In addition to the patio, a deck is being added to provide a pleasant, attractive space for al fresco entertaining. So while the last few steps of the flagstone project are being completed, the area for the deck is being prepared. First the border must be delineated with marking paint, and then work can begin in earnest.
Materials
Tape measure
String line
Marking paint
Posthole digger
Auger
Deck posts
Mortar
Shovel
Hose.
2x4s to brace posts
Long level
2x6 side boards
Screws
Cordless screwdriver
2x6 joists
Framing nailer (or screws and cordless driver)
Decking boards
Circular saw
2x6 rafters
Steps1. The placement for the four upright posts is marked and holes (also called footers) dug using a two-person power auger (figure A) and a pair of posthole diggers. 2. The posts are set in the holes, which are then filled with quick-setting concrete to hold them steady. Using a level, the team checks that the poles are straight; then they add supports to keep the posts level while they can set for two hours (or overnight). 3. With the posts securely enough in place to support the frame, the deck is framed (figure B) and joists added on 16" centers. Since there's some play in the deck, Dean also adds 6"x6" blocks to the corners of the center support (figure C) to help prevent any bounce on the deck once the decking boards are added.
4. Since the joists have been added parallel to the patio, the decking boards will be placed perpendicular to the patio. For this project, Dean has chosen cedar-colored composite decking boards (the frame is constructed of arsenic-free pressure-treated lumber). The composite material is installed just as wood decking boards would be, using 2" galvanized deck screws. The area at the screw head can then be sanded to give a smoother finish. The composite decking will not wear as quickly as hardwood might, so the necessity for long-term maintenance is eliminated. 5. Dean notches out the area where the first floorboards will fit around the posts, allowing for a 1" overhang (figure D). Then the team starts filling in the floorboards (figure E). Finally, Cedric snaps a chalk line to indicate where the ends of the boards should be cut off; then Dean trims all of them at one time with a circular saw (a definite time-saving step in a project like this).
RESOURCES :
Sealants
OSI Sealants, Inc.
Website: www.osisealants.com
QUIKRETE® Information
To obtain expert advice on Do-It-Yourself concrete projects, to inquire about specific QUIKRETE® products, to find out where to buy the products or to order product literature, please call 1-800-282-5828.
To easily calculate how much concrete you'll need for a job, click here.
The QUIKRETE® Companies
Website: www.quikrete.com
Ames True Temper Tools
Ames-True Temper
Website: www.ames-truetemper.com
Tools
Porter-Cable Corporation
Website: www.porter-cable.com
Grill
TEC Infra-Red Grills
Website: www.tecinfrared.com
TimberTech Decking
Website: www.timbertech.com
Irwin Industrial Tool Company
Website: www.irwin.com
| 
)
)
)
)
)
