How to Build a Raised Concrete Deck

Have you ever dreamed of having an outdoor entertaining space or relaxing lounge area, without diving into a messy and costly renovation? If so, building a raised concrete deck could be a cost-effective and stylish solution for your outdoor space. 

How to Build a Raised Concrete Deck

Whether you want to construct the deck yourself or hire professional help, there are simple ways to ensure it is safe and secure. Join us as we explore how to build a raised concrete deck that will last for years to come!

Tools You Will Need

Before beginning any construction project, it is important to gather the right tools and materials. Building a raised concrete deck requires a few specific items. These include: 

  • A spirit level
  • Concrete mix or ready-mixed concrete
  • Shovels and spades
  • Wheelbarrow
  • Protective gloves and safety glasses
  • Sand
  • Membrane or foil
  • Reinforcement bars (if required)

6 Steps Guide on How to Build a Raised Concrete Deck

1. Prepare the Area: 

Preparing an area to build a raised concrete deck is a great way to improve your backyard. If you are preparing the ground where your new deck will be, there are some important steps you must do for it to be safe and long-lasting. Make sure the area is level and consistent by leveling the grade of the underlying soil. This can be done by marking off the area or using a laser level as holes should not deviate more than 2 inches from place to place. 

Great Way to Improve Your Backyard

Additionally, prep what kind of base you would like – gravel, crushed stone, cement or fill dirt – then install it over the entire area of your deck with about 1 inch of space between each layer. This will provide a stable surface for your concrete deck and help support the weight of people and furniture on top. With these steps completed, you can now build a secure raised concrete deck that may even last a lifetime!

2. Install Formwork: 

Building a raised concrete deck is an ambitious project, but it is one that you can do yourself with the right tools. The key to success with this type of project lies in setting up the formwork correctly because it will be the structure that supports and shapes your deck. When setting up the formwork, remember to take into account local regulations such as spacing requirements when placing reinforcing bars and soil conditions in your area. 

To ensure that your formwork remains stable over time, use boards that are at least ONE inch thick and secure them firmly with plywood or nails. Once your formwork is set up tightly and square, fill it with concrete mix and let dry before removing the formwork from around the deck. With patience and attention to detail, you can have a stunning new raised concrete deck in just a few days!

3. Lay the Membrane: 

Install a flexible membrane or foil to separate the ground from the concrete mix and prevent moisture damage. 

Building a raised concrete deck is a great way to provide an outdoor living area for relaxing and entertaining. The first step in creating this space is laying the membrane on which the concrete will be poured. This provides an effective barrier between the underlying deck frame and joists and the concrete, preventing water from seeping in and damage down the road. 

Provide an Outdoor Living Area

Once one layer of the membrane has been applied, additional layers may be put down according to local building codes, with each successive layer being securely sealed into place. Finishing touches to the lay of the membrane can include folding corners around posts and up walls, as well as cutting holes for drains or cables. With proper application of the membrane, you’ll have ensured that your raised concrete deck lasts through many outdoor seasons!

4. Add Reinforcement Bars:

When building a raised concrete deck, adding reinforcement bars is an important step in the process. Referred to as re-bar in the construction world, these metal rods add extra strength and stability to the concrete. Re-bar placement is crucial for the long-term durability of your deck; it should be spread out evenly across the space, making sure not to overlap any of the bars. 

Re-bar should even extend beyond the edges of your deck; when properly embedded into it, this will ensure that its structure remains intact and it can handle heavier loads over time. With proper installation, the re-bar will create a strong foundation that can provide years of use while also avoiding costly repairs down the road.

5. Pour and Level Concrete: 

Building a raised concrete deck is an excellent way to add outdoor living space in a minimal amount of time. Before you begin, there are a few things to consider and steps to follow so that the deck will come out even and secure. Prepare the area for the pour by ensuring that the ground is leveled and has enough support for the weight of the concrete. 

Ensuring That the Ground is Leveled

Once this is done, it’s time to mix up the concrete and start pouring. Make sure that you take your time as you spread out the concrete; be sure to keep it level and consistent as you go to achieve the ideal finish. Finally, use tools such as trowels or screeds to provide texture and ensure that it sets evenly before adding any decorative touches! With these easy steps, you can create a long-lasting raised concrete deck in no time!

6. Finish and Cure: 

Use a trowel to create an attractive finish on the surface of your deck and leave it to dry. Depending on climate conditions, this may take anything from 24 hours to several days. Make sure the area is completely dry before allowing people to walk or sit on it.

With the right steps, any DIY homeowner will be able to successfully build a raised concrete deck. To finish and cure a raised concrete deck so that it is safe and long-lasting, it should first be screeded and tamped until level. After this step is completed, the edges of the concrete should be tooled with an edging tool to create an even joint, which will also help prevent cracking in future use. 

Once the concrete has been allowed to dry thoroughly, it should be sealed or coated with an appropriate sealer or stain to protect it from the elements. With proper care and maintenance, your newly built raised concrete deck should provide many years of service.

By following these steps, you can easily build a raised concrete deck that will provide a beautiful and durable addition to your outdoor space. If you are looking for professional help, many contractors specialize in building raised decks and other backyard projects. No matter what route you take, a raised concrete deck could be the answer to creating your dream outdoor area! 

 Tips to Build a Raised Concrete Deck

1. Plan the design of your raised concrete deck. Decide on the size, shape, and location of your deck. You will also need to determine how many levels you want your deck to have.

2. Obtain the necessary permits from your local municipality. Building a raised concrete deck may require a building permit, so be sure to check with your local building department before starting construction.

3. Prepare the site for your raised concrete deck. This may involve clearing away vegetation, leveling the ground, and excavating for footings.

4. Install the footings for your raised concrete deck. The footings are typically made of concrete and must be at least 2 feet deep to support the weight of the deck.

5. Pour the concrete for your raised deck. The concrete should be at least 4 inches thick to support the weight of the decking material and furniture.

6. Wait for the concrete to cure before installing the framing for your raised concrete deck. The curing process typically takes at least 24 hours but may take longer depending on the weather conditions.

7. Install the framing for your raised concrete deck using pressure-treated lumber. Be sure to use lumber that is rated for ground contact if it will be in contact with soil or moisture.

8. Install the decking material on top of the frame of your raised concrete deck. You can choose from a variety of materials including wood, composite, or PVC Decking material should be at least 5/4 inches thick to support traffic and furniture on your deck.

9 . Install a handrail around your raised concrete deck if it is more than 30 inches off the ground. Handrails are required by building code if your deck is more than 30 inches above grade.

10 . Enjoy your new raised concrete deck!

 Install a Handrail Around

How to Create a Durable Raised Concrete Deck in Your Backyard?

Creating a durable raised concrete deck in your backyard is the perfect way to spruce up outdoor living in your space. To get started, you need to plan out the size, shape, and location of your deck before gathering building materials such as concrete pavers and sand. After having padded soil for cushioning, you need to spread gravel for drainage purposes before covering it with a layer of concrete slap. 

Laying the pavers and any edging stones comes next. Finally, to ensure that your deck has a long life and can withstand bad weather conditions you should grout each paver joint and use sealer periodically to protect it from water damage. With these simple steps, you can quickly build an attractive yet very strong deck that will bring joy into your mini-oasis!

How to Build an Attractive and Long-Lasting Raised Concrete Deck? 

Building a raised concrete deck can create a great place for outdoor activities. To ensure it maintains its attractiveness and lasts for many years, there are some important steps you should take. 

First, make sure the land is properly graded before pouring the deck’s foundation so it stays level. Next, use high-quality pressure-treated wood or steel frames to construct the framing structure of the deck. 

Finally, use good quality concrete mix and allow it to cure properly before sealing it with an appropriate sealer. Following these steps will help you achieve a durable and eye-catching raised concrete deck that can be enjoyed by your family for years to come.

Use Good Quality Concrete Mix

Conclusion

Building a raised concrete deck is not as difficult as it may seem. You should carefully determine how to build a raised concrete deck. By following these simple steps, you can easily create a beautiful and functional space for your home. With a little planning and elbow grease, you will be enjoying your new deck in no time!

You Can Check It Out to Repair Wood Door Frame Dog Chewed

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Adrian Green

Adrian has been interested in woodworking since he was a child. His father had a woodworking shop, and Adrian would help him out and learn from him. He gained basic carpentry knowledge as well as an understanding of how to work hard and take care of business. He enjoys woodworking as a hobby. He loves the feeling of creating something with his own hands, and the satisfaction that comes from seeing his finished products used by others. So he started this blog to spread his passion and knowledge to those interested in DIY wood-working projects. He knows that with a little guidance and practice, anyone can create beautiful pieces of furniture or décor from scratch.

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