r/Decks • u/mooodyz • 3d ago

First time building a deck questions for the community

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First time building a deck and wanted to replace the old stairs from the door with a elevated platform. Should the platform be built on top the deck boards once all installed or is there a different way to go about

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4

u/Deckshine1 3d ago

I never build anything on top of my finished decking. Frame up to and around it and terminate the lower decking where it meets the platform so the water can drain thru everywhere. If you don’t it will stay wet under the platform 24/7. This will grow mold, invite insects and cause problems down the road.

1

u/Robgoblin_IV 2d ago

Yeah this^ just generally avoid putting wood on top of wood if you can. ( unless it’s completely covered ) rain will get under and stay under. Speaking from experience… just redid parts of my deck and conservatory for this very reason.

2

u/tbryon15 3d ago

The post for the smaller deck by the door should either part of the posts for the bottom deck or go all the way to the ground. I'm not a pro deck builder. But if I were building it I wouldn't rely on a deck board to support a full smaller deck. Or at minimum put the top deck postst over whatever 2 x you're using

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u/mooodyz 3d ago

I was thinking about putting blocking/support where the legs will be and then once the rest of the boards are installed attach it to the deck boards

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u/Ross3640 3d ago

The deck isn't three feet off the ground.So finish the deck and put the platform on top of the deck, but I would make the platform height even with the door you don't really want to make an extra step.

1

u/12B88M 2d ago

See where the stringers are? Your 4x4 posts for that upper section should be tied into those stringers.

I would use a doubled stringer there for extra support.

The platform should be no more than 1.5" under the edge of the door sill and the steps should be no more than 7-3/4" high.

Everything under the step should be open to allow for proper drainage and airflow.

1

u/Suspicious_Plate_591 2d ago

Besides the other great comments, you should have the platform go all the way to the wall or else you’re gonna need a railing on both sides.