Are you looking to create an outdoor living space that will add value to your home and serve as a serene retreat for relaxing and entertaining? You might want to consider building a patio under your deck.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect place to host a summer barbecue or just need extra space for the kids to play, having a deck with its own private patio is an ideal solution! By following these steps on how to build a patio under a deck, you can quickly build a patio underneath your existing deck without major renovations or elaborate design plans.
Not only is this project easy and affordable, but it’s also versatile enough to be used in many different ways — either as covered seating furniture or as additional storage – allowing you to make the most of your backyard oasis.
What Will You Need?
Before you start building your patio, there are a few essential items you will need to purchase or rent:
1. Deck Boards: You’ll need enough deck boards to cover the area of your intended patio. Make sure to measure the exact amount of space needed for your patio before hitting the store.
2. Deck Screws: These are used to secure the boards and create a sturdy foundation for your patio. Make sure to use screws that are rated for outdoor use.
3. Sandpaper: Use this to smooth out any rough edges on the deck boards before proceeding with the installation.
4.Deck Sealant: This will protect your patio from water damage and rot, keeping it looking great for years to come.
Now that you have everything you need let’s get started!
10 Easy Steps on How to Build a Patio Under a Deck
1. Clear Out The Area:
First, clear away any debris or vegetation under your deck so that you have an open space to work with. You can use a shovel and rake to do this. Be careful not to damage any of your existing deck structures.
2. Lay Down The Deck Boards:
Once your space is cleared, lay down the deck boards one at a time on top of the dirt to form an even layer. You can use a level to make sure everything is even and straight. It will look like you are creating a mini deck on the ground.
3. Secure The Deck Boards:
Once you have all of your deck boards in place, it’s time to secure them with screws. Use long screws to create a tight fit between each board, and make sure they screw into the joists above. Don’t forget to check the level after each board is secured.
4. Sand Down The Edges:
After securing, use sandpaper to smooth down rough edges to prevent splinters or other injuries. Make sure you do this before proceeding with the next step! Otherwise, you may find yourself having to start all over again.
5. Apply Waterproof Sealant:
Before you can begin using your new patio, you need to apply a waterproof sealant. This will protect the wood from water damage and keep it looking great for years to come. It’s best to apply two coats for extra protection.
6. Add Decorative Elements:
Finally, it’s time to add any decorative elements, such as outdoor furniture or plants, that you would like included in your patio space. Make sure everything is placed securely, and no sharp edges are exposed. Because you are working on a smaller scale, you can be creative and include elements that may not fit in your budget for a larger patio project.
7. Apply a Non-Slip Coating:
To make sure your patio is safe for walking and playing, it’s important to apply a non-slip coating. This will help reduce the risk of slipping or tripping and prevent any potential accidents. Additionally, it will help keep your patio looking clean and new.
8. Enjoy:
You’re done! Now you can sit back, relax, and enjoy all the benefits of having a private patio in your backyard. You can use it to entertain guests or spend quality time alone.
9. Clean It Regularly:
To avoid any potential damage to your patio, make sure to clean it regularly. This includes sweeping away leaves and debris and applying waterproof sealant every few months as needed. This will help keep your outdoor oasis looking great for years to come.
10. Refresh Your Patio Every Few Seasons:
You may want to change how your patio looks from time to time. To do this, you can add some new furniture or plants or even move items around to create a different look and feel. This is a great way to keep your patio space feeling fresh and exciting!
By following these ten steps, you’ll have a beautiful patio under your deck that you can enjoy for years to come. With the right materials and careful planning, you can create a functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor space. So get out there and start building!
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- When planning how to build a patio under your deck, choose materials that are water-resistant and non-fading, such as concrete or pavers.
- If you want to cover the area completely, use lattice boards around the perimeter of your patio to create an enclosed look.
- Consider installing a drainage system underneath the patio so rainwater can escape easily and prevent flooding in the area.
- Line the edges of your patio with stones or bricks for a finished look and better stability.
- Make sure there is enough light in the area by adding solar lights along walkways, stairs, or other features near your patio space. Doing this will also add more safety to the area during nighttime hours.
Having a patio beneath your deck allows you to utilize the space for barbecues and other gatherings. With these tips, building a patio under your deck is easier and more efficient. Now that you know how to build a patio underneath your deck, enjoy some time outdoors in style!
5 Things You Should Avoid
1. Skipping the Subfloor: Underneath your deck, a solid subfloor is essential for providing a level surface and preventing water from seeping underneath the patio.
2. Using the Wrong Materials: It’s important to use weatherproof materials that can hold up in different climates and won’t be damaged by elements such as rain or snow.
3. Neglecting Drainage: The last thing you want is water pooling on your patio, so make sure you include adequate drainage to avoid this common problem.
4. Overlooking Lighting: Lighting plays an important role in any outdoor space and it’s especially important under decks because it’s often shaded and darker than other areas of your yard.
5. Ignoring Safety: Any outdoor living space should be safe for your family and guests, so make sure to consider how you can make the area around your deck safer. This includes installing railings, securing stairs, and other precautions.
With these five tips in mind, you’ll have a great start on building a patio under a deck and creating an outdoor living space that will last for years to come. With proper planning and preparation, you can create an attractive space that will provide hours of enjoyment!
How Do You Waterproof a Patio Under a Deck?
Waterproofing is essential if you want to build a patio under your deck. The space between the deck and the ground can quickly become damp and wet, leading to various issues.
The most effective way to waterproof your patio is to install a membrane. Membranes come in various materials, such as vinyl or rubberized asphalt, but all will perform the same basic function—to prevent water from entering the space below your deck. When installing a membrane:
- Measure the area of the patio and purchase enough material for coverage plus 10-15%.
- Start at one corner of your patio area and unroll the membrane across it and up against the bottom of your deck boards.
- Secure the membrane to your deck boards with nails or staples at regular intervals.
- Cut off any excess material and overlap sections of the membrane by 10-15%.
- Continue installing the waterproofing membrane around the entire patio area, cutting and overlapping when necessary.
- Seal all seams with waterproof sealant tape to ensure no water can enter through them.
- Finish off by covering the perimeter with edgings, such as soil or gravel, to prevent erosion and keep it in place.
By following these steps, you will have effectively created a waterproof barrier between your deck and patio, protecting both from moisture damage and rot.
Conclusion
Building a patio under a deck is not difficult if you have the right materials and guidance. When done correctly, it can be an attractive place for outdoor dining, entertaining, and spending time with friends. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to building the perfect outdoor retreat! It’s important to remember when preparing to build any kind of structure beneath your deck that the area should be large enough to accommodate furniture and gatherings.
Once finished, getting it ready for use is simple once the weather gets nice; just grab your favorite lawn furniture and accessories, and it’ll be ready for guests. If you’re feeling even more ambitious, why not add some fire pits or enjoy breathtaking views of your new space with properly installed railings?
Hopefully, the article on how to build a patio under a deck has been helpful in getting you one step closer to the perfect outdoor living space. Thanks for reading!
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