Questions tagged [deck]
For questions generally relating to outdoor, semi-elevated, non-enclosed structures such as decks, gazebos, pergolas, etc.
683
questions
1
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2answers
84 views
What kind of fastener is this and how do I remove it?
(See images.) I'm trying to temporarily remove this plank of the deck to access the space beneath. The plank is being held in place by a type of fastener I'm not familiar with. Do you know what ...
0
votes
2answers
59 views
Is a hole this big fixable on deck board?
I want to fix my deck board it look like this (the hole is like one inch). I have researched and caulk and fillers don’t look like they can fill this giant hole.
12
votes
1answer
2k views
Why would porch paint say "do not prime horizontal surfaces"?
A can of floor and porch paint says "do not prime horizontal surfaces".
The obvious question is, how are horizontal surfaces different from vertical surfaces?
But my real question is, what ...
0
votes
0answers
10 views
Flashing from recessed exterior door on concrete?
Old house, with poorly installed exterior door on top of renovated old garage which leads to deck. I'm installing a waterproofing system, and I could probably flash in almost every place but not sure ...
0
votes
2answers
89 views
How much can I plane/cut off of a deck joist / rim joist
I'm renovating a deck. Installing waterproof spline which goes between deck boards. Solution will have center boards in deck with gutters underneath and gutters around the deck. Install guide says to ...
1
vote
1answer
38 views
Post protector (or something else) to extend life of existing deck 4x4 posts?
I'm resurfacing a deck. It was built 19-20 years ago. Had an inspection and was recommended to replace 4x4 direct-bury posts with 6x6 with concrete piers/footings. This work isn't as simple as ...
2
votes
2answers
80 views
Can this roof flashing membrane be glued back down?
New house, roof deck. Membrane (I think it's flashing) pulling away from the wall underneath the siding. I'm not certain what type of membrane it is, but it feels rubbery. Can I just glue it back down,...
0
votes
0answers
69 views
How to replace the heavily notched 4x4 support posts on my deck?
Does anyone have a code compliant idea to replace the support posts I have on my deck? The deck is basically supported by a heavily notched 4x4 that only supports a single 2x6 board that's part of the ...
1
vote
1answer
29 views
How to treat wood to use in a deck
I'd like to build a small (6'x8') floating deck for my yard. The deck would be resting on gravel. Ideally I'd like to use pressure treated wood, but a few of the pieces will need cuts, and my local ...
1
vote
1answer
52 views
How much life left on 4x4 posts on my deck (in particular one that butts against the foundation)?
I have a raised deck (no idea how old; maybe 10-15 years). It is supported by 4x4 posts. I couldn't find any concrete footings by digging (maybe I didn't go deep enough). Much of the posts are ...
0
votes
0answers
41 views
Can I build tool storage cabinets off of bottom of deck joists?
I have room, and would like to make, some storage for tools in an area under my deck using 3/4 in plywood. I could cement in 4x4 or something in the ground and build off of that but behind a ...
0
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0answers
37 views
Best way to flash pvc deck frieze board to brick/concrete
I'm resurfacing a deck and installing a waterproofing spline between the deckboards called Dexerdry. The first board sits in routed 5/4 x 4 PVC which is fastened to the exterior of the house. A few ...
1
vote
1answer
84 views
Can I stack two 6x6 timbers for a deck beam?
I am replacing this 20' long 3.5" x 9" wood beam due to termites. See pic.
I'm also replacing the 3 existing 4x4 posts with (3) pressure treated 6x6 posts.
Question is, can I swap out the ...
1
vote
0answers
12 views
Joist / Jack Hanger for Custom Angles on an Octagon
I am building a deck in the shape of a donut octagon and have some joists meet at odd angles (67.5 deg / 112.5 deg).
I have found adjustable joist hangers (ex Simpson Strong Tie LSSJ ) but they only ...
0
votes
1answer
28 views
Patio Deck Piers Construction
I have some piers under my patio deck. What kind of pier is it?
Are there concrete footings underneath these green poles? I am remaking my deck, and would like to add some more of these. I can't see ...
0
votes
2answers
37 views
Raised Deck for Enclosed Sunroom
I framed a 14' x 16' deck on piers between 3-4' from grade as the base for an enclosed, heated Sunroom. I applied 4X8 sheets of 1/2" PT to the underside. Then I used 1 1/2" Styrofoam ...
2
votes
1answer
40 views
Outdoor low-voltage transformer off of sconce? Possible?
I have a raised deck with walkway underneath. I'm in the process of resurfacing it and I'd like the switch to the sconces above and below the deck (different switches) to also light the deck (above ...
5
votes
4answers
717 views
How much can the topmost segment of a stair stringer be reduced without compromising strength?
Let me try this a different way.
My question is about the 2x12 stringer and if there are certain dimensions I need to keep in mind to not undermine the structural integrity of the wood.
Using the ...
3
votes
4answers
790 views
Suggestion on deck frame joinery
I am planning to build a deck to my backyard, and I'm using a soft wood - I guess it's spruce not sure / not a very high quality wood.
I am having hard time to decide on choosing the construction ...
0
votes
0answers
54 views
Resurfacing a raised deck; want waterproofing (dexerdry); need gutters? Also: comment on plan?
Thanks for reading. I'm starting the planning stage of a raised deck (without space underneath) overhaul/resurfacing. I have one concrete question regarding waterproofing but would also appreciate ...
0
votes
1answer
63 views
What's the easiest way to make this elevated outdoor platform "safe enough" for hunting
Long story short I bought a house with an existing home made tree stand. I understand these aren't routinely recommended for hunting but I really don't care that much. It's in a good spot and would ...
1
vote
2answers
45 views
Existing joists span max 17.5in OC - Trex composite says max 16" allowed
Does anyone have experience with pushing the limits of joist span for composite decking? My joists are generally 16" OC but a few gaps are up to 17.5" max (one has a short section at 18"...
2
votes
1answer
69 views
Seeking suggestions for working around a crawl space vent when building a deck
Our home is a 1950s split level in IL. Our split level deck's step is shorter than code, everyone trips on it, and the homeowner is legally blind. We need to level the deck for safety.
Raising the ...
0
votes
3answers
136 views
Transitioning box and electrical wire
I am planning to install some convenience receptacles in the deck area. I will use a PVC conduit, and it will run at the bottom/side of the joist and beams. I am not sure if I will use THHN or Romex ...
1
vote
0answers
47 views
Outdoor LED strip enclosure that aims light towards the floor?
Most LED strip enclosures (e.g. for mounting under stair risers or cabinets) direct the light in the opposite direction from the mounting surface. But I'm looking to direct light towards the surface ...
3
votes
6answers
1k views
How can I eliminate wobble in my surface-mounted deck railing posts?
The 4x4 posts for the railings on my deck are attached to the surface (2x6 boards) using plastic post anchors with lag screws rather than going through the surface and attaching to the joists. The ...
0
votes
3answers
134 views
Can I fasten 2x8 deck joists to a 2x6 ledger?
I'm gearing up to replace a deck that currently has 2x6 joists and same sized ledger. Is it best to remove the existing ledger board and replace it with a 2x8 so I can use 2x8 joists? Or is there a ...
0
votes
0answers
78 views
How to attach a 4x4 deck railing post above a 6x6 support post
I have a raised deck that I'm building at my house. Normally, when building a deck, I use a beam located below the deck on which the deck joists sit. In this case, I have a situation where I'd like to ...
1
vote
2answers
121 views
Where should I put the railing post in my deck design?
I'm in the process of building a deck. Frame/rim joists are now complete, and I'm working on the blocking for the picture frame and screw-in aluminum posts.
I am planning on picture framing the steps ...
1
vote
2answers
98 views
Can I build a roof on this pergola?
We have a 24'x14' detached pergola that was custom-built for our yard. Every year, we put up a large canvas canopy in the spring, and take it down in the fall. It's a perilous experience each time, ...
0
votes
0answers
130 views
Can I put shade sail posts in a concrete footing in a barrel or should they go in the ground?
We want to put our poles for a 16' x 16' shade sail in whiskey barrels that have been cut in half and fill the bottom with cement, then possibly add a layer of dirt for flowers or just decorative ...
1
vote
3answers
139 views
Do I really need a ledger board attached to the house for a deck?
I don't want the deck attached to the house. I was thinking free standing. This would remove any flashing needed and leaks etc. Any ideas or suggestions or, reasons this is not a good method?
0
votes
1answer
53 views
Building patio using natural stone and mortar
I have a new house and there are rocks all over the place here. The sizes of these rocks range from 3x3x3 inches to 2x2x2 feet, all coming in irregular shapes. I have an area roughly 10x30 feet and I ...
0
votes
0answers
22 views
Staining an ipe deck
So, I’m installing an ipe deck in the coming weeks. I will stain with a basic UV protector.
I’ve never stained this much square footage before. My (dumb) question is how do you wipe off excess stain?...
2
votes
2answers
65 views
How can I anchor deck tension ties to solid brick?
I am currently repairing a deck that is several years old and noticed that it does not have deck tension ties installed.
The ledger is hung on a solid brick wall (8” thick, two courses). The brick ...
0
votes
0answers
28 views
Staining deck with a few newly replaced boards
I bought a two-story condo that has two back decks and a roof deck, all with at least a few planks damaged beyond repair, but 95% in good enough condition to re-finish. We live two blocks from the ...
3
votes
4answers
1k views
How should I handle a deck beam member that's slightly shorter than the others?
So, I had a load of wood delivered a few days ago for a deck build. With the beams, I have one board that is about 1/4" smaller in width than the others. What is the right way to deal with this?...
1
vote
0answers
26 views
Deck boards meet accent/seam board: gap or not?
I'm designing a 20'x12' deck with 5/4"x6" floor boards (pressure-treated northern fir), which will have a seam/accent board to break the 20' run into 2 x ~10' sections. The accent is ~12' ...
0
votes
1answer
66 views
U brace/bracket to hold vertical 2x4 over wood floor?
Is there some type of 2x4 brace or bracket that will hold down a “standing” 2x4 on a wood floor?
Here’s a very rudimentary drawing, and the brace Im looking for is in red in the corner.
I know I can ...
0
votes
1answer
52 views
Deck Rail Fencing For Cat
I need to install some kind of fencing on the sides of my deck to keep my cat from jumping to the neighbor's balcony (lol). I have pots there now to prevent him from his adventures.
I was thinking a ...
0
votes
0answers
55 views
Bring composite deck back to life
Is there a way to enhance the look of a composite deck ? This deck was built 5 years ago and looks little worn out.
To make matters worse there were some paint droplets on the deck and i used a metal ...
1
vote
2answers
77 views
how to fasten wood joist to cinder block notch
I want to lay three 2x4 in the cinder block notch(as shown in the pic) as joist for synthetic deck, I need to fasten the wood to the cinder block in order to align the three 2x4 and to make sure it ...
2
votes
2answers
56 views
How to add a drip edge to a steel deck beam over a porch
So I have rust and water damage from water rolling down from the curved porch beam into a porch ceiling. I don't have the same problem with my top-floor porch since that has a roof above it. The ...
2
votes
2answers
143 views
Deck Beam end cut at angle
I've searched high and low and can't find an answer to this. Why are deck beams cut on an angle at the ends? Is it cosmetic? Is so no sharp corner sticking out? Does it have something to do with ...
3
votes
1answer
88 views
What corrosion protection for nails, screws and bolts?
Would someone please care to explain the pros and cons of galvanized (hot & electro), stainless, zinc plated, spray (cold) galvanized, and (paint?) coated fasteners?
There seem to be different ...
1
vote
1answer
73 views
Should the underside of a deck be stained?
When one stains a wooden deck, should they stain the underside of the deck too?
0
votes
2answers
36 views
Loading on 5/4 treated pine decking
I recently built a deck, and we are looking to make a privacy wall using pencil hollies. As I was making sure weep holes weren’t sitting on joists, it occurred to me that the way that these planter ...
1
vote
0answers
50 views
angled bracket to attach a beam to a post?
I am in the planning stages to build a deck around an oval pool. I have angles like the picture shows below (probably 30 degrees).. Is there a bracket i can use instead of the connection shown? NY ...
0
votes
0answers
41 views
Deck Framing Support for Pergola
I am installing a 12' x 12' pergola on top of my deck, it's a PVC kit but uses wood inside the PVC. It uses 4x4 posts. I am re-doing the decking so I can make framing modifications.
I was going to ...
0
votes
1answer
55 views
Removing deck frame attached to siding
I'm in the process of removing an old deck attached to my house in an effort to replace it with stairs and a paver patio.
I've gotten most of it torn down and removed, but I'm wondering what the best ...
