At the Baehr home, entertaining and children's activities are a major priority. To enlarge the entertaining space, they are in the process of building a large multipurpose staging platform.
The platform site has been selected and the postholes have been dug. As the corner posts are placed, they are checked for level before quick-drying cement is poured into each hole (figure A) (figure B). After pouring the cement, just add the recommended amount of water and let is set up according to package directions.
When the posts are in place, Dean begins the process of connecting them with joists. As the first joist goes into place, it is checked for level, then attached to the posts with 4" deck screws and further secured with heavy-duty lag screws (figure C) (figure D).
Joist hangers, available in different materials and sizes, are used to help hold the 2x8 joists and are spaced at 16" on center (figure E). As a final reinforcement, blocking is attached between the joists to prevent any chance of sagging deck boards (figure F).
While the construction is under way, the fabric panels are started; they will frame the platform and act as stage curtains for the children's productions (figure G). The weather-resistant fabric is made up into two panels for each corner of the stage. Each panel has a 4" rod pocket and a 6" hem and will be hung approximately 8' above the ground. The fabric is 54" wide, and each panel is 96" long (figure H). For perfectly straight lines, initial cuts are made at the desired length, then the fabric is ripped the rest of the way across. And although this type of fabric is made to resist mildew and fading, it isn't dirt-resistant and will need to be washed as required.
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
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