You are reading this 2nd part because Part 1 was fantastic. Previously we had covered how to create a wood deck. In this part 2, you will learn how to:
– Create a wood deck
– Create a concrete deck
– Tile your deck
Composite wood decking.
Wood composite decking offers many advantages: it is light, easy to install, durable over time, and requires no special maintenance.
You can install the composite wood deck on a concrete slab or a natural ground.
– Install the joists on the natural floor or concrete slab.
– Install the wood boards by clipping and screwing.
– Make the finishing touches.
Good to know: you can also make a 100% recycled deck using wood pallets.
Make a concrete deck.
The advantages of a concrete deck are its resistance over time and the low maintenance it requires. Moreover, if you feel like changing, it can easily be covered by another material or painted later.
Make a concrete slab.
To make a concrete deck, simply pour a slab at the chosen location. This is not very complicated but requires organization and good preparation of the ground.
Here are the main steps.
– Mark the location of the slab with a wooden stake.
– Dig the ground with a mini-excavator or a shovel.
– Install a bed of rubble and sand.
– Set up a wooden formwork.
– Install reinforcement.
– Pour the concrete.
Good to know: there are many different concrete finishes. Ask a specialized dealer for more information.
Customize the finish of the concrete deck.
You can make the concrete slab warmer and more aesthetically pleasing by staining or painting it once the slab is dry.
Tile your deck.
A tiled deck is an attractive choice because of the multitude of colors and finishes available.
Good to know: tiling is always done on a concrete slab. Do it yourself if you don’t have one.
Installing an exterior tile requires rigor to obtain a durable and aesthetic result. Here are the steps to follow.
– Prepare the surface of the concrete slab.
– Plan the installation by preparing the layout.
– Cut the tiles.
– Lay the tiles with adhesive mortar.
Make a stone terrace.
Stone is resistant, durable and offers a warm and authentic look. There is a wide range of ways to decorate a stone terrace.
The terrace in stone slabs or paving stones
– The cut slabs have square or rectangular shapes. They look like tiles.
◦ The installation is done by gluing with mortar adhesive or sealing them on a layer of mortar.
◦ You can also find interlocking tiles, which do not require grouting.
– Uncut slabs have varied and irregular shapes.
◦ The layout is done by tuning them as best as possible.
◦ Laying is the same as for cut slabs.
– The paving stones from natural stones can be re-cut or rough. The installation is done by cement sealing.
Good to know: reconstituted stone can advantageously replace the natural stone. It has many advantages: less expensive, a wide choice of shapes and colors, easy installation, excellent resistance to shocks, and easy maintenance.
The gravel terrace.
Easy to install, gravel is undoubtedly the most affordable material to cover a terrace.
– Loosen and stabilize the soil.
– Place the geotextile felt on the ground.
– Spread the gravel.
Materials needed:
| Ready-mix concrete $1.50/kg |
| Concrete mixer $180 or $30/day rental |
| Wheelbarrow Starting at $30 |
| Tile starting at $20 |
| Geotextile felt About $20 / 25 m |
| Gravel Starting at $4 per 25 kg bag |
| Tape measure Starting at $4 |
| Ready to use joint mortar About $6 for 5 kg |
| Glue mortar About $20 for 25 kg |
| Spirit level Starting at $4 |
| Shovel $20 approx. |
| Drill Starting at $30 |
| Wooden stakes Starting at $1 each |
| Wooden boards According to species and dimensions |
| Roller Starting at $5 |
| Sand About $6/kg |
| Jigsaw Starting at $30 |
| Welded mesh Starting at $3/panel |
| Screwdriver Starting at $30 |
