For questions generally relating to outdoor, semi-elevated, non-enclosed structures such as decks, gazebos, pergolas, etc.
3
votes
3answers
331 views
Which types of decking are easiest to maintain?
I live in Portland, OR. Rainy city.
I will be expanding the deck at my house and in the process, I'm thinking I might upgrade to something nicer than pressure treated doug fir.
I have a cousin that ...
3
votes
1answer
811 views
How do I build a deck that is easy to take apart?
I spent the day taking apart the platform for a yurt. It was a real pain, and I want to make it easier to take apart next time.
Old deck construction details:
Decking was 1 1/8" tongue-and-groove ...
3
votes
2answers
4k views
How do I treat / maintain IKEA Platta wood patio tiles?
Over a year ago we put a good sized set of IKEA Platta deck tiles on our patio. After exposure to the elements, they are now dis-coloring and becoming a bit 'rough'.
What exactly do I need to do to ...
3
votes
1answer
172 views
How can I stop PVC decking from squeaking?
We recently installed a TimberTech deck using all-PVC flooring. They use a clip fastening system (non-nail and non-screw)that recommends the floor joists be spaced for 12 inches on center, if ...
3
votes
1answer
995 views
How do I install concrete blocks to support deck stairs?
I just had a deck constructed and it failed inspection, partly because of missing concrete blocks where the steps meet the ground (see also my related question Deck handrail bracket). How would I go ...
3
votes
2answers
281 views
What is the process for power washing and staining a deck?
I am planning to power wash my deck and stain it afterwards. But I am not quite sure the correct procedure for this process.
After power washing the deck, can I stain the deck immediately or should I ...
3
votes
1answer
4k views
Can I build a pergola on an existing deck, without digging more footers?
A couple of years ago I built a deck onto my house. It is 32' x 14'
I used a cantilever design at 12' with 2x8" floor joists, with 2x6" decking boards. The Cantilever beam was set on 6x6" posts that ...
3
votes
1answer
340 views
How much structural support does a Gazebo require?
We are having a gazebo built on the end of a new deck. The deck is about 4 feet off the ground at the point where the gazebo will go and the contractor wants to use 4x4 posts dug into the ground all ...
3
votes
1answer
985 views
How can I extend a deck post on an existing deck?
I have an existing deck (built in 1991) that I am making repairs to. As part of the work I want to extend the deck cover that's already there.
Existing deck
Desired outcome
So I know I need to ...
3
votes
1answer
273 views
My deck dies in a funny pattern — does that mean this board is upside-down?
My deck looks like this after it rains.
One board and parts of others are damp for a long time after everything else has dried. What could cause this and is it hard to fix?
My only guess is ...
2
votes
5answers
4k views
How do I attach a ledger board if I have no interior access?
I would like to build a small, 24" high deck, for a new entry door to the house. I have the deck plans all laid out, and am in need of a 2x10 ledger board under the door to attach the deck to. Most ...
2
votes
4answers
1k views
Can I build a deck from reclaimed 2x4's?
As we've remodeled the house, I've replaced some of the structure with more modern woods (ie: 2nd floor ceiling joists that were 2x4's are now 2x6's)
Because of this, I have an excessive amount of ...
2
votes
2answers
637 views
Deck handrail bracket
I just had a deck built and it failed inspection, partly because of the lack of a graspbable handrail (see also my related question Concrete blocks supporting deck stairs) . The current rail is a ...
2
votes
2answers
132 views
Can salt be used to create a slip resistance surface in concrete?
Is it true that salt can be used to put a slip resistant surface in fresh concrete?
2
votes
1answer
256 views
Where can I store outdoor patio or deck furniture over the winter?
I have a variety of plastic / wood / metal patio furniture that I am looking to store over the winter.
Unfortunately, I don't have space inside to store it.
We usually see temperatures of about 10 ...
2
votes
2answers
970 views
How should I finish and protect outdoor wooden steps?
My house has a wooden staircase leading up to the front door. It gets a lot of traffic and is uncovered, so its exposed to New England winters. This means snow, ice, ice-melt, sand, shoveling, etc.. ...
2
votes
1answer
34 views
Does a deck band board go over or replace wall sheathing?
I can't find an existing question that completely addresses my question, so here goes.
My outside deck was recently rebuilt by contractors selected by my HOA. The deck is effectively on the second ...
2
votes
1answer
82 views
Is flashing required to attach a landing to the exterior of a house
I will have a landing running from the back door, then four or five steps to ground. Do I need to place metal flashing where the landing attaches to the house, or some other means of protecting the ...
2
votes
3answers
978 views
How can I remove paint from a deck?
I bought my house 3 years ago which has a latex-based painted deck surface and decorative fence around the edge. After shoveling snow each winter, the deck surface is chipped with raw wood exposed. ...
2
votes
1answer
364 views
Need to attach deck ledger to house covering a vent
I am building a deck attached to the house, and on one side I will need to have the ledger covering a section of wall that has a crawlspace vent cover. If I have a big enough gap between the ledger ...
1
vote
2answers
132 views
Would it be safe to leave charred wood on a deck until repairs can be made?
Had a small fire incident outside on our wood deck. There didn't appear to be any structural damage to any of the supporting material, just a few surface boards which need to be replaced.
Can the ...
1
vote
2answers
2k views
What is the strongest way to join a deck joist to a corner joint?
I'm working on designing the support frame for a deck for my backyard.
The basic shape of the deck:
It's essentially a square with one corner chopped off. The red line is the joist in question, ...
1
vote
1answer
485 views
How close to plumb to deck posts need to be?
I'm building a deck as the floor of a 30' yurt. Construction is 4" x 6" joists on 4" x 4" posts, on pre-cast concrete pier blocks, on tamped gravel footings. Posts are 20" - 30" long. Lumber is ...
1
vote
1answer
1k views
Can I build a deck close to the ground? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Can I build a deck this low to the ground?
Every set of instructions I've seen for building a deck requires me to put joists on top of beams attached to posts. But I ...
1
vote
2answers
466 views
What is the best way to seal my deck?
I Have an outside deck, it currently has a layer of varnish on it, I Think the wood type is Meranti.
The deck is exposed to lots of rain and also harsh sun, and the varnish has started to peel.
I ...
1
vote
1answer
1k views
How do I seal a painted deck?
The builders of my home painted my front and back porch. The railings are white, and the decking itself is the same color as the house. It looks great, but the paint has all peeled up.
I'm in the ...
1
vote
1answer
150 views
Outside Ceiling Fan Problems: Light But No Fan
Over the course of the winter, the ceiling fan on my screened-in deck stopped working. The attached light still functions properly, so it is definitely getting electricity, but the fan will not ...
1
vote
1answer
179 views
Caulking for deck frame
To seal the seam between a doubled joist or beam, what type of caulking is best? The Home Depot Decks 123 book recommends Alex Plus (acrylic latex plus silicone) while a guy at Home Depot suggested ...
1
vote
1answer
656 views
Can I turn a 4 X 4 deck post, eight feet high, into a 6 x 6 post by laminating a 2 X 6 and 2 X 4 to it?
My mother-in-law has a deck 8 feet off the ground that is is built with 4 X 4's for support, with only one notched 2 X 6 rim joist on the outerside of the deck which also supports the 2 X 6 joists ...
1
vote
1answer
208 views
Is clorox outdoor + jomax safe on vinyl decking?
I used the recipe suggested in this question to successfully clean my vinyl siding. Its a combination of Jomax, Clorox outdoor, and water. I'm wondering if this solution will work fine on my vinyl ...
0
votes
1answer
268 views
What is the proper deck footing depth in Connecticut?
I'm moving a deck footing for an existing deck, the current one is in the wrong location and it's too small. What is the proper depth in Connecticut in order to ensure that it doesn't suffer from ...
0
votes
1answer
136 views
Preparing a deck & playset for re-staining
The question asked here is pretty much similar to mine except that there are few splinters and chipped wood on the deck. How to smooth those out? Also there is a kid's play structure (with steps and a ...
0
votes
1answer
764 views
How can I build my own deck canopy?
I'd like to build my own deck canopy, and not purchase those retractable awnings that don't seem to last so well out here in Colorado (can be very windy).
I have the 'basic' idea in my head but are ...
0
votes
0answers
99 views
What can I do with a huge uncovered balcony? [closed]
I have a huge, uncovered balcony (24' x 17'). Right now, I'm using it to grill and store my bike.
Any suggestions on what I could do with it?
