| Floor Joists and Deck Boards |
| Redwood decking is attached to the joists. |
From "Trade School"
episode DTRS-311 |
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Having established the deck perimeter, the floor joists are finished and the redwood decking is attached.
1. Robert Schmidt begins by measuring for his first joist placement—24 inches from the end of the attached ledger board. The remaining joists are also attached at 24 inch intervals.2. All the joist members must sit flush with the perimeter boards, so Robert uses the 2" x 6" wood block template to precisely line up the first of several joist hangers (figure A). With the hanger positioned, he nails it into the ledger board (figure B). He then connects a hanger opposite the perimeter in the same manner.
3. Robert cuts a raw 2" x 6" board to length on the chop saw (figure C), and then slides the joist into and between the two hangers. As he hammers side nails through the hanger and into the joist, his instructor applies top pressure by standing on the board (figure D). This trick-of-the-trade helps prevent the boards from squeaking when later walked upon.
4. Robert would normally proceed to setting the remaining joists in the same manner, but with the sloping concrete slab obstructing the space, he must make a few adjustments to each board. After cutting the board to length, he snaps a chalk line that transfers the concrete slope (figure E). He then uses a table saw to carefully rip the board to a taper following the chalk line (figure F).5. Instead of sliding this now tapered joist between two hangers, Robert only uses a hanger for the end of the board that attaches to the outer rim joist. He toenails the tapered end of the joist directly to the ledger board, and then in place of a hanger, he places a small board next to the joist for vertical support and screws it into the ledger board (figure G).
6. After setting the remaining joists in the above manner, Robert proceeds to installing the deck boards. Crafting the first board to fit over the ledger board and along the uneven edge of the house is critical to the look and stability of the remaining boards. Having measured around the front face of the house, Robert marks the first board and sets to trimming the width using a circular saw (figure H). To fit along the house, he cuts out notches using a jigsaw (figure I).
7. To permanently set the deck boards, Robert uses an auto-feed screw-driving tool. This handy device allows Robert to make quick work of screwing in the planks in an upright position as opposed to stooping.8. To set the first plank, Robert stands on the board and drives screws through the joist below (figure J). Knowing that the planks eventually shrink slightly in this dry climate, Robert leaves no gaps as he continues setting planks. He addresses any warping boards by pushing the board with his foot as he screws (figure K). 9. For this deck, Robert and his instructor perform the additional service of bolstering the support posts for a sagging roof overhang (figure L). Instead of sitting on the concrete slab, the posts now sit directly on the new deck surface.
In the next segment, Robert finishes out the deck by installing a railing system and adding a custom flower box.
RESOURCES :
The Deck Company
Website: www.thedeckcompanyinc.com
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