Not only are the Basses rebuilding their old splintered, rotting deck, they are also increasing the space to nearly twice its original size. For a young family that has young children and also likes to entertain, this expanded space will serve a dual purpose: it will provide ample space for the kids and their friends while also giving the parents and their friends a great place to gather and enjoy one another's company.
It takes a combination of auger and digger to finish the postholes. Each hole is dug approximately 24" deep and 1' wide to hold 4"x4" posts set in cement (figure A). There are several ways to set posts in concrete; due to the depth of these holes, dry concrete is poured into the holes, then water is added and mixed with the concrete inside the holes (figure B).
Note: Always make sure the posts are straight and level before pouring the concrete.After allowing the concrete a short time to set, the team begins the framing process for the new section of the deck. Each board is attached with lag screws (figure C). Once the frame is attached, the posts are trimmed level with it, leaving the corner post intact. Because there are young children in the house, a special composite tongue-and-groove decking and railing system is chosen that won't injure bare feet (figure D). This type of decking offers a fastener-free surface and doesn't have the maintenance requirements of traditional wood. It doesn't splinter; will never need painting, staining or sealing; and can be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a power washer. Another benefit to composite decking is that it doesn't absorb heat, so it's a comfortable surface for little bare feet on a hot summer's day.
RESOURCES :
Black and Decker tools
Website: www.blackanddecker.com
Black & Decker, Inc. (Corporate)
Website: www.bdk.com/main_bd.htm
Porter-Cable Tools
Porter-Cable Corporation
Website: www.deltaportercable.com
Irwin Industrial Tool Company
Website: www.irwin.com
Ames True Temper Tools
Ames-True Temper
Website: www.ames-truetemper.com
American Society of Landscape Architects
Delta Tools
Deltak Power Tools
Website: www.deltamachinery.com
Simpson Strong-Tie Connectors
Website: www.strongtie.com
Simpson Strong-Tie and Quik Drive
Website: www.quikdrive.com
TimberTech Decking
Website: www.timbertech.com
Sealants
OSI Sealants, Inc.
Website: www.osisealants.com
Plants provided by Hancock Horticultural Services
Hancock Horticultural Services Inc.
Phone: 865-933-3200
Quik Drive
Website: www.quikdrive.com
Simpson Strong-Tie and Quik Drive
Website: www.quikdrive.com
Huttig Building Products
Website: www.huttig.com
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