As the Basses' new expanded deck begins to take shape, the next step is to strengthen the frame with new joists, evenly spaced no more than 17" apart. Another frame is built around the trees with joists spaced wide enough to allow the trees to grow to maturity over the years.
Note: To determine the correct joist spacing around trees, add 2" to the size the tree trunk will reach at maturity (figure A). The joists are braced to ensure long-term stability, and the decking is placed close around the trunk of the trees; as the trees grow, the decking can be cut back as needed (figure B) (figure C).
Posts are added to hold the railings on the deck. Each post is screwed into place, and lag bolts are added to secure the posts. With the posts in place, it's time to install the decking. Installing composite decking is a dream for the do-it-yourselfer. The tongue of one piece slides into the groove of the adjacent piece of decking, while 2-1/2" stainless-steel or high-quality coated deck screws, toenailed into the frame beneath the deck surface, pull the sections of decking tightly together (figure D) (figure E).
Note: An important point to remember is that when butt joints are needed to match pieces of decking together, the butt joint needs to be seated over a joist to be able to screw each piece of wood securely together (figure F) (figure G).
The pressure-treated railing deck posts are trimmed to size with standard woodworking tools and covered with a composite base and sleeve (figure H).While the deck is being worked on, existing flowerpots are collected, cleaned and scored in preparation for decorating. A collection of shells, stencils, rope and exterior spray paint is used to update the pots (figure I). Ornamental grasses and zinnias along with culinary herbs such as basil and thyme will fill the new planters (figure J).
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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