New deck and patio: am I crazy?

[xenon]

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?

[Mik]

900 sf of deck at today’s lumber prices? Yeah. I would not think that out of line. But go with a good composite even if it costs more. The work to keep up a wood deck that size will drive you nuts.

[Loki]

In this market, contractors can name their price. If you want a deal you should just not think about it until next spring.

Everybody wants to spend money right now and many don’t even care how much it costs. There is a buying panic combined with shortages everywhere.

[Copper]

@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?

[Copper]

And if there is rot in the corner, take a look a foot or 2 under ground.

[Mik]

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.

[Axtremus]

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!

[xenon]

@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.

[Mik]

Yep, just looks like gutter/downspout issue. These are just fascia boards and should be non-structural and easy to fix.

[Jolly]

As long as it is just fascia boards, you can do that yourself.

But do get on it.. Rot spreads.

[Mik]

Given where it is I think I’d use Hardiboard to fix it.

[xenon]

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.

[Larry]

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.

[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.

[xenon]

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.

[Mik]

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.

[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:

[jon-nyc]

Lovely.

[89th]

Awesome. I know where TNCR Party 2023 is being held!

[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?