All hands on deck

When a homeowner simply wishes to “update” an existing deck, this can typically be achieved by first assessing the integrity of the existing support structure. If the beams and joists remain sound, the old and battered top decking can be removed to make way for the new. At a recent jobsite, the rear deck adjacent an in-ground pool was complicated by a desire to change the elevation of the low tier.

Originally sheathed in treated top decking, the old deck had been subjected to the elements for many years. And despite having received a few coats of stain, several boards had begun to show signs of rot. As such, the initial plan to remove the old decking and replace with new would be straightforward.

Upon further discussions, the homeowners indicated a desire to potentially introduce composite sheathing to their deck, in lieu of treated lumber. To accommodate this upgrade, the existing joists set on 24-inch centers would be adjusted to 16-inch centers, required for the chosen composite top-decking, and a few additional 2×8 boards would be needed.

The more complex change to the deck design revolved around a request to have the lower tier, currently two steps above the backyard elevation, set closer to ground level.

Depending on the manner in which the original deck framing had been achieved, very specific steps were required to lower the low tier to rest at ground level. Once the top decking was fully removed, the necessary process revealed itself, and it would be quite the undertaking.

Unfortunately, it would not be as easy as simply “lowering” the low tier framework — because the low tier joisting had been constructed atop beams, the beams must be fully removed to set the low tier frame at ground level. This would also entail supporting each joist at every six feet.

Furthermore, because the composite required 16-inch centers, the existing 24-inch centers required every second joist to be removed and repositioned, with a third joist to be introduced. At that point, it became easier to simply deconstruct the entire lower tier and rebuild it from scratch, recycling the existing 2×8 joists with the new treated lumber on site.

Once the lower tier was removed, and joists set aside, the upper tier was re-levelled using four adjustable deck jacks introduced at every post below the main beam. The lower tier was then rebuilt at the desired elevation (ground level), and support was added below every joist.

With the main structure rebuilt, the hand-built stair stringers were fastened to the upper tier along the entire front face, providing lower tier access from everywhere along the upper tier. The newly upgraded structure was now ready for decorative sheathing.

A mid-grey composite by Deckorators called Ridgeline was chosen for the deck, primarily because the backside stucco of the house is grey, and the patio stones throughout the backyard are a mix of greys and light beiges.

The half-inch fascia was first mounted to the fronts of the deck perimeter, as well as the rise of every stair. The squared-edge top boards were then fastened to the outer edge of every stair-top, and along the perimeter of the entire deck in an overlap manner, mitered at every 90-degree corner.

The grooved boards were then set into place, within the squared picture-framing, fastened using the supplied clips, until the entire deck and every stair were fully topped.

With the deck completed, a short run of black aluminum railing was introduced along the close side of the deck at the stairs, to prevent any mishaps from the upper tier.

Along the far side, a privacy wall that matches the top decking composite would span the entire depth of the deck, and continue 12 feet past the deck along the patio blocks, to hide the pool pump, filter and other services. To achieve this, black aluminum posts with channel sleeves made by HOFT would be top-mounted along at equal intervals, and pre-cut squared composite boards are then placed within the sleeves. A set screw and lock plate is used to set the initial height above the deck for the lowest board, and spacers are then introduced between every board until the upper-most board is secured, and the post is capped.

The allow the privacy wall to continue unabated from the deck surface and onto the patio, three of the posts were set into the ground, using quarter down gravel and concrete. Although these posts are much longer than the six-foot top-mount posts used along the deck top, the countersunk posts were set to match the elevation of the deck posts to provide a continuous and lineal flow of privacy wall boards.

Once the concrete was allowed to set overnight, pre-cut boards were introduced along this run, which now hides the pool services. The posts were then capped, and the privacy wall was complete.

When glancing back at the newly upgraded deck and privacy wall from the yard, both the grey tone of the decking and black posts of the railing and privacy wall provide an elegant and refined esthetic to the backyard and pool area. And once the black pergola is repositioned atop the lower deck tier, the entire space will offer a welcoming uniformity and sheltered lounging area while enjoying the pool under the hot summer sun. A huge improvement!

The homeowners are pleased. Not only was their lower tier adjusted to suit their ground-level request, the grey composite selection far exceeds expectations, and provides a vast improvement to the yellow-stained treated lumber from before. The new deck blends so well with the existing shades of grey throughout the backyard, this entire outdoor poolside space seem bigger for some reason. Here’s to many, many years of enjoyment.

RenoBoss.Inc@outlook.com