Q&A / 

Connecting Deck Posts and Piers - Use the Right Hardware QUESTION: Tim, you helped me years ago and now I’m back. I’m going to build a freestanding deck at my house during my vacation. After watching lots of online videos, I’m somewhat confused about how to connect the deck posts to the concrete piers. What Read More »

READ THE ANSWER »

Does Treated Wood Rot? - You Bet it Does QUESTION: Tim, my next-door neighbor discovered that many of his outdoor deck floor joists are rotting. The rot is along the top where the decking attaches to them. It’s treated lumber rated for outdoor exposure. How can this be possible? I thought treated lumber was rot-proof Read More »

READ THE ANSWER »

Column Summary: Twelve different treated lumber ratings Identifying the rating Treated lumber corrodes fasteners Why decks collapse CLICK or TAP HERE to subscribe to my FREE newsletter Treated Lumber Ratings - Twelve at Last Count DEAR TIM: I’m a remodeling contractor and have started to see a disturbing trend in the failure of treated lumber. Read More »

READ THE ANSWER »

Restore Old Deck - Flip Over the Joists DEAR TIM: I’ve got a nine-year-old treated lumber deck on my home that’s showing worrying signs of decay. I removed some of the deck boards to discover some of the 2x12s are rotting at the top and there are huge cracks running along the top edge of Read More »

READ THE ANSWER »

Free Standing Tree House IMPORTANT NOTE: Be sure to CLICK or TAP HERE to listen to my podcast about this topic where I answer Joe's questions. I also have very important drawings THERE you should see. DEAR TIM: I've built a free-standing treehouse for my 9-year-old son but I'm a novice in carpentry. I recorded Read More »

READ THE ANSWER »

 Ask The Builder · 69: Free Standing Tree House   Animated GIF by Marty Hovey Copyright 1995 Marty Hovey Free Standing Tree House Podcast: Tim Carter received a free standing tree house email from Joe who lives in South Carolina. He sent an amazing video you MUST watch below. I pray that Joe leaves Read More »

READ THE ANSWER »

Deck-Building No-No QUESTION #1: Tim, I need your help. I contracted with a large home center to have a deck built. I came home from work and saw that the carpenters had toenailed an outer joist to the side of my home. Many of the nails are close to the edge and I can already Read More »

READ THE ANSWER »

Squaring Up A Deck With Two Tape Measures DEAR TIM: I’m going to build a deck. Don’t try to stop me. I’ve got many questions for you. First, what’s the smallest size a deck can be and still have a table on it for eating? How does one figure out where to put the support Read More »

READ THE ANSWER »

SPONSORS /