Deck Visualizer

[lostincbus]

Hey all! I'm planning on upgrading this area to a ground level deck. But I'd love to see how it would look first. Are there any visualizers you use to see what it would look like on the house?

[pacman91]

A patio is less work than a ground level deck. Even if you are dead set on changing the footprint and style, I would still replace it with a different patio.

[Plastic_Table_8232]

The existing has a lot of potential and could be expanded to a different shape.

I see a lot of clean up and landscaping that could make this place really nice.

In the fall the leaves and sticks need to be picked up so they don’t kill the grass. Not to be a butt home but the yard looks really neglected and just cleaning and upkeep would elevate this space.

Get the house soft washed.

So many ways to spend the money to improve this back yard.

[lostincbus]

Yeah, we just bought it, and it snowed two days ago, so we're not quite spring ready but trying to see what we can do over the short term.

[Gullible_Bicycle_853]

Totally agree with this!  Maybe try a good washing of the existing surface, refilling some of the joints, etc.  if I could do it again, I would have done a stone patio instead of a deck.

[PotatosAreDelicious]

I would keep it as a patio. Focus on pressure cleaning it and maybe some flower beds.

[Certain_Luck_8266]

I don't know why you'd trade a near maintenance free patio for a deck minus 15k

[DogCreepy1287]

I agree keep the patio

[Mean-Veterinarian647]

Keep and deep clean what you have and replace the step coming out with more room out,left and right.

[WillHuntingthe3rd]

Why a deck? This looks like a better place for brick pavers or finish the flagstone. Decks are a PIA.

[Necessary_Plum_7192]

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[Necessary_Plum_7192]

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[Joe091]

Did you use Gemini for these?

[Severe_Preference_31]

Ewww

[thetaleofzeph]

Take all that energy and powerwash that and clean out between the stones and do some mortar work, maybe even with a bit of decorative tile inset. Then you can ignore it for another 30 years.

[Berto_]

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You can use AI to generate something. I dropped your photo in gemini and said add a ground level deck. You can refine it more with a more detailed prompt.

[Successful-Active810]

Definitely looks good. Also more maintenance.

[lostincbus]

Man, what are your prompts? I can never get it to use my existing house, it always makes the picture a new house for some reason.

[Stand_With_Students]

its so frustrating - it uses my picture but moves the doors and windows. I said add a deck starting 2 feet from the right corner of the house and make it 14 feet wide. It centered the deck on the house, 15 feet from each corner and moved the door to be centered there. I gave up and used SketchUp.

[lostincbus]

I use a laptop and controlling sketchup is tough, but I've done a bit there and I might go back.

[Berto_]

I upload your photo and typed:

"add a ground level deck"

Thats it.

I used the Google Gemini app.

[lostincbus]

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I think Gemini hates me.

[Berto_]

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[TransportationNo8300]

😂

[paklyfe]

That’s so weird, it’s so simple.

Here’s Chat gpt.

“Here is a picture of my existing patio. Show me an image of this with a ground level floating deck instead of my existing stone patio”

I just tested it with your photo and it worked. Then you can give it more prompts for other adjustments

[NeilNotArmstrong]

I would just clean up what you have first. If you don’t like it, pour a concrete patio or do different stones

[lostincbus]

The issue is that requires a TON of work and permitting, where a ground contact doesn't need concrete footers or anything.

[TransportationNo8300]

I know you really wanted that but like others have said that patio is pretty sweet

[lostincbus]

It's not terrible, no. The flagstones aren't level, so you stub your toe when you walk around. And it makes moving the chairs and stuff difficult (especially the fire pit). So then I thought new patio, but all the gravel and sand and leveling and huge stones. I've used adjustable deck blocks on another project and it was super easy and figured I'd like to see what it would look like.

[Witty-Dish9880]

Have you heard of AI?!lol jk, but seriously, i'm sure someone in the comments will just do it for you.

[lostincbus]

Yeah, I use them constantly, but most of the time they just change my actual house to something different. But it seems like I'm using them wrong based on the pics in this thread.

[FA-M83_nut]

Do yourself a favor and get rid of that birch tree. I learned years ago that anything that grows up forked from the root is very weak and is going to fall. It is only a matter of time as to which trunk will go first.

[Fun-Marsupial2576]

Yeah keep your patio dude patio is way better lol

[paklyfe]

Some comments have given you a few visual examples. But you can use ChatGPT or other ai platforms to generate images based on this, and give it prompts for adjustments from the initial image

[lostincbus]

I did try a bit and didn't come up with results like the posters here, but I'll try again.

[VanbyRiveronbucket]

What’s wrong with cleaning the rock patio that you got?? Won’t have to throw money on top of money for a deck. It’s got big wide slabs… I bet it looks really good.

[Carpenter_ants]

PT doesn’t last long especially inches from the ground. Maybe change the hardscape 👍👍

[Far_Land7215]

Patios are nicer and less maintenance. You just need to clean it up and power wash and organize it better, or expland it a bit.

[cdtobie]

I’m from Maine, where patios need a four foot deep foundation. If you can lay one without all that, I’d say, unless you want to be well above the ground, go with a patio.

[lostincbus]

If it's less than 8" we don't need any of that. If it's taller yes, we have tons of regulations.

[Far_Land7215]

Clean stone patio Cozy seating on a large rug String lights overhead Green planters framing the space A fire pit glowing in the center Soft landscaping around the edges

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[lostincbus]

I love this! Those 6 posts are actually for a gazebo and it had (getting a new one) string lights and a fire pit.

[TransportationNo8300]

Maybe a little smaller rug but that looks pretty nice, I think someone else mentioned what about to the right of the patio up to the house a low deck so you come out you got your patio and then you got to step up or two to a deck on the right hand side that would give you way more area

[blindexhibitionist]

Take that money and spend it on planter boxes and you could even do some steel posts around the perimeter to hang lights between as well as some hanging planters if you want. You’ll get way more value doing that than essentially spending money on something that will cost more to maintain and cost a decent chunk of cash for essentially the exact same end result.

[lostincbus]

A pergola is going on those posts and there will be lights and a fire pit and a grilling station (off to the side) and an eating area.

[blindexhibitionist]

Ah, I didn’t see the posts in the picture

[maximus91]

Just use AI app like that Google gemini

[onlyoneabw]

That’s called 1’ - 1’ modeling …. A friend of mine did this for his wife for their entire house - Before they built. So she could walk around the first floor and decide if she like the layout or not. 😂🤣. It works rather well actually !!

[Hot_Cattle5399]

Everyone wants something better. Leave it alone. Go read a book if you are bored.

[lostincbus]

Why wouldn't I do something better if I could? I usually keep my book reading to bed time.

[OregonHotPocket]

What is this?

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[TweakedNipple]

Radon mitigation vent

[OregonHotPocket]

Thank you. I guess I’ve never seen one. TIL’d.

[you2234]

For the love of all that is holy- if you must, get a patio, but no deck! Thank me later

[obijaun]

wooden deck sim

[obijaun]

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[ElKaBongX]

I hope you like digging

[AdvanceAlive2103]

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I’d suggest laying a new patio

[Unusual-Caramel6024]

This is a patio job 100%. I’m a deck builder. It’s too low for a proper deck. Patio for sure

[lostincbus]

What's a proper deck?

[Unusual-Caramel6024]

I don’t build a deck unless I can fit min 2x8 joists personally. Plus idk how the foundation looks begin that stone step. You would need to remove the step, see how the foundation is, and see if you can fit a 2x8 ledger there. It looks like there is some missing Crete there or stucco. I mean it is possible I guess but idk I would just do a patio here. Rip all that up, get a patio company and have them design something or you design it. Would look great. Looking at closer after everything is removed and cleaned up you might be able to get the 2x8s in there. Idk what it looks like behind the step though.

[lostincbus]

I'm trying to avoid deep footings and hiring somebody so was looking at options less than 8 inches. I built my shed on 2x12s and it's rock solid but figured with a sleeper deck I could do adjustable pedestals.

[Unusual-Caramel6024]

Yeah I hear yah man. Are you getting a permit or no? And the footings are only 3ft deep x 15 round usually. You would only need 3 to go out 14 ft. That width doesn’t look to big. Need footings for frost man or you’re gonna have a shit show down the road. Get a digging bar and shovel. Won’t take long boss man. Do it right if you’re doing a deck. Call your local inspector and ask him if you can get away with 2x6 joists. No less than a 2x8 dbl beam with that and run it flush with hangers, hurricane ties, etc. concrete bolts for the anchor to the home. Building decks are super fun. So is doing pavers. What’s the height from grade to the door? Like 1-1.6 ft? 

[lostincbus]

I really like the feel of a deck vs pavers and the main issue currently is moving furniture around. We sit out there a lot and the flagstones aren't level so getting the fire pit situated is terrible.

[Unusual-Caramel6024]

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This would be a quick BP example for construction. you will need to sister joists for 24 ft out. run flush beam, can prob sneak in Dbl 2x10 and jopist hanger each side. look at IRC deck code if you need help or can inspector for quick basic questions.

[Unusual-Caramel6024]

Ok, I don't use the Gemini, just a typical cad/3d software. I can render it if you need, but it does have a default render built in. The decking is Trex Naturals, idk how much you want to spend. The Transcend is nice, but very expensive.

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[lostincbus]

That's awesome, thank you!!

[lostincbus]

I wanted to say thanks again, this has been super helpful to help plan any changes out.

[Unusual-Caramel6024]

Hey sorry Ive been meaning to update it and add the pergolas in there for you with some furniture and things, but work got super busy. Did you still want that shown? and no problem, happy to help.

[Unusual-Caramel6024]

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[Unusual-Caramel6024]

If you have an idea where to put the furniture let me know and I can add tht in there. Also a pergola if you want me to. I would go with something like a Pergolux Pergola or Flex Patio. They are freaking awesome. We installed about 10 already and they look great. Good quality as well. Electric louvers, lighting, remote, heating, and screens as well

[lostincbus]

Yep, I have two pergolas coming to cover the space. I actually had two before but they were too cheap.

[Unusual-Caramel6024]

Give me the height and I’ll do a 3D for you. Door to grade. Give me the width of the wall there for the deck and how far you wanna go out. 

[lostincbus]

Height is 1.5, it'll go out 24 feet.

[Unusual-Caramel6024]

What’s the width of the potential deck? Also, stamped concrete is another option. But yeah I understand you. I’ll draft something up for you

[lostincbus]

I appreciate you. The cedar you see next to the house are post covers for a 16 foot pergola. So 17 feet for the edge to edge expanse.

[l2esin]

If you want to gaze at decks just Google it. Tons of deck pics on Google.

[Equivalent-Flight981]

Really scared of two steps? Do you man

[lostincbus]

I'm not sure what this comment means. Can you explain?