Floating Deck on Concrete
I have a small concrete back yard – appx 16′ x 12′. There is an “island” of dirt in center, 6′ x 12′. I would like to cover most of the yard with a deck. I plan to just “float” the frame over the concrete. Questions: 1\. Should the wood simply sit directly on the concrete, or should it be raised in some way? If it sits directly on the concrete, I’ll cut out spaces for rain water to pass. 2\. Is there any reason to attach the deck to the concrete floor (or surrounding cinder block walls)? I’d rather not do this, as I may change the yard in a few years, and don’t want to deal with holes in the concrete. 3\. What is best material – I’d prefer to not use treated lumber, as my cats will be major users (and scratchers) of the deck. The plastic stuff looks like … plastic wood. I’ve asked the lumber guys at Home Depot, but they are surly and under-informed, say that their pressure treated wood is only choice.
bcnyc
in Decks and Porches 12 years and 11 months ago
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4 replies
masterbuilder | 12 years and 11 months ago
If you want it to be at ground level, you could place the wood decking on top of concrete pavers so that the wood does not have direct contact with rainwater, dirt etc. Pressure treated wood is treated for ground contact, but only the outside edges of it contain the copper compounds. Here’s some info on it: http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/8790.html http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ContentView?pn=Pressure_Treated&langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053&cm_mmc=thd_marketing-_-digitas-_-weather_potw-_-tools_list&locStoreNum=6957 You also would need to buy the copper in liquid form to immerse each cut end for treating. FYI, plastic wood has incurred numerous class action lawsuits. You could consider using cedar. I built a deck for my mother about 15 years ago out of cedar, and it has withstood the test of time. Cedar is naturally resistant to weather and insects. It comes in a variety of species and grades and does not need to be treated. (Otherwise there are ipe and other Brazilian hardwoods to consider.) Dyke’s is a limited lumber source, but they do stock cedar.
john | 12 years and 11 months ago
If it’s floating it’s not a deck – it’s furniture. Hence, no permit required. You do not want to go to the big box for your lumber. I’d recommend Dykes. Sounds like you’d be happy with cedar. The big box store carry concrete feet for your floating deck that look kind of like pyramids with the tops cut off with notches for your joists to rest in and will raise you up about 6″.
bcnyc | 12 years and 11 months ago
Darn. It’s going to be at ground level, I thought that if floating would be theoretically “temporary”. I’m a very new condo owner, guess I’ll need to learn the pleasures of D.O.B.
likemike | 12 years and 11 months ago
Pressure treated wood is highly recommended for outdoor use because of its resistance to weathering. If it’s floating, there’s a high chance you’ll need a work permit in order to proceed.