Platform Decks

What kind of material for covered patio? I have a covered concrete patio with one side open to the outside. I want put down flooring but am unsure what material to use. What do you suggest and how should I do this?

Will bikes get ruined if stored on covered patio due to humitity? I would like to get the bikes out of the garage, as we need to use it as a room. But, the only place I have to put them is on a large covered deck/patio. We live in Orlando FL where the heat and humidity runs high and occasional rains. Will the bikes get ruined? The kids ride them often and now I will be using mine more as well. Thank you, Brenda - Orlando

is it safe to have a washer and dryer on a covered patio? We moved into a home and there are washer and dryer hookups outside on the covered patio. Is it ok to use our appliance outside on a covered patio?

How much should it cost (labor included) to build a 12 x 20 covered patio built on a concrete slab? I'm trying to build this in a home in arizona. I would like to pour a concrete slab patio and cover it with a wood patio cover / ramada. Possibly pre-wired for electrical. Please, any insight into the project would help. Thank you.

How do I get rid of "flying gnats" in my covered patio? It seems they are attracted to the coolness of our patio. I've tried the sprays designated for flying insects and gnats, but it only serves to shoo them away for awhile, and then they return. I don't like to keep spraying since we hang out in our patio area all the time. We've had this problem before, but it seems there are more of them. Any suggestions on how to get rid of them for good?

We have a covered patio off of our kitchen, how to close in? We are hoping to do a partial wall of cinderblock filled with fine sand to take advantage of all the sunlight and then 2x4 framing, insulation etc and windows the rest of the way up. Does anyone have any plans or know of any simple plans or know where I could special order the glass panels and framing that a glass sunroom has? I was interested in doing that from the cinderblocks up and wasnt sure how to buy just some of them instead of the whole kit n caboodle. We were planning to put vapor barrier down, do framework and a plywood subfloor and then a honey oak wood floor, any opinions on how well that would work inside? Can I put drywall on the inside in front of the cinderblock or will it ruin the heating effect that we are going for? thanks to all. We live in iowa and would eventually run a heating and cooling vent but until we do would just use it most of the year

I have a ficus tree In a pot on my covered patio. Long leafless branches on top. How far down can I cut them My Ficus is a twisted trunck tree and bushy at the bottom but it has long braches with no leaves. I cut it way down and it is really ugly now. Did I ruin it?

How do you know how far out the ceiling of a covered patio needs to go to provide 6 feet of shade? The rear of my house faces West and I live in Houston, Tx.

I want to put a covered patio 10x20 ft with brick pillars in my backyard? I already have a concrete slab 10x20 ft. Also I want to put a ceiling fan. How much is all this going to cost me if I hire a contractor?

What type of ventilation do I need for a gas grill and green egg in covered patio kitchen? This area has big openings to the patio and pool. Typically I would use a wall hood but I wanted any other thoughts. Thanks

can I keep an indoor television outside on my covered patio? I built an outdoor kitchen and am trying to decide the best type of television to put out there. I'd rather put a good indoor model rather than a junky outdoor model.

I am building a wood patio cover covered by Suntuf (plastic polycarb.) what type of would should I use? My wood will be covered and I will prime and paint it white for more protection. I want something that will last and not crack or warp (minimal). Hemlock, fur, pine, all treated, or cedar??? Since I am painting the wood it will all look the same. I don't want to spend a fortune if it is not necessary. Please help :) I believe in spending extra to do things correct the first time.

Does anyone know what the maximum user weight is for patio chairs covered in Textoline? We are thinking of buying a patio set, but the chairs all seem to be covered in this material these days, and as one of us is very large, we don't want to buy it to find they tear easy, so I'd appreciate it if anyone can tell me what weight it will hold comfortably, and if anyone has any chairs like this, are they tough? All answers will be gratefully accepted.

what is the best way to remove old cobwebs and such that is clinging to the cieling beams on a covered patio?

I Have a car stereo I would like to hook up to my covered patio. How do I go about powering the stereo? How do I know which wires are for the power on the stereo?

I want to build a covered patio at the back of my house. Does anyone know of a good website for ideas?

OK So we covered our back patio and now the drainage is messed up. Water collects under edge. What should I do? We covered our back patio with a cheap and hasitly constructed "roof" and some corrugated fiberglass. We did not think we were messing up the balance of the universe - but now water drains off it and cascades into the back yard, collecting against the back of the house! It is too flimsy for a rain gutter. Any ideas?

Birds are coming under my covered patio and eating my dogs food crapping all over. How do I get rid of them?

has anyone else tried leaving thei treadmill outside under covered patio in cold oregon winters? and if so how did it work out? did it get ruined by the moisture and cold, or did it still work ok?

is it safe to mount a standard lcd tv under a covered patio are there issues with weather and moisture?

Can romex wire be used in an outdoor, covered patio? The romex wire runs between the ceiling and the roof and down wood support beams to outlet boxes. The wood beams are to be encased with columns. The wire is also used for recessed lights and outdoor ceiling fans. The ceiling is finished, but not the support beams yet. Is this safe, or do we need to redo? Thanks!

Can you tamp sandy fill that is going to be covered with patio pavers ? I have some spoils from a ditch clean out which are 95% sand with some stones in it. I want to lay 16" x16" stones onto it as I have leveled it out in a area off the back of the house. I'm thinking it would be better to plate tamp it before hand to prevent settleing in the future Any suggestions ?

every norning my covered patio is full of mosquitos, no standing water nearby. how do i keep them away?

I had an SDTV on a covered patio for years but I am thinking of going to an HDTV.? Can the new HDTV's hold up as well as the old SDTV's did? The cost of the outdoor TV's far outweigh what it might cost to replace three or four cheaper in door HDTV over time.

what temperture should I keep my birds in a cage on a covered patio?

What is the best TV to put outside on my covered patio?

Covered patio Ideas? I live in south Texas. We are plannin on building a covered patio. I don't want the cover to be attached to the house, Just right up next to it (due to hurricanes--just rather have it blow away it it happens, other than tear the Hardy Board on the house also!) I am looking for ideas, I want it 12x12. What is the best flooring option (heat/slippery when wet?) Any web sites for actual measurments on wood needed? I also want to incorporate a ceiling fan somehow........

I want to get a freezer but I don't have anyplace to put it inside. Can I put it on a covered patio outside? Or do I have to buy a specialty "outdoor freezer?" It seems to me that my garage is hotter than my patio...so I think it would be fine outside, but I wasn't sure and didn't want to waste the money.

I have flies that hang around our covered back patio. We don't keep food/trash there. How do I get rid of them

Is ceramic tile ok to use on covered concrete patio? One store says use porcelain tile, other says ceramic is ok with multiflex thinset, we live in south Louisiana

I have drainage pipes covered with rocks all the way around my patio. It's ugly & don't like walking on rocks Okay so I have a patio with an awning over it. The water runs off the awning and there are drainage pipes around the patio with rocks covering them. The black stuff that holds the rocks in is coming up and you have to step over it to get in the yard. And the rocks are hard on the feet. First we wanted a deck, but $3000 we do not have. What can we do about these rocks? and drainage? and walking over them? any ideas?

what is the shade cover people are putting over patios called, its made out of white plastic like material? can be placed over patio fro shade?or in front of windows. know any good sites for estimates?

How to clean patio flags that have been covered in drywall? We have had a conversion in our utility room but the builders have left our flags a dirty dusty white. It seems like a layer of white powder is stuck to them. I have used Jayes patio/driveway cleaner (neat) and after leaving for 1 hour has not done anything. I have even tried normal household bleach, but nothing has worked. Any ideas on how to return these white flags back to their original grey? Thanks.

vinyl tiles for my covered outdoor patio/balcony? i hate the astro-turf down now, but i have not seen any examples of vinyl tiles being used on any flooring co. websites. is this generally not done? there are some nice faux stone tiles i think would look great, just want to make sure there isnt some simple reason why you dont do this. i live in hawaii, so no temp. changes all year. this is for my 3rd floor condo patio (14'x9.5') shade 70% of the day

Was it wrong to use stonedust mixed with gravel in the bases for my in-progress flagstone and brick patios? I have two patio now under construction in my backyard, in holes I dug mostly myself to a depth of from 10 to 18 inches. One, to be covered using flagstone, is 500 sq. ft, while the circular one, to be paved with brick, is of 14 ft diameter. The contractor indicated he would lay grade "B" gravel underneath and grade "A" 3/4" stone in the next layer, both on top of geotextile, and compact every 2 inches. He did lay the geotextile, but put down a combination of what looks more like stonedust mixed with gravel,. He didn't even try to compact until the end. As we understand it, the will cause water to accumulate like a sponge. We live in Ottawa, Canada, where there is lots of freezing and unfreezing due to seasonal changes, and you can imagine what problems with the base that might cause. Note that the holes holding the base stone do not drain water well anyways, due to clay bottoms. Nevertheless, is there a justification for what has been put down as a base?

Have 9'x9' cement covered patio. We open the door, mice run off the patio. What mouse traps are dog friendly?

can I use two circuit monorail low voltage lighting under a covered outdoor patio?

we have a covered patio...would like outdoor drapes...suggestions?

Where could I purchase mosquito net curtains for a covered deck? I have a hot tub just at the end of my 16'X13' covered deck. I think mosquito net curtains that are fould on gazeebos would be perfect for a semi private look to my deck. I have seen the curtains I want on gazeebos in patio furniture displays, but cannot find the curtains by themselves. They have finished edges(with canvas material) and graumets in order to hang on a dowel rod.

Confused between Covered Patio or a Deck ? We just upgraded and put a nice wooden door with Oval shaped Carved mirror for our back door . Also, put a storm door for protection . Now we are confused between having a covered patio or a deck . We are planning to sell the house and are also considering it as an upgrade to help us sell. Covered patio can be done for cheap and deck would be costly . But what we really worried about is ...it should help us sell the house . Not a buyer coming in and saying the Deck or the covered patio is blocking all the light . Our backyard is south facing . Please suggest .

hanging a ceiling fan on covered patio but unable to tell if outlet is GFI protected. JWR?

for the past two nights my patio has been covered in maggots where have they come from?

What should I use to paint an outdoor covered wood patio? I recently had my back porch redone with a half porch half covered screened in patio. To reduce costs I told the contractor not to put anything on the flooring - so now it is up to me to finish the project. I have a 13x8 covered patio that will recieve some moisture and rain due to being outside - the floor is 1 inch thick sheet flooring. I do not want to use outdoor carpet and it will not look good just to sand and stain this flooring (tile is not an option due to weather and moisture changes that will cause it to crack) - so I am left with painting it with something. I have looked at polyurethane flooring but needs some recomendations to go with or even a company that does this sort of work? Any other ideas are also welcomed. Thanks - Daniel

What colors are best for my humble patio furniture? I am moving into a home with a cute little side, covered patio. It is rectangular with several small trees on the side. Nothing special. Just some concrete and a wood cover. I currently own some nice deep green plastic chairs and a white bench with table. What colors would you recommend spray painting them? All the same color or separate? Dark wicker planters, stone planters, and a medium stone waterfall will be coming with me as well. Thank you!

Are insulated patio covers worth the extra cost? The salesman tells me that with an insulated patio cover, the temperature underneath will be about 20 degrees cooler than the actual temperature. Can this be true? The patio will not be enclosed. The cement slab will simply be covered with the cover supported by 4 columns(poles). Any input from someone that knows will be appreciated. Thanks!

Soft spots on the edge of the covered patio roof. I noticed the guttering is pulling away there so I peered in? I have a couple of soft spots on the edge of the covered patio. The guttering was pulling loose right at these spots and the fascia board and wood behind it are rotted. Obviously I need to replace it, but is it possible to pull up the shingles from the outside edge without damaging them? How would you proceed? The roof is about 13 years old. I can't afford to pay anyone to do this, so I need to do it myself. These are great answers so far, but I think I can replace the fascia board. What really concerns me is the soft spot on the roof behind them. I guess I'll have to pull the shingles up and just cut out and rebuild any damage? (Deep sigh here)

What do I do about my newly installed patio cover is leaking? I had an insulated patio cover installed in October onto a screen room enclosure. About a week later, it rained and was leaking a lot. I called the company to complain and was told someone would call to come out to fix it. They sent someone to fix it. About two weeks after this, it rained again. This time my room practically flooded. There was water everywhere. I called again and they took 15 minutes to fix it. Well guess what, it stormed last night and I woke up to a huge mess again. I don't want to keep calling with no avail. This needs to be fixed now. I paid $4500 for a cover and have not been able to fix and use the room. Before i fix it up, I want to make sure it doesn't leak. I have taken photos/video of the leaking. What should I do next? Contact the BBB, send a certified letter to the company, demand they reinstall the cover rather than keep fixing it? I want to make sure I do everything correctly should I need to take legal action.

Why do flies land on the ceiling of my patio when we light a wood BBQ? The flies are not on the food, they land on the ceiling of my covered patio every time we light the wood-burning BBQ. Are they just hanging around until the food is ready and off the fire? Are they attracted by the grease?

What should I know before hiring someone to install alumawood patio cover? I want to put a 10' x 45' alumawood patio cover on my house in So Cal. What should I know about alumawood choices? Is there bad/good/better qualities? Any advice would be appreciated. Are there different qualities of alumawood materials?

What do I need to build a patio cover? I have a 2" concrete patio slab. I am thinking about building a patio cover. Can I set the the patio posts on the concrete or should I dig a foundation (How deep should it be). I need to know the formula of how wide and deep should the rafters be in regards to the distance between posts. For example, if two posts are 12' a part, how deep and wide should the rafter be. I could use some good blue prints if anyone has any. Thanks Sammy

I need to cover the cieling of a patio cover should I use, mold and moisture drywall or regular wood boards? I have 3 fans that will also go on the patio cover. So electrical is running on cieling.

What to do about flying insects in patio area? I have a covered patio area right outside my back door. We spend ALOT of time out there. The flies are insane!!! As well as wasps and hornets and bees and mosquitos. I bought some fogger, it helped for a bit, and fly tape. But nothing is really helping long term. Anything I can spray on the lawn? Or hang? I am having a bday party this weekend, outside and hope for some relief by then. Thanks

Do I cut an angle on the trusses of a new patio cover for proper drainage? Installing a new patio cover. Can't seem to get the pitch right. I heard that it should be 1/4" drop for every foot.

How can I hide an outdoor electrical and phone box that is on the center wall on my patio? I have a covered patio and the electrical box and phone box and the wires going up to the boxes are a distraction. How can I disguise them and make the area look more appealing?

How to protect the gas grill without patio cover? I have cemented slab on floor. Do I have to put something on that so that I can place the grill? If I use the grill cover without patio cover, don't you think it will get rust in rainy as well as high humid season? Answer please who have experience! Also, please tell if propane tank(full) is harmless in extreme weather (hot or high summer, cold or low winter)??

Old patio pavement: can it be updated with color? We have a large covered patio. The pavement is in cement tiles about 10"x20" each laid on sand like "pavers" but they are a bit more porous and from around 1968. The design is red and white checkerboard (although with rectangular squares.) Could we pressure wash it and stain it with concrete stain in a terracotta color? It would be ok if the color is not even and some checker effect remains. Is the stain really permanent?

Is there a safe way to have a bonfire underneath an aluminum patio covering? ? I have this mobile fire pit thing we've used for bonfires in the backyard. But recently we built an aluminum patio covering with ceiling fans. Is it safe to have a bonfire in the fire pit beneath it? Or is there a way to make it safe? Or is it just totally unsafe? Thanks!

What is the best and most affordable way to cover the patio? I have a small back patio that I would like to cover up (top cover) to protect from the weather. What is the best way to go about this without paying out thousands of dollars? I am not a builder but I may be able to handle a small project. Or maybe I should just pay someone to do it? Thoughts?

outside wood structure covering on beaches or patios? What is the name of a wood structure that has partial shade and is usually made with 4 posts and across the top it has wood slats going across in an upright postiton. I know there is a name for this. Thanks.

Need to cover outdoor pallets with weather resistant material..? I am building a container garden on my covered patio. I am using wood pallets and they look awful. I would like to cover the sides with some type of material that is water resistant . Any ideas? Thanks!

what should i charge to build 10x10 sq. ft. patio cover with or without materials? I just started doing side work and got to make a bid on a 10x10 sq. ft. patio cover!

What's the best way to get rid of glass without the mess of breaking it? I'm tearing down a covered patio which is mostly glass. I know which way would be funnest, but what's the best way to remove the glass without the mess? I have pets and small kids, so I can't afford any leftover pieces of glass in the yard. Appreciate any advice, home repairs aren't exactly my thing.

Can you paint a metal frame to keep from rusting? I have a metal futon frame. Planning to use it outdoors under covered patio. Can I paint this to keep it from rusting? Can you paint metal? Thanks, Brenda - Orlando I forgot to add that this has been used inside and has NO rust on it. It is in great condition. I would just like to use it on the covered deck now.

What's the best type of outdoor furniture for a rainy climate? I live in the Pacific Northwest which is famous for its frequent rain. We relish the few months of nice weather we have, but even in the summertime we can get some rainfall. I want to have some outdoor furniture in our back yard, but I don't want it to be ruined if it gets wet. I like the idea of padded chairs, but since we don't have a shed or covered patio, they are likely to get rained on and I don't want them to grow mildewy or whatnot. What materials are the best for rain?

What would you do with a big backyard? We are fortunate to have a large backyard, which already includes a nice-sized covered patio (We live in TX, so the shade from the cover is much appreciated!). With the exception of a pool or a trampoline, what would you do with a large backyard for either adults or children (we have 2 girls- ages 1 and 4). Thanks in advance for any ideas!

In this weeks newspaper a store has cobweb dusters on sale for $5. Do you know which store? I thought it was a Walgreens, RiteAid, CVS or Longs, but i've reviewed all their website circulars and can't find a cobweb duster. I'm wondering what store has it on sale. I like using these on the outside covered patio.

Can a LCD withstand being outside covered throughout the year in Arizona's climate? Arizona has moderate temperature in the winters and extreme heat in the summer. I want to use my back yard patio more and I thought if I put a 32" LCD monitor on my concrete wall we would use our back yard more. I would cover the TV when not in use, and it would not get much direct sun light.

What happens if you use an indoor ceiling fan outdoors on a covered patio? I live in Houston, Texas, where it is humid.

Ways to cover a screened patio from the rain? I have an outside patio area that is covered all around by screens but when it rains everything gets drenched! I want to put a nice comfy couch and a grill but I'm worried about ruining it with the rain. I want the entire area covered so I can enjoy it even when it rains. Any have suggestions? I want something inexpensive. I can't do anything drastic because I'm renting.

is my central air conditionning under my roof patio house about 54 inches work ok? from the top my central air conditionning under roof cover patio about 54 inches is it not problem when my central air conditionning running ...

Need to replace two bricks in wall. Can you buy already mixed mortar? I removed the intercom faceplate from the outer brick wall. It was on a covered patio. I need to fill in with 2 brick that are cut down to the right size. I don't want to buy and mix a whole bag of concrete. Any advice would help.

how strong does my concrete slab need to be? going to build a covered patio on my back yard(20x25, wanted to know how strong does my slab need to be to soport my roof over it? im in the houston area!

needing to refloor indoor concrete patio, has cracks, stained with cat urine.? peel & press tiles were on, popping off from old age. I flipped most of them up. There's cat urine in a corner, there's several cracks in the concrete. This used to be part of an out door covered patio. Was nicely enclosed 20 years ago. Needing help with suggestions tips to clean, caulk, seal, paint, and level in an area or two.

Can any ceiling fan be installed for outdoor use, such under a patio cover? Looking to install a ceiling fan under a patio cover in my backyard but wanted to know if ANY ceiling fan will work or must I purchase/use a ceiling fan designated for outdoor use only.

Do I need to use a patio table cover during the summer? Are patio chair cushions really mildew-resistant? Or should I buy patio table cover and chair covers for my new patio set to use when I'm not using it?

Aluminum or wood for patio cover for back yard? I am going to get quotes for a new patio cover. I have wood now that is very old and weathered but I have noticed that they are pushing the aluminum ones instead on the internet. Anyone have any thoughts on the differences. I am sure cost will be a big factor.

How do I stop my Mosquito mist system nozzles from dripping? I have a Mosquito mister system that has been on my house for about two years now. The system has about 100 nozzles and when first installed worked fine. About a year ago I noted that some of the nozzles were dripping. Now (about a year after the first discovery) at least half of them are dripping. Is there a way to clean them or what can be done to stop the dripping? Some of them are over a covered patio so the dripping every time it runs (3 times a night) leaves a wet spot on the floor. Not sure if this will help with the answer, but I have noted that the ones that drip continue to spray, so the dripping happens right before the nozzle begins to spray and right after. Mostly after. Thanks, James

A 12 m^2 patio is to be build usind bricks that are 10cm by 20cm. How many bricks need to cover the patio? A 12 m^2 patio is to be build usind bricks that are 10cm by 20cm. How many bricks need to cover the patio?