Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 3/21/2009

Question
I want to build a small deck over supoorted by existing concrete patio that is about 3ft below my sliding doors. I saw another answer that said yes you can, but how do I attach to the cement and is it floating or attach to the house?

Answer
Hi Rich, attaching to the concrete is rather simple.  Simpson makes a post base that you bolt to the concrete using a lag shield and lag bolt.  The posts holding up the deck are then attached to the post base.  Go to Simpsonstrongtie.com and download their catalog it is filled with good stuff that will be handy when building this project, joist hangers, post bases, etc.  As far as attaching to the house?  It's not a bad idea but not necessary.   If the deck framing is solid enough no attachment is needed.  To attach to the house I would lag bolt a ledger board the size of your joists to the house and then hang the joists or beams on the ledger using Simpson hangers.  I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com