[QUOTE=Vermilion Villager;2317096]We have a CYV in Marsh Bend. We have an 8'x16 concrete slab off the lania. We want to extend the area to the back concrete wall, and at the same time raise it to the floor level of the lania.

If Lowes and Home Depot carry it, SOMEBODY installs it. My concern would be the possibility of it turning into a varmint hotel (snakes, possums, bobcats, etc.). I know in Michigan, these critters love the safety that a small confined space life that attracts.

We just poured a 10x10 slab for $1800 (with ARC approval) - at our home in MA just priced Trex (the type that stays cool to the touch) $150 for a 20’ board-

1x6
 

If that’s a 1x6, then 10 foot of 12” board is 150, which brings the area to be covered to 1500 dollars. BUT, that wouldn’t cover the extras like supports, clips, piles, labor etc and Trex doesn’t last forever in the Florida sun.

I would also go with pavers and avoid matching issues by not trying to match. Create intentional contrast even if only a 1-2' board then go back to concrete color if you want. Cheaper to do, easier to repair/replace pavers if you drop grease, break, etc. FWIW, Trex is great up north where a deck can be snow covered for months since it doesn't rot, doesn't need to be painted, etc. But snakes and critters under it are to be expected!

Yep....did that too

Trex
 

I will 2nd that Trex getes very hot. A PVC deck will not get hot so I would suggest that if you go forward with decking. Don't know if it is available around here or not.

Wondering if mold between concrete and deck would be a problem.

Thanks for the feedback.
Do you have the name of the concrete contractor? The ground deck will be 14x20 when finished. Based on what you paid for concrete I would estimate the cost for this would be around $4000-$5000.
The plan is to span the existing concrete pad and also raise the deck so we can walk out our lanai right on to the deck instead of stepping down. You could do it this in concrete but it would involve pouring a 6 inch slab on top of a 6 inch slab and then extending that out to the finished size and either raising the area beyond the original pad with dirt or… As you can see it could get very expensive real quick.

Good point..... I know where the deck covers the Earth they will cover that with a membrane that is water permiable and then put crushed rock down. They may have to do the same thing over the concrete slab.

TREX is an excellent deck material BUT it gets extremely hot in the Florida sun. I have a friend who built a step down from his lanai out of TREX and it will burn bare feet in the summer. Just investigate and see if this is the right fit for you.

Being I don't know what you have or where you live my advice would be to go to the ARC monthly meeting and bring the plans of what you are thinking about. They will tell you right then and there if you need an ARC. If you do they will help you fill out the forms and go through the proper process.

I personally have built these before in Minnesota… And yes we have critters up there to including snakes and spiders. What they typically do is backfill between each Joist with rock right up to the level of where the decking board will be. This prevents anything from getting through and setting up house.

TREX claims to have a new material that stays cooler in the sun. I would opt for a lighter color to match the house anyways. Also… The area where I'm going to put the deck would be primarily used in the late afternoon and evening. It's too hot back there...even in the grass in the middle of the afternoon!

[QUOTE=Priebehouse;2317353]Amen to that. OP seems to know what he wants in any case. The heat of TREX, the fact that it WILL harbor vermin (think black racers, spiders, etc) and would be difficult to work around should there be a need to get below the deck would make me decide against it. Of all the comments I think Tinker’s suggestion for pavers, perhaps large ones easier to level with existing patio, would be what I would pursue.

[QUOTE=Sandy and Ed;2317441]I agree, fill sand and pavers would be the way to go.