A Sheltered Deck with Intimate Spaces

Originally built with the house in the late 1970’s, this deck had deteriorated in the harsh climate of the Sonoma Coast. Built virtually on grade, before the advent of treated lumber, and lacking adequate ventilation underneath, the framing and decking had become dangerous to walk on.

A new concrete patio replaced the rotting redwood 6 x 6 blocks that made up the original one. The new framing was all ground contact pressure treated lumber. Ventilation holes were drilled in the rim joists to promote air flow.

New composite decking (made from recycled petroleum product), requiring virtually no maintenance, was a Green Building choice to replace the wood. It was also used in the built-in bench. Stainless steel fasteners were used throughout the finish. The short shingled walls were also reworked with new Cedar material.