Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Need Planning Advice

I'm planning on putting in a deck on the back of my house. The desired size is 18' long (out from the house) and 24' wide (along the back of the house). I'm just starting the planning stage.

The first problem I've run into is that there is a concrete patio (badly damaged) that runs about 6' long and 23' wide under where I want the deck to be. What are my options here? And, if my only option is to remove it, what is the best way to do that?

The second question I had concerns covering and screening in half of the deck. I can't seem to find much on that. Anybody know of a good place to look?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Wad

If your concrete patio is at ground level and you are building a raised deck then no you should not have to remove it. Your joists should run perpendicular to the house. They will be attached at the house and your first beam will be about 8' out from the house so the existing patio should not be in the way for your pilings.

As far as screening in your deck there are many kits available out there, your local building center should be able to help you out with this.

Good Luck

You don't need to remove the entire slab. Simply cut 2' squares in it where your footings need to be. (I'm assuming that your deck will be high enough so that you can do that.)

Your deck is either going to be free-standing, or it's going to be ledgered to the house. THAT will determine how far out your first girder will be. The size of your joists and girders will determine your post spacing. Your height requirements for the deck will limit your joist and girder sizes. It all works together.