Wood deck question
#3229344
04/26/24 04:28 PM
04/26/24 04:28 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,502 Bradenton, Fl 34203
Kilroy was here
OP
pro stock
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OP
pro stock
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,502
Bradenton, Fl 34203
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Years ago you guys help me when I was retiling my shower and I haven't had a problem in 9 years. So here's my next question. I'd like to build a wooden deck. It's close to the ground. Okay I'll fess up, I built the deck using pressure treated but not for ground contact and it all rotted out after 3 years. I'm in Florida and tons of humidity and rain. So Home Depot has a wood designed for ground contact. And guarantees it. Or should I just bite the bullet and put down a concrete pad. I just happened to like the look of wood. So any advice gentlemen thank you.[img] https://quickshare.samsungcloud.com/igRkKPk4wd3p[/img] [img] https://photos.app.goo.gl/SMrfFCiQCg9skdPP8[/img] [img] https://photos.app.goo.gl/zgVTfRmUyPcT38cj6[/img] So if one of the pictures has the wood Home Depot suitable for ground contact. The stuff I used was not suitable for ground contact and I had to tear it all out. Any advice is welcome. I really don't want to go to concrete but I might. Thanks guys
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Re: Wood deck question
[Re: Kilroy was here]
#3229346
04/26/24 04:40 PM
04/26/24 04:40 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,456 Michigan
oldjonny
Don't argue with me.
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Don't argue with me.
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,456
Michigan
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Big fan of concrete here. I HATE maintaining a wood deck...HATE. No more wood decks for me.
Never, ever argue with an IDIOT. They will drag you to their level and then beat you with their years of experience
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Re: Wood deck question
[Re: Twostick]
#3229420
04/27/24 07:14 AM
04/27/24 07:14 AM
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Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 984 rust belt
Moparite
super stock
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super stock
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 984
rust belt
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It's close to the ground. How close? Have you looked into any regulations on what you can put where at your location? That should be the first thing to do before figuring out what to build. If not you may have to remove it after it's built if it's not up to code.
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Re: Wood deck question
[Re: Moparite]
#3229819
04/28/24 08:00 PM
04/28/24 08:00 PM
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Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 169 Sticky South
Rodenteliminator
member
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member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 169
Sticky South
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Composite done, no stain no sealer no slivers when barefoot, it is more expensive at the hit. Nobody makes a stain that will last more than 2 years and pressure treated lumber now days is junk. Doug
Sorry honey I spent the rent
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Re: Wood deck question
[Re: Moparite]
#3229846
04/28/24 09:27 PM
04/28/24 09:27 PM
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Joined: May 2019
Posts: 6,254 nowhere
Sniper
master
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master
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 6,254
nowhere
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It's close to the ground. How close? Have you looked into any regulations on what you can put where at your location? That should be the first thing to do before figuring out what to build. If not you may have to remove it after it's built if it's not up to code. This right here is step one Around here, last time I looked, if they find something built not to code or without a permit they fine you $100/day till it's torn down and lord help you if you need a permit for demolition first, lol. That was a few years ago, I am sure the fine has gone up.
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Re: Wood deck question
[Re: AndyF]
#3231557
05/07/24 12:05 PM
05/07/24 12:05 PM
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,157 Cruising!
QuickDodge
super stock
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super stock
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,157
Cruising!
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Building is a regional business. What works best in one place, may not be best in a different area. So, I would definitely recommend talking with experts in your local area. I can make some general suggestions, but consulting with someone who knows your local area is highly recommended.
Personally, I like the look of wood decks. Unfortunately, having wood in contact with the ground is going to a problem sooner or later. I've been away from the construction business for many years. Back years ago, pressure treated wood that was rated for ground contact would typically last 20 -25 years. For a lot of people, that is long enough. (I do not know how the pressure treated wood available today compares to the wood 20+ years ago.) If you installed concrete piers, as was mentioned above, that would extend the lifespan of the posts. If the pressure treated wood is painted a year after it is installed, it will last even longer. Ultimately, wood will decay and rot.
If you like the look of wood and want to spend (considerably!) more money, there are other rot resistant woods available. These look different than pressure treated wood. Cedar, black locust, redwood, etc. are examples.
A properly installed concrete patio will generally last longer than a wood deck. I do not like the appearance of a plain concrete patio. There are many things that can be done to make concrete look better. In many cases, installing stone over the concrete produces the most attractive look. Some tile is rated for outdoor use, so that is another option to cover the concrete. Some people install bricks over a concrete base so they have a brick patio. Bricks can also be used as a border around the edge of a concrete patio. The area where the bricks will be installed is poured at a lower level. This makes the top of the brick even with the top of the concrete. In addition to covering concrete, there are several ways to color concrete. There are colors that can be mixed into the concrete before it is poured. The advantage of doing this is when the concrete is chipped, it will not affect the color. One of the issues with these is you only get one shot to get the desire color. Of course, there are various stains and paints that can be used as well. There are other various techniques to change the surface appearance of concrete to dress it up. If some of these options are chosen, concrete can be made quite attractive.
I like to mix some of these choices. For example, use a colored concrete with a brick border. Another option is to install a stone perimeter and then install a center section of wood decking. (Use the stone / concrete to support the wood to keep the wood off the ground.) If you select tile, various colors and sizes of tile can be used to create designs on the patio. A little creativity can go a long ways in creating a more attractive outdoor seating area!
Hopefully, some of these ideas will helpful. It is important to chose something that will look good with the rest of the home and that fits into the neighborhood. Another option to dress up a deck is to landscape around the deck. Flowers, shrubs, and other decorations can make the deck look more attractive as well.
Last edited by QuickDodge; 05/07/24 12:36 PM.
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