What Is a Patio Deck?
A patio deck is a structure that shares the properties of both a deck and a patio. Typically built in a home's backyard, it's a planking deck that sits on a foundation of piers or footings. Often built from cedar or pressure-treated wood to resist rot, patio decks are safe for young children because they're often built low to the ground and without steps, like patios. Does this Spark an idea?
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Features
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Patio decks are built to provide a multi-purpose surface for eating, relaxing and socializing. They can be attached to the house, as many decks are, or built separately. Some patio decks have multi-level surfaces, allowing the homeowner to set a dining table and chairs on one level, and a hammock or container vegetable garden on another. Typically built from wood, patio decks have the cozy feel of a living room minus the walls and ceiling.
Installation Tips
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There are a number of ways to approach building a patio deck. With basic construction skills, you can cut and assemble a frame with interior support boards and set them on concrete block piers on the level site. Do not leave spaces between surface timbers as the pressure-treated wood will shrink over time, creating small gaps. Use galvanized screws to attach the boards to prevent rusting.
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Maintenance
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Patio decks built from pressure-treated or naturally rot-resistant wood can last for at least 15 years with minimal maintenance. Staining the wood brings out the natural textures of the wood, makes it easier to keep clean and can increase the lifespan of your patio deck. Use a penetrating color stain to absorb ultraviolet rays and prevent the wood from becoming bleached by the sun. Rinse the surface with a hose often and sweep off leaves and other debris.
Considerations
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When constructing a patio deck, consider potential uses for the space beneath the patio deck. Any grass beneath a new patio deck is likely to die due to lack of sun, and if it does survive, it will be difficult to cut. Before installing the frame, remove all growth and dig down 2 inches. Lay landscape fabric so weeds won't grow and cover the expanse with gravel so that the ground will have good drainage. Though the clearance between the ground and the decking surface will be about 1 foot, you can use this space to store planters or other landscaping materials.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Deck de madeira image by CarlosNeto from Fotolia.com
