center, as well as a grate (which leads from a below ground basement window) that would need to be cut around. It’s a fairly new building, so the concrete is in good shape….but looks like some leveling would need to be done.