DIY Network

Entertainment Area: Evaluating the Situation Entertainment Area: Evaluating the Situation From "Grounds for Improvement" episode DGFI-212

Figure A

What would you do if you had a large, enclosed backyard (figure A)? For the Baehr family, it's party central for lots of entertaining, including annual theme parties and performances staged by their three children. And although they have a good-sized deck, parties always spill over into the yard, and seating becomes difficult to accommodate. What they'd really like to do is extend their entertaining area into the yard with a space for extra seating; they'd also like to have a play space for their three children, who like to put on stage and dance performances.

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Figure B

For Jackie Taylor and Dean Hill, the Grounds for Improvement team, the goal is a multipurpose entertainment space (figure B). A large platform will be constructed in a spot between two trees; to add visual appeal and provide a true stage for the children's productions, weather-resistant fabric curtains will be hung across the front of the platform. When pulled to the side, the curtains frame the stage and add an attractive element to the multipurpose deck. Landscaping and mulch provide additional visual framing to the platform.

Tools
Circular saw
Miter saw
Cordless drivers
Corded driver
Table saw
Quick driver
Shovels
Rakes
Wheelbarrow
Hose
Tarps

Materials (dining area/stage)
2x8x12 posts (4)
2x8x10 posts (4)
2x8x8 posts (16)
4x4x8 posts (5)
4x4x14 posts (4)
5/4" composite deck boards (20)
5/16"x4" lag screw assemblies (14)
32 joist hangers

Materials (curtains and valance)
30 yards weather-resistant fabric
2x8x16 posts (4)
1x12 metal poles (2)
5/16"x7" carriage-bolt assemblies (8)

Materials (landscaping)
3 cubic yards mulch
9 burning bush plants

The stage area is situated to take advantage of shade provided by two mature trees. After removing overgrown brush, a 10'x12' area is measured out and marked with landscaping paint, then defined with rebar and string (figure C). Postholes are first dug with a two-person gas-powered auger (available at rental store for approximately $75 a day), then finished with a hand-held posthole digger (figure D).

Note: Postholes should be dug well below the local frost line; here they are dug to a depth of 2'.

Figure C

Figure D

RESOURCES :

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

TimberTech Decking
Website: www.timbertech.com

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

Plants provided by Hancock Horticultural Services
Hancock Horticultural Services Inc.
Phone: 865-933-3200

American Society of Landscape Architects

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

Power nailer
Model #Pro250G2
Simpson Strong-Tie and Quik Drive
Website: www.quikdrive.com

Curtain fabric
Fabric.com
Website: fabric.com