September 15th, 2009 -- Posted in decking ideas |
I want to put decking on my well drained 14 m2 enclosed patio. 4×2 joists would cost a fortune, so do you think it would be a good idea to use pallets as a base?
If you have ever tried to dismantle a pallet you will know how well the are made, if you get pallets in good condition, and you can get amost new pallets quite cheap there is no reason why they can’t be be used under decking but you MUST make sure the are based on a damp prevetion barrier, the best way to achieve this is to put bricks under the pallets and ordniary roof slates between the pallets and the bricks, roof slates are one of the best damp proof barriers there is, make sure that no part of the pallets are in contact with the ground, or will be in the future, and as a precaution treat the wood with a good preservative. They might not last forever but the will last a very long time.
Technorati Tags: building a deck, decking ideas, decks
September 14th, 2009 -- Posted in decking ideas |
We are taking down an old deck and wanting to just put in stairs. I can’t find anything. All I seem to be finding is deck ideas. I would like to be able to design it myself so a CAD program would be great! I would appreciate any help.
Building the stairs isn’t that difficult IF you have carpentry skills, are able to calculate and have patience…not usually something for a typical diyer without understanding the components, especially if you have a long run. You need to have a landing so the basic deck frame is a good place to look for structure. If you want a short run, the first link will show you what that will look like – for a longer run, you need longer stringers…basically a fairly fast moving slide show – good for visual aid, has dimensions and can be replayed. Second link is more of a how to with no pictures, the steps being the last part discussed. Third link is there for you to familiarize yourself with staircase lingo – will help give you a better understanding for what you’re undertaking. Forth link is a stair stringer design calculator. Before you start, check to see if you need a permit for your area – and – if you need to have cement footings for the stringers. Better to be safe than sorry! Once the plan is underway, be certain that the ground is level – both for the frame and the stringers when those are attached. I hope this helps you – best of luck!
Technorati Tags: deck stairs, decking ideas
September 6th, 2009 -- Posted in decking ideas |
So you’ve become interested in deck construction, but you’re not clear on how to build a deck? You’ve seen hundreds of examples of decking ideas and designs on other people’s landscapes. You like the idea that building a deck will mean having an attractive “outdoor living space” at your disposal. Problem is, you don’t know where to begin, you say? Your do-it-yourself carpentry skills are basic at best, and the prospect of deck design and construction from scratch is rather daunting? Well, you’ve come to the right place. This article is meant to serve as a springboard for those interested in building decks, who seek information geared for the beginner. This article should provide novices with enough information to get them started with supplies and tools.
I’ll focus on the essential steps in deck building, with emphasis on the initial steps that get the project off on sound footing. Space does not permit treatment of the finishing touches, such as railings and deck sealers. My goal is simply to furnish you with a solid foundation – both literally and figuratively. Once beginners get started on a project as complex as this one, one of their most obvious needs will be to ask questions. An opportunity to do so will arise when they shop for lumber and other supplies for the deck project at a hardware store. The hardware store can be a great source of free information. But to ask intelligent questions, you need some knowledge of the subject already, including knowledge of the terminology used to discuss the various aspects of it. You also need an introduction to some basic problem solving in deck construction. Think about the freestanding deck as an alternative to the type that gets secured directly to a house. Why? Because although you can still place a freestanding deck adjacent to a house, a freestanding deck obviates a problem for the non-carpenter: namely, it avoids having to remove siding from your house (a scary thought for most of us). You need to be made aware of such challenges that await you in your initial foray into deck construction. Once you become aware of the problems – and mull over some suggestions as to how to solve them – you’ll be brimming with astute questions when you walk into the hardware store.
Speaking of the hardware store, some of the supplies you’ll need for your decking ideas are likely to include the following: Flashing Caulking compound, Pre-mixed concrete, Gravel or crushed stone, Cinder blocks, Post caps, Post bases, Seismic ties, Joist hangers, Cardboard tube, concrete forms, and Rebar. If you must use nails, use stainless steel or HDG nails (either ring-shank nails or spiral-groove, for better holding power). But it is preferable to use deck screws, Joist hanger nails, HDG bolts, or lag screws and washers.
The following are some of the tools you may need for this deck project: Shovel, Carpenter’s level, Carpenter’s square, Plumb bob, Wheelbarrow (for mixing concrete), Caulking gun, Drill Wrench (to tighten lag screws), Hammer, Circular saw, Tape measure, Safety eyewear, and Scrap lumber for bracing.
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