Decking Ideas for a Balcony?

Question

Hi,

I have a concrete balcony base that is 220 x 150cm (7 by 5 feet approx) and I would like to cover it with some decking. To be honest I really dislike decking tiles - I think they look tacky. Instead, I like to buy some timber and lay down a better looking decking. I've done some reading on the net and I think I'm right in saying that I need pressure treated 5/4" x 6" for the actually decking itself. But I'm not sure how I should build a timber frame on top of which the decking will be screwed to. What timer would you suggest for this? Also, I'm concerned about water being trapped by this frame. Of course, I wish the decking to be one piece when it is finished so that I can store it during the winter.

How might I finish the decking - varnish etc?

Thanks for your help,

Barry.

Answer 1

My recommendation is to use one of the new artificial wood decking material.  Buy the best one you can afford.  They do cost considerably more than p/s wood, but think no refinishing, no rotting, no checking, etc.   Then I would permanently attach it to the balcony.  Lay "stringers" across the balcony so that water runs between them to the edge.  You can think construction adhesive, powder activated concrete nails or concrete anchors.  Your hardware store as many types.  They all require drilling a hole in the concrete.  Rent a genuine concrete drill, don't try to do it with your regular drill you will wear yourself out.  Then lay the decking across the sleepers, fastening them per the manufacturer's instructions.

Answer 2

answer one is good. it is going to be awful cumbersome to try to store each winter. use pressure treated wood underneath fastened to the concrete and run the boards in the direction of the slope. that way the water can still drain. the excess water will not bother the pressure treated wood. then cover the sleepers with trex deck or like product leaving enough room, a 16 penny nail size, for water and snow to drain off underneath.