Week 515-517 - Get the Deck out of Here! - 07-10-2016

Get the Deck out of Here!

Since our last travelogue we moved from Paradise to Redding, California. Pete's sister Donnalee had asked if we could stop by and help with her deck remodel. "Sure, sounds like fun!"

This is representation of Donnalee's previous deck. She is keeping the upper deck, but wants a much larger, ground-level lower deck. By the time we arrived Donnalee had removed the lower deck.

The first step was to dig and plant 11 new pier blocks. The new deck would also use a similar number of existing pier blocks. Digging is our least favorite chore, especially in the 100+ degree weather we had for the three weeks we were there.

1) With the blocks in place we installed the posts and beams to support the deck joists. The underside of the upper deck needed to be painted, so we laid out all the floor joints to give us a nice platform to spray and roll on the paint. 2) Then the joists were screwed down, ready for decking.

This shows a nice view of the 16 inch on center joints over the 4x4 beams and posts.

The deck material chosen was Choice Deck composite planks. As this was the same that Emily and Chad used on their deck we knew just how to install it. This decking uses clips not screws to hold the planks, giving a beautiful surface without any visible fasteners.

With the deck completed, it was time to build a new stairway to get to it. We began with five 16 foot 4x4's, sitting on their pier blocks, braced and leveled.

Next, the stair stringers and landing joists were screwed into place. Now we are ready to install the steps.

While Donnalee mounted the stair planks, we built and installed new railing posts. Creating a strong railing is the most difficult part of any deck. We considered a wrought iron railing, but it was too costly. Next, we discovered a beautiful wire railing, but it too was out of the budget. We decided on a steel piping railing with horizontal bars to maximize the viewing from the upper deck.

At the exact connection of the upper stair stringers, the old deck had a single, weak 2x6 joist on one post. Using that joist to hold the stairs was way under spec. We replaced the 2x6 with a stack of 4x4's and added a second post. Then we strapped the 4x4'x to the house, to each other and to the posts. It is worthy now.

Our landing posts are extremely strong, but the new upper deck posts, not so much. We needed to find a way to make them hold the required 200 lbs of outward pressure. Our solution was to embed a metal ell bracket into each post and through a 4x4 that ran under the decking. The drawing on the right simulates the hidden brace. The "in/out" direction was now strong. For "left/right" strength we pummeled the fascia board into each post with 3 inch screws. And the pipe railing would provide more strength. The end result is a rock-solid railing.

Voila, the finished project! The pipe railing adds an artistic look, maximizes your view and is maintenance free.

Take a look at the before and after comparisons.

To congratulate us, the City of Redding shot off a half hour of fireworks.

As it turns out, it was not for us, they do this every year on the Fourth of July.

The deck took 19 days to complete and most everyday at 100+ heat. In the evening we played cards and had a good social time. While Donnalee would have liked us to stay longer, we "got the deck out of here" and headed toward Oregon for cooler weather. We'll report on that next week.

With love, Pete, Ellen and Mandy

Photos from Jul 2016