| Deck Spiff-Up: Adding Inset Lighting and a Built-in Bench |
From "Weekend Handyman"
episode WKH-108 |
|
|
|
advertisement
|
Note: Click here for a materials list and complete instructions without images. Time: 16 hours over two days. Difficulty Rating: It's rated a 2 on a scale of 1 to 5.
Materials for Complete Project: Redwood for frame and bench (varies according to frame dimensions)
3 pieces of 2" x 6" x 14"
2 pieces of 2" x 6" x 16"
10 pieces of 2" x 4" x 12"
5 pieces of 1" x 8" x 12"
3 pieces of 4" x 4" x 12"
Shade canopy with tracks
Inset deck lighting kit
Handsaw
Circular saw
Jigsaw
Forstner bit Hand tools
Clamps
Measuring devices Add an Angled Back Bench - Remove the old railing.
- Decide where you want the two end brackets to go.
- Measure the space between the brackets to determine even spacing in-between (figure A), and fasten the brackets with screws.
- Attach 2 x 4's to each bracket for back support. First, cut an angle at the top of each board to create a level edge.
Tip: When measuring for an angled cut, use sliding "t" level butted against support (figure B), match the angle and use that to adjust your circular saw at an angle. Cut the top of the 2 x 4's. - Clamp the 2 x 4's to each support, level, then attach with carriage bolts.
- Attach the boards for the seat of the bench. Level first board to be flush with end of the deck (figure C).
- For the top of bench, set the table saw for the same angle cut used on the support boards to create a level board to use for setting things on such as beverages.
- Clamp the cut board in place (figure D), using a framing square to make sure it's flush, and then screw it on.
- Put on the rest of the back bench boards and skirt.
Adding Lighting to Deck - Measure where to place the lighting on the steps.
- Use forstner bit (figure E) to cut a 3" diameter hole that's 7/8" deep with a flat bottom -- not a through hole.
Tip: The key to using a forstner bit is to drill a flat hole, which means that you'll want to keep the bit perpendicular to the surface. Note: If you don't want to use a forstner bit, another option would be to make a jig and cut with a router. - In the center of the hole, drill a 7/8" inch through hole (figure F) using an auger bit or spade bit.
- Snap the light into place.
- Hook the lead wires (there are two) into your main power wire and pull the wires under the deck and attach them to the transformer.
Safety Alert: For additional safety it's a good idea to wrap the connections with electrical tape. Next: Low-Voltage Landscape Lighting.
RESOURCES :
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
Retractable Canopies (ShadeTree)
Model #: Forester
Color: Southwestern Stripe
Product Tips:
- The shades retract, and you can install a locking mechanism to stop the rollers.
- Each panel has a "wind release" mechanism that allows the canopy to move freely in tracks in heavy winds, reducing damage.
ShadeTree Systems
Website: www.shadetreecanopies.com
Inset Lighting (Rockler Woodworking and Hardware)
In-Deck Lighting Disks
Model #: 36805
Rockler Woodworking and Hardware
Website: www.rockler.com
Deck Fasteners (Rockler Woodworking and Hardware)
Ebty Invisible Deck-Fastening System
Model #: 30424
Deckmaster Hidden Deck-Fastening System
Model #: 30606
Rockler Woodworking and Hardware
Website: www.rockler.com
California Redwood Association
Website: www.calredwood.org
GUESTS :
Curt Yoder
Production Manager, ShadeTree Systems
Columbus, OH
Phone: 614-844-5990
Brad Becker
Technical adviser, Rockler Woodworking and Hardware
Website: www.rockler.com
| 
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
