Need info on moving a door out patio area but different concrete height from inside
Toolfreak
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
I wanted to find out what to do if I want to push out my original double door out about 8 ft into the patio area but there are different concrete heights. When I step out the back door to the patio area there is about 3.5″ drop to my patio and if I enclose the 8′ x 8′ area I had a few questions. I was not sure that I could pour concrete to compensate the difference and be structually ok or should I build up the difference with either plywood or? I dont think I can leave it the same height it is now because I have to build a frame to put the door in and I would have to step over the door opening to the backyard instead of stepping through the door. Any suggestions would be gratly appreciated.
Mike
Replies
Probably just put WWM down and pour another slab. Might consider tying it into your existing slab w/ some anchors every so often and then tie that into your WWM.
Existing Patio/new foundation?
Are your intentions to build on the patio surface or to place the new walls on a foundation outside of the patio?
What we are planning is to use the 8 x 8 area as part of the living area and just move the door out further. There is Hardy board there now and we will tear it down and put up drywall and hopefullly put in handscraped oak flooring to match the rest of the living room but we were not sure how to deal with the difference in height. I was told if there is a thin layer of concrete it could break and didnt know if the 3.5 inches is thick enough and was worried if I just built up the floor with plywood and using a vapor barrier of some sort was enough protection, I attached a photo from outside on the patio looking at the door that enters into living room.
So this "patio" is already enclosed?
?
No, when you walk out of the back door, there is hardy board to the left and right of you and a ceiling, and then it leads to an actual open patio with a covering on it. We just wanted to push the door about 8 ft out so we can utilize it as space for the living room and then the new doors would open up to the actual covered patio we currently have.
Thanks,
Mike
confused
It would be nice to see pics of the patio and surrounding walls etc from the inside to give a little more clarity. I have the same questions as Calvin. I don't believe your dilema is a serious one anyway.
Gary...
I took some pictures looking out of the back door to the patio and then looking from the backyard to the back door
OK, am I thinking correctly now............
that you are moving the door not far-out to that brick wall / below where that dark ceiling starts?
If the slab doesn't move, isn't cracked I suppose you could do either of what you intend. Your wall holding the door isn't going to be taking on any load from above, if it's stable below.........shouldn't be a problem.
I might (if the new step down to the patio ((if there is one now)) isn't going to be too tall), cut sleepers to even up the floor with what's inside, run a "plate across the whole opening (that is flush with the sleepers/int. floor framing). Foam insulation between the sleepers (to keep the cold slab from cooling the new interior floor. Make all your sleepers etc in contact with the concrete-treated. Install plywood subfloor. Set the door on that (shimmed up if your interior finish dictates it (throw rug/whatever). No need for another plate under that door threshold.
Now I can see
I wouldn't be concerned about the height from house to patio. After all it is a patio. If it is a concern then sleepers set on sill gasket or something compatable then the plywood on top. If coolness is an issue then as Calvin has stated you can use the foam between the sleepers but let me say again..it is a patio
just sayin
Gary...
I don't understand why you say you'd have to "step over the door opening" if you left the floor level where it is. Please explain.
But you can build up the area with concrete, concrete over foam insulation, or just framing and plywood sheathing. (If you go the latter way the framing must be treated, and should have rubber membrane or some such under it.)
If I did not raise the patio to the height of the slab of the house when I put a wooden frame to put the new door going out to the covered patio I would have to step over the threshold, currently the threshold going out to the patio is the same height as my wood floor and when I walk out to the existing patio I step down. I would prefer to put down concrete but you mention concrete over foam insulation, what type of foam insulation, also I have been told if I pur a slab over an existing one that if it is to thinn it can crack, what is a minimum thickness before one should be concerned?
Thanks,
Mike
Mike
Remember, you do not need to set that door frame and threshold on a peice of wood. Sitting it on the final height of the slab or subfloor is fine. You're inside finish will dictate where you want it.
You wouldn't need a threshold where you step down. It would be just a normal step.