So I decided to spoil myself and put a roof over the deck.
I quickly ditched ideas for temporary structures such as awnings. Instead, I'd reinforce and improve the current deck while making something that would last.
I started with a survey of the present structure, which I had a good look at when I installed the backyard lighting. The deck is in two levels and I knew that the roof would only cover the smaller, higher section. This meant that three corners would connect to the house directly. The final corner would not be free hanging, nor would it rest on the deck itself. A new post would go from the ground up, supporting both the deck and the roof. I wanted a strong crossbeam to support the roof, which meant a second post as well.
Most of the deck sits on what I assume was the original cement patio. This would be the foundation on which my roof posts would rest. I went with the idea of bolting pressure-treated 4x4's into brackets embedded in cement feet. I installed some temporary posts to hold up the deck while I tore out the main leg. For the second post, there was nothing but dirt underneath. I toyed with the idea of creating a new slab as the house came with a couple bags of cement. I dug a hole and filled it with gravel and sand, compressing both to make sure that the slab wouldn't sink under the weight of the deck. Then I realized I had a perfectly good slab that was just about the perfect size and was completely useless in it's currently location. Once everything was bolted in place and I kicked out the temp supports, I sighed my relief that the entire deck didn't collapse.
The hard work was now over. I put the cross beam up and excessively bolted it into place once I verified everything was level. So far, so good.
I next ran studs perpendicular to the support beam. I spaced them out based on the distance between the existing roof boards. As usual, I added way more support than required but I wanted this to be invincible. Atop the studs, again going perpendicular to the layer below, I added 1x6 slats. I left an approximately one inch gap between boards. This would allow a glimpse into the the construction of the project log after it was complete but also a nice pattern of contrasting stripes. I got the idea from some of the plans I'd had investigated going into this project.
Over the slats a laid a layer of roofing felt. This would help insulate the project, but also provide the dark contrast with the slats. On top of this I put down two 4x8 OSB sheets to act as the final structural piece. This meant I had something solid overhead that would block out all the weather but also support a great deal of weight. Again, I rolled out some felt on top of this to keep all the wood materials below dry. And to protect this material, rather than put in shingles or tile, I matched how the rest of the root was constructed. First, I put in some bent rails to channel all water away from the seams of the project, ensuring completely water tight construction. All remaining gaps, holes, and other openings inevitable with construction, were filled in with tar. After this had time to properly cure, I sealed everything in with white roofing paint. This provides waterproofing as well as heat protection. The white reflects most of the sunlight and prevents the roof itself from heating up and radiating down into your shelter.
As a finishing touch, I rotated the handrail under the new shelter to make it a perfect shelf to hold refreshing drinks while I hang out in the shade.
The finished product met all of my needs and cost almost exactly what I figured it would up front. Around $500 but that includes a slew of new tools required to complete the work.
