How to Construct a Deck Over a Cement Patio

Ensure that the concrete patio is clean and free of debris. Scrub the concrete with a stiff broom and concrete degreaser to remove the bulk of the stains. This will also loosen embedded debris from the pores of the concrete.

Measure the patio to determine the number of decking tiles you need and select the tiles in the appropriate wood grain and size for your project. Allow extras for tiles that must be cut around any corners, pipes or other obstacles.

Position the first decking tile into place on the cement patio. Secure the next tile to it by snapping the connecting tabs into place. Continue snapping the tiles into place until the whole patio has been covered.

Cut the decking tiles as needed around obstacles with a jigsaw. Create a pattern for any cuts using a piece of stiff cardboard, then trace the pattern onto the decking tile and cut as needed. If you cut the screws that secure the backing to the tile off, you need to take them out of the extra piece and rescrew them into the edges of the piece you are using.

Install the reducer strips -- if they came with your tiles -- around the edges of the patio by snapping them to the sides of the decking tiles. These hide the plastic tabs on the sides of the tiles.

Treat the wood decking tiles every six to 12 months with a wood sealer, available from your home improvement store. Due to the wide variety of sealers available, you should follow the manufacturer's directions for sealing the wood tiles.