DIY Network

Deck Spiff-Up: Installing the Tracks for the Retractable Shade Canopy From "Weekend Handyman" episode WKH-108

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In this episode of Weekend Handyman, host Paul Ryan demonstrates how to make your deck dazzle! This is Ryan on the deck "before" he gave it the razzle-dazzle treatment with a retractable canopy system, inset lighting and a new wooden bench that acts as part of the railing. Figure A Figure B Figure C Notice how the fabric of the canopy adds color and warmth to the deck!

Note: Click here for a materials list and complete instructions without images.

Time: 16 hours over two days.

Difficulty Rating: It's rated a 2 on a scale of 1 to 5.

Materials for Complete Project:

Redwood for frame and bench (varies according to frame dimensions)
3 pieces of 2" x 6" x 14"
2 pieces of 2" x 6" x 16"
10 pieces of 2" x 4" x 12"
5 pieces of 1" x 8" x 12"
3 pieces of 4" x 4" x 12"
Shade canopy with tracks
Inset deck lighting kit
Handsaw
Circular saw
Jigsaw
Forstner bitHand tools
Clamps
Measuring devices

Attaching the Shade Canopy

The canopy comes with tracts that are pre-cut to the proper length. One end will attach to the house and the other end to a header that was installed on the first day of this project -- see the first segment.

Mount the brackets for the tracks under the return boards. Cut a little piece out of the molding (figure A), and space them far enough apart to allow for the roller mechanism on each side of the fabric.

Screw in the brackets (figure B) that are supplied by the canopy manufacturer, and attach one end of each tract to the house and the other end to the header directly across with bolts (figure C).

Note: The canopies come pre-assembled with cross-members, and on the end of each cross-member there's a roller, and the rollers go right into the tracts. Install shades by inserting the rollers right into the tracts.

Note: The canopy can lock in either the open or closed position.

RESOURCES :
The Complete Guide to Building Decks (Black & Decker Home Improvement Library)
ISBN: 0865734275
Author: Editors of Creative Publishing International
Order this title from Amazon.com.
Creative Publishing International, Inc.
Website: www.creativepub.com

Building a Deck: Expert Advice From Start to Finish (Taunton's Build Like a Pro)
ISBN: 1561584797
Author: Scott Schuttner
Order this title from Amazon.com.
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com

Retractable Canopies (ShadeTree)
Model #: Forester
Color: Southwestern Stripe

Product Tips:

• The shades retract, and you can install a locking mechanism to stop the rollers.
  
• Each panel has a "wind release" mechanism that allows the canopy to move freely in tracks in heavy winds, reducing damage.

Inset Lighting (Rockler Woodworking and Hardware)
In-Deck Lighting Disks
Model #: 36805
Rockler Woodworking and Hardware
Website: www.rockler.com

Deck Fasteners (Rockler Woodworking and Hardware)
Ebty Invisible Deck-Fastening System
Model #: 30424

Deckmaster Hidden Deck-Fastening System
Model #: 30606
Rockler Woodworking and Hardware
Website: www.rockler.com

California Redwood Association
Website: www.calredwood.org

GUESTS :

Curt Yoder
Production Manager, ShadeTree Systems
Columbus, OH
Phone: 614-844-5990

Brad Becker
Technical adviser, Rockler Woodworking and Hardware
Website: www.rockler.com