Q&A / 

Deck Foundation DEAR TIM: I’m concerned about the concrete deck base that’s fully above ground at my new home. The other decks in our development have the concrete piers below ground. Shouldn’t the concrete be completely buried to protect against freezing and cracking in the winter months? What do you feel are the best concrete Read More »

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Deck Beams and Posts QUESTION #1: Tim, I really need your help. My husband is making a mess of a deck extension project. I’m concerned he’s using the wrong-sized lumber and the connections between pieces of lumber don’t appear to be secure to me. Are you able to share deck-construction basics so my kids and Read More »

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Ask the Builder Podcast 22 Custom Joist Hangers: Custom Joist Hangers - Tim Carter, founder of AsktheBuilder.com, talks to David up in Wisconsin. He's building a deck and needs custom joist hangers for a few beams. You'll love Tim's suggestion. Podcast Sponsor: Stain Solver - Certified Organic Oxygen Bleach Home Improvement and Home Construction Podcast Read More »

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"I think the decking can get to over 160 F, or more, the closer you are to the summer solstice. " Temperature of Composite Decking - Can Cause Burns Fast! The temperature of composite decking is hotter than you'd ever imagine. I tested my own Trex Transcend composite decking. Free & Fast Bids CLICK HERE Read More »

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Steel in Concrete Question #1: Tim, my builder is telling me to forget about using reinforcing steel or mesh is my concrete driveway and patio. He says he’ll just add an inch of thickness and that’s good enough. What’s your feeling? Would you go to the effort and expense to install reinforcing steel in outdoor Read More »

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Here's a collection of photos showing how I connected up my Trex low-voltage lighting. Trex Low Voltage Lighting Is Easy to Connect First, allow me to show you what the lights look like when they're on: Check the June 3, 2016 AsktheBuilder Newsletter for information on how the deck looked prior to the remodeling!!

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