Platform Decks

How to lay decking tiles on concrete?

I have small concrete patio area and would like to lay some decking there but I am not sure what else I need apart from the tiles. The area is even so is it a case of gluing them or do I need to lay timber frames?

Public Comments

1. If its wood or portico type of decking---you need to make a frame out of pressure treated wood. The material needs to breathe --If you glue it or fasten it directly to the concrete--it will skrink or buckle.
2. You'll have to attach the decking to something other than the patio itself. Adhesives just won't work, but you don't need a big framework, either. Here is an idea. At the perimeter of your patio, drive 2" x 2" treated lumber into the ground at both sides of each corner. If you have a square patio, that's 8 pieces for the corners. Leave 1-1/2" above the elevation of the patio exposed. Install intermediate 2" x2" at approximately 8' intervals or if your patio is smaller than 8' just put one in the center, again 1-1/2" above the patio. Treated stair balusters will work great. On the patio, lay treated 2" x 4" ( which actually measure 1-1/2" ) flat on the patio and nail through the 2" x 2" into the ends of those 2" x4". You can then loose-lay intermediate flat 2" x 4" so that your maximum distance between the flat lumber pieces is 16". Screw-attach your decking boards perpendicular over your flat framing; screwing into all boards.
3. Start by laying down a 2" layer of construction sand (not playground sand--it's too fine). Scree (level) it with a 2 x 4, then compact it down (you can rent compactors). Make sure you allow for a little slope so water won't collect at the foundation of the house. Lay the pavers in the pattern you like, then get some patio edging, which is usually a metal "L" shape, where the bottom fits under the outside pavers. Run it along the outside of the patio--this keeps the pavers in place. Once you've finished this, take more sand and spread it over the patio, using a broom to get it into the cracks between the pavers. That will help cement them in place. Good luck!