New deck and patio: am I crazy?
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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?
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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.
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.
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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?
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@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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
