In the final episode of DIY's Build a Deck workshop, we take a tour of five unique, innovative and extreme decks with host Jeff Wilson and guest Hamilton Brock, of Graham Vannoy Construction Company in Rising Fawn, Georgia.
Extreme Deck #1 - This extremely unusual deck's main feature is the fact that is overhangs a bluff. "Because of the location where we are, safety was our main concern," Brock says. "We had to build a tremendous amount of scaffolding just to get up [there] and also used a lot of safety harnesses for the employees who would be hanging out -- literally -- over this bluff to build this, so it was a pretty impressive project."
- Due to the span of the deck, the support beams had to be made of tubular steel. They were as tall as 35 feet. Steel I-beams run along the edge of the deck for added support.
- Here are a couple of the deck specs:
- The deck is made of Brazilian Epae hardwood (figure A), commonly known as "Ironwood," which was imported. In order to put this particular "dense" decking down, you have to pre-drill every hole for the screws because you can't drive a nail through it. This durable product won't warp and should last a lifetime. Even without a finish (this particular deck has one) this wood is beautiful and strong. It will weather a silver-gray without a finish, however. Note that a nice finish will also bring out the highlights of the wood. Compared to treated pine, this decking is five times more expensive!
- Stairs and Railing (figure B) -- Made out of stainless steel, the railing is totally unique. The steel was chosen because iron would rust over time. Due to a glare issue, the railing was, however, sandblasted to give it a matte finish. No paint was used. All the railing was fabricated off-site, brought up in sections and spot-welded at each corner to create a continuous look.
RESOURCES :
The Home Depot Information
To locate the Home Depot store nearest you, click here.
The Home Depot U.S.A. Inc.
Website: www.homedepot.com
The Complete Guide to Building Decks (Black & Decker Home Improvement Library)
ISBN: 0865734275
Author: Editors of Creative Publishing International
Order this title from Amazon.com.
Creative Publishing International, Inc.
Website: www.creativepub.com
Building a Deck: Expert Advice From Start to Finish (Taunton's Build Like a Pro)
ISBN: 1561584797
Author: Scott Schuttner
Order this title from Amazon.com.
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com
GUESTS :
Hamilton Brock
975 Highway 157
Lookout Mountain, GA 30750
Phone: 706-398-0616
Graham Vannoy Builders
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