New deck and patio: am I crazy?
-
Considering doing a backyard overhaul.
A big wooden or composite patio on the ground floor - then redoing the existing deck above to match.
the existing deck is well made (wooden soffits underneath with built-in lighting), but I'm starting to see some evidence of rot on one corner. The stairs also aren't in great shape (some rot in the stringers).
I do want a large patio on the bottom (to be made mostly over paved slab right now)... about 650 Sq Ft. The existing deck is already about 250 sq ft, but I'd do new railings and surface.
I asked a handyman friend - and he said in Seattle that'd run me about $40K. Is that right? Seems crazy high. Anyone have experience with these sorta things?
wrote on 1 Jun 2021, 21:25 last edited by Copper 6 Jan 2021, 21:25@xenon said in New deck and patio: am I crazy?:
Considering doing a backyard overhaul.
Shouldn't there be a question mark at the end of that?
Or maybe an "I am" at the front?
-
wrote on 1 Jun 2021, 21:26 last edited by
And if there is rot in the corner, take a look a foot or 2 under ground.
-
wrote on 1 Jun 2021, 21:29 last edited by
With the style of you home as I remember it you might want to look at a stamped concrete ground level and a midcentury type design up top.
-
wrote on 1 Jun 2021, 22:07 last edited by Axtremus 6 Jan 2021, 22:07
If you expect to have more time than money, you can go with real wood.
If you currently have more money than time, go with composite and never look back.
Good luck! -
wrote on 1 Jun 2021, 22:23 last edited by
@copper said in New deck and patio: am I crazy?:
And if there is rot in the corner, take a look a foot or 2 under ground.
Yep - it's definitely a mid-century house (we went full bore mid-century decor inside, which was easy because it's in these days).
The concrete option will definitely be best ROI.
I'm in no rush though - I agree with folks here. I'll see what the market is looking like next spring. It's good enough for now.
FYI - this is the corner that's starting to look a bit off. The gutter is likely leaking. I should fix that. you can see the white cap separated a bit.
-
wrote on 1 Jun 2021, 22:51 last edited by
Yep, just looks like gutter/downspout issue. These are just fascia boards and should be non-structural and easy to fix.
-
wrote on 1 Jun 2021, 23:00 last edited by
As long as it is just fascia boards, you can do that yourself.
But do get on it.. Rot spreads.
-
wrote on 2 Jun 2021, 00:33 last edited by
Given where it is I think I’d use Hardiboard to fix it.
-
wrote on 25 Jul 2021, 21:00 last edited by
Alright - still thinking about this (and lumber prices are coming down from the stratosphere).
Another thought was adding a glass roof/pergola awning.
Anyone ever consider these?
We get a ton a rain in Seattle, so it’d make the deck a lot more usable. Plus don’t have to be so vigilant about protecting outdoor furniture
I’m sure I haven’t considered all the downsides though.
-
wrote on 25 Jul 2021, 21:20 last edited by
Downside.... glass roofs look great in pictures, but in real life unless you plan on paying pros to haul in equipment to wash them every so often, this time next year it will be so filthy your entire house will look dirty.
-
wrote on 25 Jul 2021, 21:27 last edited by Mik
Larry speaks sooth - we had one of those glass sunrooms when we bought the house. We replaced it with a conventional addition that is glass on all three walls with skylight then added a deck added a deck with a roofed dining area so we could enjoy sun or shade. It's perfect.
-
wrote on 25 Jul 2021, 22:26 last edited by
That’s a great looking patio, Mik.
Figured on the maintenance and cleaning aspect.
Leaves and debris would be minimal, but not zero.
Then there’s birds crapping and the mold/moss from constant rainfall.
I think I’d be ok with getting someone to clean it 1-2 times a year.
Still - does sound like a pain.
-
wrote on 25 Jul 2021, 23:02 last edited by
I don't know. Your house is pretty mid-century, so one of those would look pretty cool. If it were only the roof that was glass the plentiful rain there would help keep it cleaner.
-
wrote on 30 Aug 2022, 04:07 last edited by xenon
Update:
So I got ghosted a few times by busy 2021 contractors and decided to work on the deck slowly myself this summer.
I added a metal pergola (with opening and closing louvers) with a DIY kit, resurfaced / painted, then added new flooring.
Near-finished version (still need to add a big hedge wall in the planters).
Pretty happy with it. This is just outside of french doors off my living room.
Before:
Pergola up:
Near final:
-
wrote on 30 Aug 2022, 04:12 last edited by
Lovely.
-
wrote on 30 Aug 2022, 04:14 last edited by
Awesome. I know where TNCR Party 2023 is being held!
-
wrote on 30 Aug 2022, 04:20 last edited by 89th
I like the bottom flooring, is that a trex or similar style material? I like the fireplace too. Does the above deck have a gutter/drain under its own floor I presume?
-
I like the bottom flooring, is that a trex or similar style material? I like the fireplace too. Does the above deck have a gutter/drain under its own floor I presume?
wrote on 30 Aug 2022, 04:30 last edited by xenon@89th said in New deck and patio: am I crazy?:
I like the bottom flooring, is that a trex or similar style material? I like the fireplace too. Does the above deck have a gutter/drain under its own floor I presume?
Thanks guys.
The deck is technically a flat roof with drainage on all 3 sides. And you're right - it's composite.
Here's a pic underneath the deck:
-
wrote on 30 Aug 2022, 04:44 last edited by
Looks very comfortable. Well done!
-
wrote on 30 Aug 2022, 09:03 last edited by
I was wondering where you've been. Both areas look like nice places to hang out in.
Does that fire pit ever smell too "gasy"? I'm planning on getting a pit and can't decide on wood burning or gas.
