Decking or Concreting - What would be the best solution?

[tusharsaini]

Hello Community,

I hope you are having a great time with the family and enjoying Christmas!!

I need help making a decision. I have a low-level deck, which I inherited. Background before I go on asking for help with a decision.

Background:

I want to extend the deck (Dimensions to 3480mm * 1440mm). Reason: In winter the grass is completely dead & utilise the space. Image of extension:

Deck Extension

The aerial view of the existing deck

Aerial View: Existing Deck

Side view of the existing deck and proposed extension

The plan was to fix a few boards on the existing deck; however, upon inspecting, the "bearer" & "joists - all" are rotten.
Below are the examples:

JoistsUnderDeck

So, the extension soon changed to a complete re-do of the deck.

Therefore, I read through various excellent posts in the community space on decking, low-level decking, and so on. Decking (DIY - being a rookie) wouldn't be an option for me.

Why? Because of the height, to level the deck and the tiled area, the height is 145mm.

Help!!

Firstly, thank you for reading the post and understanding the background. Now I need opinions on deck vs concrete and landscaping - paver, gravel, etc. (I need to think through).

Here is the plan:

Plan

Considering the height until the tiled area is 145mm, even if I go up to the sliding door covering the tiles with the deck, it will be 155mm. Further, on the left of the existing deck, in order - I have a downpipe, garden tap, water heater and plants in the soil.

 
Would the deck still be a good option, or am I better off concreting the area and doing other landscaping?
 
Thank you again for reading the post, and looking forward to the replies.

Regards
Tushar

[Jewelleryrescue]

Hi @tusharsaini 

Merry XMAS

I always prefer a cement slab over a low level deck any day as  once  a cement slab is poured it will out last the house 

and you can put some great tiles on the slab even timber like tile  that are very realistic.  You can retile with out to many issues as a future option or over tile.

You still can use real timber on cement slabs with rubber backing.

Cement needs no  up keep ever.

No insect  will damage it.

Your original  low  level  timber deck that is starting to rot is why I like cement set and forget. Possible cost around the same as a new deck that  every 20 years reeds maintence or  replacing.

A cement slab only needs to be 75mm -100mm  with steel  so you can always  put dirt underneath the slab to build it up to the current tile height or just go 145mm  in cement thickness to save time and effort.

For that area I would replace the whole area in cement and re- tile so the whole  area  matches.

There is a nateral beauty to  wood and I love that too but indoors  where it will last longer.

Your the boss @tusharsaini   you decide the pros and cons