How to build a low-level deck over concrete?

[bschebella]

I bought a house that has very old concrete all around, complete with fine cracks & looks old. I would love to cover it with decking out the back, under the veranda but after watching the videos, I don't seem to have the height required as the doors are only approx 2.5cm above the old concrete. Is it still possible to put in decking or should I just fill the cracks & paint the concrete?

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @bschebella. It's terrific to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about creating a deck.

It sounds like decking might not be the best option given the limited clearance you have under the doors. With only 2.5cm of height, it's unlikely that you'd be able to build a deck frame without interfering with the door function. Instead, painting the concrete could be a more practical solution and still give you a refreshed look.

For filling the cracks, you could use  Dulux Avista 20KG Patch Repair Compound to ensure the surface is even before painting. Once the cracks are filled and sanded down, consider using a product like Dulux concrete paint to give the surface a new finish. This paint is durable, easy to apply, and comes in a variety of colours to suit your style.

Here's a helpful guide: How to paint a concrete.

Another option you might like to explore is tiling over the concrete. If the surface is level and the cracks aren't too severe, you could lay outdoor tiles directly over the concrete. Tiling can provide a stylish, durable surface and requires less height clearance compared to decking. 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[bschebella]

Hi Mitchell,

I thought as much but thanks for the advice on patching & painting, that will make a big difference.

Cheers
Barry