DIY Network

Creating a Solid Foundation A new deck is designed. From "Trade School" episode DTRS-311

Anton Shafer teaches a former HVAC technician, Robert Schmidt how to add serious curb appeal to an older house as they lay the groundwork to build a new redwood deck atop a concrete porch.

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Materials:

wood stakes
string
framing square
power auger
posthole digger
wheelbarrow
mason's hoe
concrete trowel
portable table saw
chop/miter saw
level
power drill
hammer drill
hammer
clamps
block template
chalk line
circular saw
jig saw
auto-feed screwdriver
baluster jig
reciprocating saw
hand sander
paint brush/roller

1. Based on the deck's dimensions, Robert and Anton start by preparing the site. While Anton removes an existing rail fence using a sledgehammer, Robert jackhammers a concrete slab to rubble (figure B). Note: Because the complete deck will eventually cover up this area, he only needs to break up the concrete and extract the bigger pieces.

2. Anton guides Robert through the process of laying out the dimensions of the new deck with stakes and string. After identifying the spots for the support posts, Robert makes sure his layout is true using a framing square (figure C).

Figure B

Figure C

3. With the layout done, Robert and Anton use a two-man power auger to bore holes in the soil for the deck's support posts (figure D). They make sure to dig to a depth past the frost line of this region, approximately 30 inches. Robert goes back to refine the sides and bottom of each hole using a posthole digger (figure E).

4. Robert adds water to a dry concrete mix in a wheelbarrow, churning it with a mason's hoe. Once the proper consistency has been established, he places the support posts--which are long 4 x 4's, into each hole and pours the concrete (figure F).

Figure D

Figure E

Figure F

5. With the concrete poured to the top of each hole, Robert agitates the posts to release any trapped air. He then makes sure each post is plumb using a level (figure G). The thickness of the concrete holds the post in place. With the posts set in place, he trowels the top of the concrete sloping away from the support post for proper drainage (figure H). Robert allows the concrete to dry overnight.

6. To ensure the front-facing support posts are in alignment, Robert and Anton tie a string line across them (figure I). They notice the middle one is set back about one inch and will eventually require a wood spacer to correct the problem.

Figure G

Figure H

Figure I

RESOURCES :

The Deck Company
Website: www.thedeckcompanyinc.com