Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 5/7/2011

Question
Hello,
My wife and I live just north of Seattle in a 50+ year old home. We would like to cover the 4 - 10'x10' concrete patio slabs with a wood deck. 3 of the four sides are away from the house, and the fourth side that is next to the house is just 1" below our door so we don't have any room joists, etc.. What options do we have for putting a wood deck over the patio?
Thank you,
Michael

Answer
Hi Michael, you can attach your pressure treated wood directly to the concrete using stainless or exterior coated concrete screws such as Tapcons.  Since you only have an inch to work with I suggest you use what is known as 5/4x6 bull nosed decking which is easily obtained at Home Depot or Lowes.  Since your concrete slab slopes away from the house you should run your new decking with the slope so that water will not remain trapped between the boards when it rains but will be channeled away from the house with the slope of the concrete.  I hope this info helps fee free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely, bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com