My new deck framing is done and tomorrow deck boards will be installed. I wanted deck to be 7″ below the door so the deck furniture doesn’t block the low windows in our family room as they are the only source of natural light into the house. What I didn’t pay attention to is the door frame is quite thick with 7″ wide aluminim trim with ridges on the bottom. So, to get to deck you have to step over 7″ aluminim trim and then there is 7″ drop. I completely messed up and unfortunately the contractor didn’t notice the details near my door.
Now, I am trying to fix this by rising deck surface along the width of the door by around 5″. Rest of the deck can be over the joists. So, what is the best possible way to rise joist height in about 8′ X 8′ section close to the door? If it’s allowed I don’t mind putting another base framing across the current one. Hope there is solution without having to put new footings.
Some pictures to give idea of the door and the current framing.
Replies
Do be wary of creating a hazard where someone walking out is not aware of the step. At the very least use a contrasting material on the "nose" of the step down.
Simple method:
Apply deck boards to exising structure, build a box at the correct height, Screw it down to the deck boards.
Consider putting a step on the inside as well.
Make a step at the door. Frame it so that the frame is half the difference minus the height of one deck board. I'd probably make it 14" wide as well.
Deck height
Install the deck surface on the deck first, then frame a new step-up that is the depth of the "recess area" and extends from the kitchen door to the opposite wall and is the same step height from "Kitchen to new deck" and from "new deck to existing deck" now your "step-down" will be "sensible" when walking either in or out and give room for people "meeting" each other at the doorway a place to "back up" from people exiting the kithchen with ease and safety.
Good Luck
Geoff
I think some of the previous comments are saying similar things but I just want to reinforce and clarify the point.
I would build up another deck in that alcove area near the door to match threshold height to reduce trip or step down.
I would run new frame perpendicular to existing framing unless you are adamant about all the flooring running in the same direction.
This would move the stepdown out away from the door and be more easily visible as you approach the door. And as said, it gives some wiggle room near the door for folks coming and going from house. It gives room to back up or move aside without having a stepdown there.
And having the decking direction change makes the level separation more obvious.
Perfect solution! Much better than a step too. You didn't need us at all!
Joist Over
Install 2x joists on top of your existing josits. Siuze the add-on joists to compensate for your deck height.
The advice to deck over and then build a box on top will accelerate the the deteriorataion of the PT due to trapping water and restricted drying.