There are many benefits of having an elevated concrete deck for your home. This type of deck allows you to enjoy your yard no matter the weather conditions. It can accommodate up to 1% slopes, and its beams do not rot due to the weather. While it is more expensive than a wooden deck, it is a safer option. Moreover, steel beams are more durable and straighter than their wood counterparts.
Materials to Choose From
When building an elevated concrete deck, it is essential to use the proper materials. Concrete footings and piers are the best choices for this type of deck foundation. To build the footings, you need concrete, steel stakes, and concrete framing nails. These materials are typically purchased from a concrete supplier. They will deliver concrete to your property and mix it on-site. Once the footings are complete, you can attach steel anchors to hold the framing supports.
Another option is to use pressure-treated lumber. While this material is less attractive than natural wood, it is durable and does not require as much maintenance as wood decking. Another option is composite decking materials, a combination of wood and composite materials. Composite materials offer the look of natural wood but require less maintenance. Ultimately, your material choice depends on your taste, budget, and desired level of maintenance.
The construction process can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Depending on the size and shape of the deck, you can build it in a few weekends. However, it would help if you considered the terrain, which may affect the depth of the posts. If the ground is rocky, digging for the posts may be challenging.
Labor Involved
The cost of installing an elevated concrete deck depends on several factors. The most obvious of these is the type of material to be used. The material can range from simple protective paint to expensive tiling.
Safety Concerns
When planning a new elevated concrete deck, you should inspect it to ensure the structure is adequately anchored to the house’s floor band joist. It would help if you also inspected the ledger connection to ensure it is adequately secured. Make sure that the contractor installed the ledger with 1/2-inch diameter lag screws.
Aged suspended slabs often need to be replaced or repaired. Years of exposure to the elements, environmental exposure, and constant use can break down concrete structures. This can cause water to leak in and cause extensive damage to the deck below. A replacement concrete deck should be installed by a company with extensive experience in replacing concrete decks. They will use the latest support systems to ensure you and your family are safe.
The strength of the concrete deck is tested by applying a load to the slab in two ways. One method involves imposing a load at each joint and calculating the ultimate limit state load for the slab. The design code stipulates that the maximum load should be 74% of the total slab strength.
Cost
Whether you’re considering elevating your existing concrete deck or building a new elevated concrete deck, the cost of construction can be expensive. Putting a concrete deck on an elevated surface can require more workforce than a conventional one. Furthermore, repairing a damaged deck on an elevated surface can be challenging. As a result, hiring an experienced deck construction company is advisable to get the job done correctly. The contractor should be familiar with local building codes that affect decks.
The cost of elevated concrete deck construction varies depending on the square footage, location, and finish. However, prices can vary depending on the quality and size of the slab and finishing materials. To get an estimate of the costs, consult with local contractors and experts in the field.
Adding stairs to an elevated concrete deck may increase the deck construction cost. However, this option has some advantages over its conventional counterparts. It allows for direct access to the outdoor space from the primary bedroom. Moreover, it provides privacy.
