DIY Network

Deck, Flooring, New Walls and More! From "DIY to the Rescue" episode DTTR-409F

Music teacher Kris Kuhlman has a great house -- except for the damaged front porch. The screens are falling away from the frames and the brick floor is uneven. The DIY to the Rescue team will help Kris install a new composite deck , build short walls, add new screens and restore character and a welcoming look to the porch.

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Composite Deck Installation:

Materials:

Masonry bit
Masonry anchors
Miter box or miter saw
Tape measure
Finish nailer
Finish nails
Hammer
Nail punch
Treated lumber for frame
Composite lumber for flooring

1. Measure width of porch, using a tape measure we will start the framing by getting our measurements.

2. Cut sleepers to length, these are the smaller strips of lumber that will be places under the floor to keep it away from the bricks. Position sleepers.

3. Use masonry bit to pre-drill brick and cement. Use construction adhesive on the bottom of the sleepers, then use tapcon screws to secure the sleepers to the brick.

4. Once the sleepers are in place, start laying the floor boards.

Flooring:

• Measure one board-width off the wall and snap a chalk-line.

• Face-nail the first row of boards, then use a pneumatic flooring nailer to nail each nail into the tongue of the board.

• Create a random pattern when nailing and keep boards from ending equally.

• Install trim by nailing at an angle.

Short Wall Construction:

Materials:

Pry bar
Utility knife
Hammer
Tape measure
Saw
Wood chisel
Drill
Screwdriver
Level
Finish nailer
Finish nails
Framing nailer
Framing nails
Miter box or miter saw
Caulk gun
Doors
Lumber for jam
Paint
Caulk

Measure top to bottom, then cut the framing members to length (these will be 2 x 4 studs).
1. Arrange studs on the ground, spaced two feet apart. (This framing can be placed at 24" centers because the load-bearing part of the structure is the corner area.)

2. Attach the sole or bottom plate (this should be treated-lumber, because it be closest to the floor and therefore exposed to the most moisture.)

3. Next, lift the framed wall into place and secure with 16d nails to the columns on each side.

4. The team adds exterior-grade MDF on both sides to enclose the framing.

5. Attach the top plate and trim work.

To complete the job, the Rescue team adds new lighting and a faux mantle.