Dreaming of sipping iced tea on a breezy screened porch, but your current deck feels more like a pirate ship during a storm? You’re not alone! This project tackled exactly that scenario, transforming an unsteady deck into a solid foundation ready for future porch-ification.
The culprit? Unstable piers and a moisture-ravaged concrete slab. But instead of ripping everything out and starting from scratch, this clever fix focused on smart repairs and strategic reinforcements. Read on to learn how we did it!
Pier Power Up
The existing three piers needed to handle the extra weight of a future screened porch. So, new footers were poured under each pier, reaching beyond the rotting bottom foot of the posts. This provided a fresh, sturdy base for the deck and future porch dreams.
Saving Grace
No need to toss perfectly good concrete! The existing slab, though detached from the ground due to moisture woes, wasn’t a total loss. They addressed the moisture issues and filled the gap between the slab and ground with a handy foam filler. This brought the slab back into play, adding extra support and creating a smooth surface for a beautiful new patio.
Future-Proofing
Remember those reinforced piers? They weren’t just for present weight – they were built to handle the additional load of a screened porch down the line. This smart planning means there’s no need to worry about future upgrades compromising the existing structure.
Patio Perfection
And finally, to tie everything together and add a touch of outdoor elegance, the team laid down stunning flagstones from United Stone Imports. This transformed the once-wobbly deck into a welcoming patio – a perfect space to enjoy until the screened porch becomes a reality.
The Takeaway
This project is a testament to the power of resourceful repairs and future-oriented planning. By addressing the underlying issues and building a strong foundation, they created a beautiful, functional space that can easily transition into their dream screened porch down the road. So, next time you face a shaky deck dilemma, remember – with a little ingenuity and strategic foresight, your wobbly steps can become the first dance steps on your future porch paradise!
Stay tuned as we dive deeper into this project over the next several weeks!
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