Joist hangers and ledger boards will connect your deck to you home. This is the best solution. The free standing deck will not cause leaks at the house and will not collapse due to rot. Connecting the deck to columns or posts correctly is critical. Racking forces will collapse your deck if this is not done in an approved manner.
Outdoor Fire Pit Ideas DIY TIPS Plan seating area to look at great view beyond fire pit Be aware of wind direction - avoid smoke in your face Large fires get hot - be sure seats are far enough away Embers can catch wood decks on fire CLICK HERE to Get Tim's FREE & FUNNY Read More »
Wood Deck Resurfacing Ideas and TIPS Exotic hardwoods decking is hard to install and seal Sun and water ruin traditional treated lumber WATCH deck cleaning video below for non-toxic deck cleaner. Composite decking and railing is what I now have CLICK HERE to Get Tim's FREE & FUNNY Newsletter! DEAR TIM: My wood deck sits Read More »
Cracked Treated Wood TIPS Treatment chemicals evaporate causing cracks Seal with synthetic-resin sealers - See my test results below WATCH wood epoxy video series below Apply sealer within days of installing treated lumber CLICK HERE to Get Tim's FREE & FUNNY Newsletter! DEAR TIM: Over the summer, I ripped up the old boards on my Read More »
Black Spots on Deck Boards TIPS Wood fibers in composite decking are food No-maintenance is a myth WATCH oxygen bleach cleaning video below Magic copper solution prevents spots CLICK HERE to Get Tim's FREE & FUNNY Newsletter! DEAR TIM: I’ve got 1,500 square feet of lakefront boardwalk made from composite decking. The brand is Trex Read More »
Diagonal braces are used to keep your building project square and structurally solid. Without bracing, walls or decks can collapse since there isn't any lateral stability. Be sure to check your building codes for diagonal brace requirements.
Deck Railing Connection TIPS NEVER notch deck posts Through bolts NOT lag bolts to deck joists Use special galvanized hardware - See Below WATCH Video below for great connectors! CLICK HERE to Get Tim's FREE & FUNNY Newsletter! Deck Post Danger Deck railing posts are the foundation of a deck railing system. They must be strong. It's Read More »
"You install a deck post using special metal connectors and fasteners that have a thick coating of zinc. Cheap connectors can corrode and the deck will collapse." Revised November 2018 Install a Deck Post TIPS Use treated lumber for ground contact Connect to pier and deck beams with Simpson, or equal, structural framing connectors Watch my Read More »
This is an experiment. I discussed it in my September 14, 2016 AsktheBuilder Newsletter under Galvanized Nails, Screws and Connectors. I want to see if you're interested in discovering how and why things work around your home in a fun and clever way. Please take the quiz below. It's only five questions. All of the questions Read More »
DEAR TIM: I read your column each week in our paper and a few weeks ago you talked about building stairs for a deck. I can handle that but am worried about how to make all the complex cuts required for the deck stair railing. I realize you can’t provide step-by-step directions in the space Read More »
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