How to Build a Deck Above a Covered Patio
- 1). Dig footers for your deck posts. Dig 4-foot-deep holes along the perimeter of your patio at the most 8 feet apart from one another. Place one end of the 6-by-6 inch posts in the holes (make sure your posts are at least 12 feet long). Fill with three bags of Sakrete a piece. Fill the hole the rest of the way with water, and use the plumb line to make sure your posts are perpendicular.
- 2). Make a deck frame by building a "box" of the 2-by-6 inch lumber and then placing cross members in the inside of the box, no more than 2 feet apart. Lay the planking down on the deck frame, and butt the edges of the planking boards tight against one another. Screw the planking down tight.
- 3). Lift the your completed deck platform up onto the top of the 6-by-6 inch posts and attach securely using the 8-inch lag screws. You can now build a railing by connecting the tops of the deck posts with a 2-by-4 inch board and then installing the 2-by-2 inch slats in between at 6-inch intervals. Now is also a good time to install the pre-built staircase in a location of your liking.
- 4). Stain the entire deck, including railing, staircase, and deck surface according to the manufacturer's instructions. Let dry at least 24 hours before use.