Though joists are extremely sturdy and rarely deflect under pressure, they can easily shift from side to side. The unsupported span between two adjacent joists can rise from 14″ to 18″ if they bend away from each other, making the decking board above feel bouncy when walked on. Always maintain Read more…
Once all the posts are marked with a level line, measure down from this line a distance equal to the depth of the beam. 1. Using a square, mark all the sides of each post and cut off the waste with a circular saw. Be careful when using this saw Read more…
The posts are the deck’s principal vertical elements. They bear the weight of the beams and joists above them and transfer it to the concrete foundation piers (and ultimately to the ground below the frost line). Posts must meet the following criteria in order to function properly: Installed plumb Made Read more…
The finest deck foundation is made out of a series of piers, or concrete-filled tube forms, one under each deck post. Each pier’s bottom should be supported by four pillars “crushed stone or washed gravel Keep in mind that the top of this gravel or stone should still be below Read more…
Before building anything, lay out the site accurately so that you know exactly where the deck will be located. Start by installing the ledger and marking the joist locations on it. Then install batter boards—layout devices that are designed to hold the mason’s strings—at the approximate corners of the deck. Read more…
Good planning can make any job turn out better. Here are 10 ways to keep ahead of the problems. 1. Start with a site inspection. For most houses, the best spot for a deck is along the back wall next to the kitchen door. This provides easy access to the Read more…
There are almost as many different decks as there are different houses. Most feature one of three basic designs. Flat Decks A flat deck is the easiest type of deck to build. Because it’s built close to the ground, it doesn’t require railings and stairs, which makes the job even Read more…
Whether you’re building a new home or remodeling an existing one, you should make sure your investment is properly protected throughout the construction or home-improvement process. The type of insurance coverage you’ll need will depend on the scope of the project. A home you’re constructing from the ground up won’t Read more…
It’s nice to freshen up your house once in awhile to give it a cleaner, newer look. You can do this without spending a lot of money. Just as rearranging furniture and replacing old accessories with newer ones can make a big difference in upgrading the look of your house, Read more…
Many furniture experts are against staining of wood furniture because it hides the real color of the wooden piece of art. However, staining does have an upside as it enhances the look of the furniture. Even a cheap-looking piece can appear like an expensive set if it is properly stained Read more…
Unlike real and solid wood, veneered woods are thinly sliced woods that are ironed to look more polished and smooth. Furniture manufacturers have been using veneered woods for years, enjoying the advantages of more polished furniture pieces without too much hard work. However, veneered wood is better than the typical Read more…
Your home is more than just a place to live; it’s a reflection of your personality and style. Over time, even the most beautiful homes may start to feel dull or outdated. Fortunately, you don’t need a massive budget or a complete renovation to give your living space a fresh Read more…