DIY Network

Putting the Pit in Its Place Putting the Pit in Its Place From "Grounds for Improvement" episode DGFI-113

This is a part of the project in which teamwork really counts: everyone must pitch in to dig a trench to hold the frame of the platform.

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Figure A

Team members use flat shovels to dig a small hole for the first pit to sit in. After hauling away the dirt and sod from the pit area (figure A), it's time for them to start building the frames. Using pressure-treated lumber is a good idea since the wood will sit directly on the ground: the pressure-treated lumber is designed to withstand rotting.

To start the frame assembly, first Dean measures out the boards for the different lengths required, cutting the pressure-treated boards to 7' for the outside of the platform frames and 64" for the inside ones. He then uses a miter saw to cut the boards. (Remember: Always wear gloves and safety goggles to make sure the boards are the only things you're cutting!)

After the pressure- treated boards have all been cut, it's time to work on the composite decking. Composite decking is state-of–the-art building material: made from recycled materials, such as plastic bags, it has no knotholes or raised grain and does not produce splinters. You can find composite decking at most home-improvement stores. Each composite board will be cut to 38" with a miter saw, using the same method as the pressure-treated boards.

Dean shows Dusty a trick so he won't have to measure each individual board: Take one pressure-treated board and attach a second one, forming a T. Attach that T board on top of a longer one, creating a type of bookend. These boards will become a "stopper" that can now be attached to the miter saw, using clamps, to the appropriate length that the composite decking boards needs to be. Now all you do is bring the new pieces of composite decking through the miter saw, and they'll automatically stop at 38"!

Figure B

After the boards have all been cut, it's time to assemble the first frame. Another helpful tip from Dean: It's a good idea to assemble the frame first, and then move it into place (figure B). Just make sure you have a couple extra hands to help carry the load. Use a screwdriver to attach the pieces together. Once the frame has been assembled, you can place it in the small hole that's been dug out. The weight of the platform is sufficient to keep it in place -- no need for spikes or cement. You'll need to make sure the platform is level and then you can place the composite decking boards on top. They come with predrilled holes, so the installation is easy!

Our team also needs to create a backstop, where the beverage stand will go. First they attach pressure-treated boards to the frame to serve as support posts. Using a screwdriver, they drill through the posts and frame and then secure the two boards with bolts. After that is done, they attach a composite decking board to the new backstop for a finished look. The last step is to attach two more pressure-treated boards to the top of the posts in order to create the beverage shelves.

With the frame intact, the workers fill up the pit with dirt and put the horseshoe rod in place. In order to stay within game regulations, the horseshoe rod must be 2' from the lip of the frame and 18" from each side of the walls; in addition, it should sit exactly 14" above the ground. You can use a mallet to tap the rod into the ground and make sure it's at an angle facing toward the other platform. The second platform can now be assembled exactly like the first and then placed in its hole.

RESOURCES :

American Society of Landscape Architects

Ames True Temper Tools
Ames-True Temper
Website: www.ames-truetemper.com

Quikrete
Website: www.quickrete.com

Sealants
OSI Sealants, Inc.
Website: www.osisealants.com

California Redwood Association
Website: www.calredwood.org

Delta Woodworking Tools
Deltak Power Tools
Website: www.deltamachinery.com

Tools
Porter-Cable Corporation
Website: www.porter-cable.com

Horseshoe set
Dick's Sporting Goods
Web: dickssportinggoods.com

Black and Decker tools
Website: www.blackanddecker.com
Black & Decker, Inc. (Corporate)
Website: www.bdk.com/main_bd.htm

Horseshoe set
Dick's Sporting Goods
Web: dickssportinggoods.com

Irwin Industrial Tool Company
Website: www.irwin.com

Sealants
OSI Sealants, Inc.
Website: www.osisealants.com