Rita Thornburg and Roger Hackett have a backyard dilemma: after building a large deck for entertaining and relaxing, they simply ran out of energy and ideas for finishing the under-portion of the structure. Adding to the unattractive look of the unfinished deck is a badly proportioned lower step on the deck steps; a noisy, unsightly air-conditioning unit; and out-of-control shrubbery (figure A) (figure B). To the rescue comes the Grounds for Improvement team, Jackie Taylor and Dean Hill, with great ideas on how to improve the space (figure C).
Their plan includes adding two types of trim around the base of the deck, building an air-conditioning screen structure that matches the deck trim and adjusting the bottom deck step to match the rise of the rest of the steps (figure D). Tying the space together are new planting beds, and for a touch of whimsy, the old swing set becomes prime real estate for some feathered friends.Rita and Roger had extra balusters remaining from building the deck; these will be used to create a trellis, which -- along with solid boards -- will create a series of open and skirted areas running along the base of the deck, providing an enclosed storage space and a secure, locked area for the family canoe. The space beneath the deck is measured for horizontal rails and the boards are cut to length. They are then checked for level and secured to the deck posts with an air nail gun. When the top and bottom horizontal boards are in place, solid vertical boards are inset to set flush with the deck posts and attached to the horizontal boards (figure E) (figure F).
While the deck is being worked on, the old swing set's legs are cut off at ground level with a saw and the concrete that held the swing secure is removed from the ground.
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
Plants provided by Hancock Horticultural Services
Hancock Horticultural Services Inc.
Phone: 865-933-3200
Power nailer
Model #Pro250G2
Simpson Strong-Tie and Quik Drive
Website: www.quikdrive.com
Lumber provided by Southern Pine Marketing Council
Southern Pine Marketing Council
Website: www.southernpine.com
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