In this video, Christopher Blue, the contractor we hired to build our new front entrance composite deck meticulously installs 2’’ x 10” joists 12” on center to support the Trex composite decking.

Here’s some background information about this project:
By removing the old cedar deck with rotting frame and posts at the front entrance to our house, the original concrete porch and steps were revealed. Although in very good condition, the small 3’ x 4’ porch was barely large enough for opening and closing the glass storm door, especially when carrying something large like a suitcase or bag of groceries. And we missed having a deck where we could sit outdoors and appreciate the amazing view of the Olympic Mountains while enjoying a glass of wine. So, we decided we wanted to have a new, larger deck installed using composite decking that won’t rot or need to be resealed every year. The remaining question was what to do about the concrete porch and steps? Should we cover it over with decking like the old cedar deck, bust it up using a jackhammer, or lay tile over it and frame the deck around the entrance porch. After getting several estimates and studying these options, we eliminated laying composite decking on top of the concrete because the thicker boards would make the deck too high for opening the door. Removing the porch with a jackhammer would have to be done by myself (no way!) or by a different contractor, which would extend the time in getting the project done. Laying tile on the porch myself and hiring a contractor to frame the deck around it was the most feasible, and aesthetically appealing option. After all, I had installed luxury vinyl tile indoors several times myself (check out my videos). Laying porcelain tile on a small 3’ x 4’ concrete porch couldn’t be all that difficult. Or could it? Although I am pleased with the results, it was a lot more work and hassle than I ever imagined, especially reducing the slope using a thicker layer of mortar at the far end while keeping the tiles level.

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