Option 2: Concrete BoltsĪnother great choice is using concrete bolts:ĭrill properly sized holes into the concrete for the bolts.ĭrop bolts into holes, then hammer them in until flush. Image from Ĭoncrete anchors combined with wood or decking screws offer a super sturdy connection that won‘t loosen or pull out over time like nails might.

This secures everything together.Īttaching deck framing to concrete with anchors and screws. Use exterior wood screws to firmly screw through framing and into the anchors. Insert galvanized concrete screws or wedge anchors then tap into place with a hammer.Īlign deck posts, footings, or ledgers over the anchors. Here are the steps:ĭrill holes into the concrete using a hammer drill and masonry bit. This is one of the easiest and most popular methods. There are three excellent options to choose from: Option 1: Concrete Screws and Anchors Now that your concrete slab is prepped, it‘s time to talk about how to securely attach the deck framing and hardware. So take the time to do it right! Attaching the Deck Securely Proper prep work makes a huge difference in the quality and longevity of a deck on concrete. Apply it where any ledgers, posts or other items will contact the concrete. Neutralize the acid, then rinse thoroughly.Īpply bonding primer – Once the slab is fully prepped, roll on a concrete bonding primer like Loctite Concentrate. This roughens up the smooth concrete so adhesives and construction materials grab better. Wear a safety mask when grinding to avoid inhaling concrete dust.Įtch the surface – Use a mixture of muriatic acid and water to etch the surface. Level uneven surfaces – If you notice the slab tilting in areas or has significant depressions, you can grind down high spots using a concrete grinding tool.

Smooth it flush with the surrounding concrete. Use a chisel and mallet to open up any tight cracks so they accept filler.įill cracks and voids – Mix up some concrete repair compound and work it into all cracks and defects using a trowel or putty knife. Let the slab dry out completely before moving to the next steps.Ĭheck for cracks and damage – Scan the concrete for any cracks, chips, divots or uneven spots. Then get in there with a pressure washer set to a high PSI and scour away built-up grime, oil spots, algae, mildew and anything else contaminating the concrete. Thoroughly clean the slab – Use a stiff broom to sweep off any loose dirt or debris. This gives the deck framing and hardware the best chance to adhere properly.

The very first step is preparing the concrete slab by cleaning and treating the surface. If you already have a suitable concrete foundation on your property, building right on top of it can save tons of time and money compared to pouring a new slab. Pairing it with pressure-treated framing and decking results in an incredibly durable outdoor structure.ĭrainage – Unlike wood, concrete won‘t easily decompose when exposed to standing water or excessive dampness.Ĭustomization – Turn a drab, aging concrete porch or patio into a gorgeous new living space! This prevents sagging and helps the finished deck to be nice and level. Stability – Concrete offers a perfectly flat, rigid surface for attaching the deck. Materials and labor for the slab can easily cost $5,000 or more. Let‘s get started! Why Choose a Concrete Base?īefore we dive in, let‘s look at some of the benefits of using an existing concrete slab as the foundation for your deck:Ĭost savings – Skipping the concrete pour saves big on upfront costs. I‘ll walk through each step of the process in detail so you can decide if a deck build on concrete is right for your home. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover all the specifics including: As a professional contractor with over 15 years of experience building and renovating decks, I‘m excited to share everything I‘ve learned about constructing beautiful, durable decks on concrete slabs. Hey there! If you‘re thinking about installing a new deck on top of an existing concrete surface, you‘ve come to the right place.

Installing concrete deck blocks