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Staining a deck is a fairly simple process no matter what any kind of stain you decide to use. The sheer number of available stains and sealers, however, makes choosing the right products a little confusing. To shield your deck from sun and the elements, you may wonder if you need to add a clear sealer to protect the new stain from water damage and mildew. Usually, there's little advantage in doing this.
There are a variety of foundation choices when building a deck. If you want to build a rock-solid deck that will last for decades, a below-grade foundation is the way to go. If you've got a flat area in your yard not attached to your house and don't want to go to all the work of below-grade foundations, a deck sitting on above-grade footings will last many years. Be sure to check with your municipality about building codes. The last thing you'll want to do is tear out your deck and start over because you violated a building code.
Backyard decks and patios face many challenges, including rain and humidity, frequent sun exposure, and a wide range of temperatures. While both composite an aluminum decking eliminate many of the problems associated with traditional wood decks, each of these materials comes at a cost premium compared to wood. As you compare composite and aluminum decking, consider the initial and lifetime costs to find the most economical material to meet your needs.
When faced with the prospect of old deck covering, the knee-jerk reaction of many is that the entire decking needs to be replaced. However, in many cases, the old decking can continue to serve as a base for a new layer, provided it is in good condition and the proper installation methods are used.
Deck bracing is an important factor in keeping a deck stable, especially if the deck sits high above the ground or on above-grade pier footings. Deck bracing prevents uplift and shifting that can cause the deck to fail. Even if your deck doesn't sit too high above the ground, bracing can give it added strength in resisting the force of gravity, which can cause wear and tear on a deck.
If you have an above ground pool, lounging by the pool and even accessing your pool will be difficult unless you build a poolside deck. A deck provides a place to put lounge chairs, sun shades and snack tables. It also gives you a means of getting into and out of your pool. You can save money by building your own deck instead of purchasing one. Before building, check your local building codes to determine whether you need permits or must follow specific guidelines.
Consensus building in the workplace has been observed in a wide variety of different ways over time. Learn about some ways employees have observed consensus building in the workplace with help from a professional certified mediator in this free video clip.
Decks face constant abuse from the elements. Overtime they begin to look weathered as moisture and dirt penetrate the wood or composite materials. If the paint begins to wither on your exterior deck, or if the current finish becomes compromised, you may need to strip the covering completely and apply a new finish. If done correctly, you can make an old deck look like new.
One of the keys to a healthy looking lawn is to manage the height of the grass. Generally, no more than one third of the grass height should be removed during mowing to protect the health of the lawn. But if your grass is maintained low, you will want to lower the height of the mower wheels as much as possible. It's possible to adjust the height of all four wheels, including the wheels that provide power to a self-propelled unit, on most models.
Exterior steps and stairs serve the important function of providing access to a home and other outside structures. These incremental areas of elevation also serve to complete the overall design of a porch, deck or veranda. Although stone and concrete stairs naturally withstand years of ice, rain and snow, wooden stairs require protection against those damaging elements. Applying a waterproof finish to your exterior stairs will help to maintain their strength and integrity as well as preserve the wood's beauty.
Replacing the original-equipment stereo deck for your 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier with an aftermarket unit may improve overall audio performance while allowing for future audio component upgrades. Removing and replacing the existing deck in your vehicle includes dash pad and dashboard cluster bezel removal. Although removing the old stereo and installing a new unit takes several steps to complete, only a basic set of hand tools are required.
Deck ledgers are wooden planks that are attached to the side of the house, and that support the inner edge of the deck frame, while the outer edge of the deck frame is supported by concrete footers and wooden posts. If your deck ledger collapses due to rot, overloading or improper installation, it must be replaced if you wish to keep the deck in usable order. The process of repairing a collapsed ledger requires some carpentry skills and a few specialized tools.
Cantilevering allows you to create a strong, sturdy deck with its support beam set back two to three feet from the front of the deck. Your regular joists run from the ledger installed under your patio door and over a beam, finishing at a rim joist. Decks that aren’t cantilevered typically have the joists run directly into a doubled rim joist that takes the place of a beam. An architect or engineer can provide stamped plans that safely calculate how much to cantilever the deck so that you can obtain approval for a deck building permit from your planning department.
The great majority of pleasure boat decks are made using a balsa or plywood center sandwiched between fiberglass skins both on top and below that core. Repairing a rotted deck, then, involves two distinct projects: first you must expose and entirely remove the rotten wood, then replace it and the fiberglass outer skin.
You have a choice to make if you want to curve Trex decking. You can invest in Trex’s own custom curve heating and bending solution, which consists of a heating unit and separate forming table, or use comparable rigs from other manufacturers. This is likely the best solution if you are a professional deck installer, even at a cost of $3,000 to $5,500 as of publication. If you want to set up your own heating unit, you can do that instead although it will be a more time-consuming process and one that may lead to some board breakage.
Bay doors, while much rarer than bay windows, dictate a workaround similar to that for bay windows, fireplaces, chimneys and similar structural bump-outs so that you can still install a deck ledger. Bay windows and doors block access to the rim joist above your house foundation, the normal fastening point for a ledger. A variation called H framing allows you to safely support an outdoor deck leading off a bay door.
Even with the best deck, getting in and out of a pool can be difficult for some people without a ladder. Moreover, your homeowner’s insurance company may require you to install a ladder to help increase the safety of this recreational feature. The best type of pool ladders are those made with stainless steel rails and plastic treads because they are more resistant to rot, algae growth and warping than wooden pool ladders. To make a ladder for your pool, you should have basic metalworking skills.
Acquired by New Jersey-based LMT Mercer Group in 2010, Stallion Fence products include rail components designed to complement vinyl and composite decks. Its tube-shaped railing is designed to be compliant with the Americans for Disability Act and local codes. You are most likely to install the Stallion Fence handrail on 4-by-4 posts at the base and top of your deck stairs, as well as at any intermediate landings.
Wood-plastic composite and PVC decking are recent innovations in decking systems, made primarily from plastic material. The chief difference between the two types is the wood fiber core of composite wood decking, as well as some performance and maintenance issues. Comparing composite and PVC decking is fundamentally straightforward, but there is considerable variation in the quality of each, depending on the manufacturer.
Attaching the boards that make up the frame and facing of a backyard deck can be done in a number of ways, all of which need to provide the same structural integrity and durability that will allow you to use your deck safely for many years. Screws are among the most common and strong attachment options, but there are alternatives for securing a deck that you can use alongside or in place of screws.
Corner stairs work particularly well with low decks, as they allow you to create a cascading effect linking the main platform to the ground. On high decks, it may make more sense to keep the stairs near the side of the house so they are shorter, narrower and less vertigo-inducing. As with any deck incorporating special features, the planning process allows you to draft a sketch to guide the construction and framing modifications.
Proper installation of composite decking creates a lasting outdoor area for years of enjoyment. Composite decking is made of a combination of wood, wood particles and plastics. The amount of actual wood versus plastic in the composite is dependent on the manufacturer. Ideally, the composite is applied over wood framing. In the case of rubber flooring, it is possible to install the decking. It is not the ideal situation, but the project is possible.
Deck posts support the top and bottom rails and intermediate balusters above the deck platform. The Virginia-based Trex Co. provides composite decking and matching posts and railings. Trex’s own deck posts consist of a 4-by-4 post sleeve that slips over a post mount onto a base. If you’ve installed your Trex boards at a 45-degree angle, you can still install deck posts through the decking by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
A sunny area above the porch may seem like just the spot to install a deck. An easy way to approach the project is to fashion duckboards, which resemble the slatted platforms seen on sauna floors and under open-air beach showers, to cover a flat porch roof. Then you can enjoy early spring sunshine from your deck and retreat to the porch when summer rays get too intense.
A deck is generally built as a permanent structure. Normally attached to the house with a ledger board and supported with posts sunk into concrete footings, at first glance it is unmovable. Either leave it where it is, or completely tear it apart and rebuild it in a new location. You can move a deck without quite as much fuss, however. First evaluate the size of the deck, considering that the larger it is, the more it will weigh. The more assistance you have, the easier it is to move the deck with virtually no disassembly. You can even move…
The space underneath a deck is often used for storage, if it's used at all, due to its limited size. For homes that have a deck that reaches the second floor, the extra space available may allow you to construct a room underneath the deck. After pouring a concrete slab for the floor, the next step for the room is building the frame. The framing can be attached to the posts and beams that support the deck.
Constructing a freestanding carport deck can serve a dual purpose for your home. The carport creates an open-sided shelter for your vehicles, while blocking them from the sun and much of the moisture they'd be exposed to being parked outside. Placing the carport next to your home in a location where you can install an exterior door on your second floor, allows you to use the carport's roof as a deck for entertaining friends and family. Using this structure for both purposes can keep other sections of your property open for other uses.
Also called fiberglass reinforced plastic panels, FRP panels provide a sanitary and durable option for wall surfaces. The use of FRP panels is common in hospitals, restrooms, classrooms, kitchens and recreational rooms. These panels are impact-resistant, moisture-proof and easy to clean, which make them a useful addition to any room that deals with excessive moisture and traffic. Covering deck boards with white FRP panels will give you a waterproof surface that you can wipe clean.
Concrete pool decks may be plain or stylish, narrow or expansive, but they must all drain efficiently to avoid the growth of algae and avoid erosion. Falling leaves, overhead birds and spilled food make drainage away from the pool a necessity. A brush broom and squeegee might push water off the deck, but there are less labor-intensive methods to keep water from draining back into your pool. Move water away by grading concrete decks properly -- or by adding texture to an existing surface.
Converting a covered deck to a family room is a way to add living space to a house without having to build another roof, but it is a major remodeling project. It will take carpentry and remodeling skill, help and some professional assistance. It may require services of an architect, depending on how the deck is connected to the house. Check local building regulations before starting such a project; it will require a building permit and there may be special requirements for such a project.
A tiki hut can add a festive, island-themed flair to your outdoor living space, providing a place for guests to gather to enjoy beverages and conversation. If you have an existing deck in your backyard, you can place the tiki hut on the deck to enhance the appeal of this outdoor structure. Building a tiki deck is a straightforward task -- if you have a partner to help you assemble the roof, you can complete this project in a weekend.
Ranch King is a lawn mower brand built and distributed by WCI Outdoor Products. Ranch King mowers, now discontinued, had some models recalled in 2002 due to fuel line problems. One less serious problem that can occur with Ranch Kings, and other mower brands, is a malfunction of the mower deck. The mower deck acts as a shield on a mower between the operator and the mower blades. The deck protects both the operator and the engine from lawn debris. If your Ranch King starts malfunctioning, check the mower deck to see if it's responsible.
Veranda brand decking boards are formed from a special composite materials that offer many benefits over traditional wood. The composite material consists of polymer resins and plastics combined with pulp fibers. Pressing the composite into molds allows for the creation of boards featuring a realistic wood-grain surface. Special dyes are added to mimic the colors of both rare and common woods. Veranda decking resists fading and damage better than natural materials, and the installation is not very different from building a wood deck.
Building a deck can be a complex and lengthy process that the average homeowner might not want to undertake. One difficult aspect of deck construction involves the creation of the proper foundation. This task typically requires the casting of concrete footing or piers to provide a stable support system for the wooden framing members. A more recent method of building, however, uses a network of precast concrete blocks with slots that will accept and support the beams and boards for the deck. This method simplifies the construction process.
A leaning deck is a serious problem. If you notice your deck leaning, don't walk on it until it has been inspected and you have made the necessary repairs. Many of these repairs are relatively inexpensive and easy to accomplish.
Riding lawnmowers operate under dusty, dirty conditions. The underside of the mower deck inevitably becomes coated with grass clippings and dirt. If left untouched, this debris can cause rusting and may impair the mower deck’s cutting ability. A deck wash kit makes it easy to flush debris from the deck’s underside. Kits are available for specific brands of mower. There also are universal deck wash kits that fit many different mower brands.
Building codes generally require a ground landing for exterior stairs and intermediate landings where steps exceed a certain number or height. Intermediate landings make the climb more comfortable, even where not required by code, and bottom landings prevent hazardous erosion of the ground at the base of the stairs. Finding the location of the landing is straightforward once the rise and run of the stairway are known, though some adjustments may be necessary before the work begins. Calculations for stairs aren't difficult, but stair building requires accuracy, and it's best to check your calculations several times.
Composite decking is made from a combination of natural wood fiber and resins. It resembles real wood but doesn’t rot, warp or crack. Composite decking is also available in a wide range of colors, which eliminates the need to paint or stain it. Although you can place welcome rugs or barbeque grill mats over composite decking, some types of backing materials are not recommended and periodic care and maintenance is required to prevent staining or discoloration.
If you are building your own deck, then you should realize that the posts are the most important part of the deck. They support the weight of the entire structure. To do that job properly, the posts must be held perfectly plumb by their footings. Their tops also must be level with respect to each other, so that the deck they will support will be level.
A deck opening can allow a boulder or tree to peek out of the deck surface, converting an obstacle into a lovely natural feature that adds interest to your project. Or you can open your deck around a sandbox, barbecue, planter or fire pit. As the opening compromises the strength that would otherwise be provided by uninterrupted joists, you must compensate by adding design tweaks.
RailBlazer deck post supports are part of the RailBlazer deck railing system, which consists of powder-coated aluminum posts and pickets that can be installed on most wood decks. The post supports are anchored to the deck, and at least one support is installed with each section of railing. RailBlazer deck components are low maintenance and require no sanding or painting. The fasteners required are typically included with the rail system, so the installation is easy to do.
Many homeowners inherit a deck either built before building codes became more clear-cut on the best ways to avoid post deterioration or else built by someone who took a few shortcuts and didn’t obtain a permit. That can leave new homeowners with a deteriorating post placed in the ground or directly in cement instead of being neatly raised above ground on a metal post anchor embedded in a cement pier. You can remedy this situation by replacing the support post to meet building codes and to safely support the deck.
An easy way to build a simple, short deck is to buy precast concrete deck post footings. A deck can add value to a home by increasing the amount of usable space around the house, and concrete deck post footings make it easy for even a novice to set the foundation of a deck.
Fascia boards allow you to create a more finished look by covering visible parts of the pressure-treated framing underneath a composite deck. You can color match your fascia to the deck boards, posts and rails. For best results, design your deck so the deck boards overhang the fascia. This prevents rain and snow from working their way behind the fascia and creating warpage, as can happen in installations of fascia flush to the deck board ends.
An island deck is an area for relaxing, enjoying the sun or even having a barbecue, all on a raised platform in your garden or yard. It stands above the ground and therefore benefits from standing above any moisture on the ground, meaning it can be used for socializing even when the soil around it is damp. You can make a DIY island deck in less than a week and gain an excellent spot for entertaining family and friends while saving yourself expensive contractors' fees.
Decks are excellent places to entertain guests, have a barbecue, read a book or simply sit with family and relax. They come in all shapes and sizes, from small decks attached to houses as breakfast areas to large island decks in the middle of gardens. Whatever size deck you are interested in you can build your own DIY wood decking to suit your needs.
Trex decking is made from a mixture of polyethylene and wood fiber, which makes for a moisture-resistant and durable decking material. It will not crack due to expansion and contraction because Trex boards don’t absorb moisture as wood does. Although the two materials are different, Trex decking can be cut and fastened just like wood. However, when slotting Trex decking, your choice in slot cutter bits can affect the overall quality of your finished deck.
A deck drain helps keep your deck free of excess water during rain storms. It also helps protect items on your deck, like barbecue grills and furniture, from getting ruined or damaged from too much exposure to standing water. Water can wear down the wood of your deck over time and can eventually lead to soft or rotted wood, making your deck dangerous and unappealing. Rather than hire someone to build a deck drain, you can build one yourself and save money in the process.
An outdoor deck gives you and your family a place to enjoy the outdoors without venturing far from the comforts of your home. Decks can open from bedrooms, living rooms or basements and extend your living space during nice weather. Adding a top to your deck will protect you from the sun and rain, making your deck even more usable.
Trex composite decking is a wood alternative for homeowners who don’t like the maintenance wood decks require. While a real-wood mahogany wood needs regular sealing and maintenance, a Trex deck that looks like mahogany requires cleaning twice a year to prevent mold and mildew. Trex recommends cleaning your Trex decking with a deck-brightening product that contains oxalic or phosphorus acid for best results.
