We had two requirements for the deck: it needed to be spacious, and had to have dry space underneath. To achieve this, the deck would float on a sloping, rubber-coated roof.
The deck measures 10′ by 30′, it projects 9″ over the support beam. The roof slopes 4″ over the 10′ width to provide drainage, and is covered by a rubber sheet that continues 12 to 16 inches up the exterior wall. Tapered sleepers cut from rough-cut 2×6 stock float on the roof and the deck assembly is pinned in place by the posts for the railings.
Preliminary Work began in 2012. while pylons were being set for the Side Porch Area, four were planted in the back yard to support the future deck, where they sat for the next 5 years.
Construction started in July, 2017. After some fiddling, I managed to get the corners located and squared up, and the ledger board firmly attached (timberlock screws into studs and header). The posts are 6″x6″ cedar, they were held in place and the tops marked using an inexpensive laser level.
The tops of the posts were cut away to make a solid mounting point for the beam, which was built up in place with triple 2×12’s glued with polyurethane and nailed.
The joists were put in and blocked.
Rim joists were added and the roof decked over with OSB.
In a highly choreographed dance, the roof was covered with a waterproof rubber membrane.
The posts for the railings went in. For safety, these were heavily blocked .
Next came the cedar decking. You can see the tips of the tapered sleepers.
The deck assembly fit tightly around the posts, locking everything into place. We got it in place just in time for Thanksgiving dinner. And there it sat for the winter. For the first time, we had sheltered dry space below.
The next summer (2018) Judy designed and built the railings.
And in 2023 she built the pergola/sunshade, creating a shaded place to enjoy the view
This is how it looks today. It’s one of our favorite spots.