Instead of Repairing the Cracked Patio, They Removed the Concrete and Started Building a Deck
Brittney and her family decided to replace a cracked backyard patio that had developed drainage problems and settlement issues. Large cracks had spread across the concrete, and one section collected water during rainstorms, directing moisture toward the foundation.
Rather than patching the surface or pouring a new slab, they decided to remove the concrete completely and start over. The plan called for a low backyard deck, but before any framing could begin, every section of the existing patio had to come out.
Concrete Removal Started Near the House
Patio replacement began with a cracked concrete slab that had developed drainage problems over time. Water collected near the house after storms, and several sections showed settlement, patching, and long fracture lines.
Work started along the foundation where the first section could be separated from the remaining patio. Using a pry bar, sledgehammer, and lift jack, the family created an opening beneath the slab and began breaking the concrete into smaller sections.
As demolition continued, larger sections of the patio were removed and the site was cleared for grading. Once demolition was complete, the site was ready for footings and framing.
Deck Framing Started Around the Existing Steps
With the patio removed, construction shifted to the deck frame. Rather than demolishing the curved concrete steps, the perimeter framing was built around them, allowing the existing entrance to remain part of the new design.
Pressure-treated boards were bent and assembled to match the curve of the staircase before connecting to the straight framing sections. As the perimeter took shape, the final outline of the deck became visible and established the footprint for the remaining framing and decking.
Footing Locations Were Marked Before Construction
After the concrete patio was removed, footing locations were laid out across the site using string lines to establish the deck footprint. Holes were excavated for the primary deck supports, while additional locations were marked for the future pergola posts shown in the plans.
Concrete forms were positioned, aligned with the string lines, and filled before pressure-treated posts were installed. Once the concrete cured, the first permanent supports were in place for both the deck structure and the planned pergola above.
Deck Perimeter Started Defining the New Space
Pressure-treated framing boards were attached to the support posts and extended around the outer edge of the future deck. Double 2×6 members created a stronger perimeter capable of supporting both the deck surface and the pergola structure planned above.
The curved concrete steps remained in place, so the framing followed their shape rather than forcing a straight edge across the front of the house.
The perimeter framing connected the support posts into a single structure and established the outer edge of the future deck.
Framing Turned Individual Posts Into One Structure
Additional framing sections completed the outer border and tied the pergola posts into the deck foundation. Careful measurements, level checks, and lag-bolt connections kept each section aligned across the entire footprint.
What began as scattered footings and isolated posts now functioned as a unified frame. The layout defined the final deck shape, established support points for future joists.
Joists Filled the Frame With Structural Support
After the perimeter framing was complete, joist hangers were installed at 16-inch intervals along the frame. Those brackets established the spacing for each joist and created a consistent support system across the entire deck footprint.
Pressure-treated 2×6 joists were cut to length and secured between opposing brackets. Where support posts interrupted the layout, the framing was adjusted to maintain structural continuity without disrupting the spacing pattern.
Each joist increased the rigidity of the frame and helped distribute weight across the beams and footings.
Support posts, perimeter framing, beams, and joists now worked together as a single structure.
With the joists installed, the structural framework was complete and ready for decking.
Redwood Deck Boards Covered the Structure
Redwood decking boards were installed across the joists, starting at the house and moving toward the yard. Chalk lines and spacers kept the rows straight and maintained consistent gaps between boards.
Hidden fasteners secured the boards to the framing below, creating a clean surface without exposed screw heads.
Openings were cut where the decking met concrete steps, pergola posts, and utility lines. Each board was trimmed to fit while maintaining the spacing and alignment established across the rest of the deck.
As more boards were installed, the framing disappeared beneath the new surface. The former concrete patio became a redwood deck connected directly to the house and ready for finishing work.
Stain and Sealer Finished the Deck
After installation, the redwood decking was sanded, cleaned, and coated with a penetrating stain and sealer to help protect the wood from moisture, sun exposure, and seasonal movement. The finish enhanced the natural variation in the redwood while allowing the grain pattern to remain visible. With the stain cured, the former concrete patio had been fully transformed into a low redwood deck supported by new footings, framing, joists, and decking boards.
Cracked Concrete Patio Became the Foundation for a New Outdoor Space
The project began with a cracked concrete patio that had developed drainage problems and uneven sections over time.
After the concrete was removed, new footings, framing, joists, decking boards, and pergola posts transformed the area into a redwood deck that followed the shape of the existing concrete steps while creating a larger usable surface.
Side-by-side photos show how the damaged concrete patio was replaced with a raised redwood deck built on new footings and framing.
Redwood Deck Wrapped Around the Existing Concrete Steps
Rather than demolishing the curved entry steps, the deck was built around them. The decking follows the shape of the concrete, allowing the original staircase to remain while integrating it into the new layout.
The deck extends across most of the former patio footprint and creates a continuous surface directly outside the sliding door.
One of the more complex parts of the project was fitting the deck around the curved concrete staircase. The finished edge follows the contour of the steps while maintaining consistent spacing and alignment across the deck boards.
The photos highlight the major stages of the build, from concrete removal and footing installation to framing, decking, and finishing. Between those milestones, measurements, cuts, adjustments, and inspections helped keep the structure level and aligned.
Would you have kept the original concrete patio and repaired it, or would you have started over with a deck like this one?