This is an intermediate level project and rated 3 on a "difficulty" scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the most difficult. The deck was built and hot tub installed in one weekend. Note: Decks can be built in any shape and size -- low to the ground or high up on posts. Hot tubs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes as well -- most common being the square, hexagon or round varieties. For this particular project, host Fuad Reveiz built a basic square deck that attached off a corner of the existing deck. Materials: Quick-set concrete (used for the footer)
Pressure-treated lumber in the following various sizes (figure A): - 2x6 for the floor joists
- 5-quarter board for the decking
- 2x10 for the beams
- 4x4 for the posts
Drill and bits with a socket attachment
Cordless drill
Circular saw
Miter saw
Jig saw
Reciprocating saw
Spiral nails
Gas-powered nail gun
Level
Speed square
Framing square
Chalk line
Tape measure
Shovel
Stakes and string
Galvanized nails and screws
Various electrical supplies used by the electrician
Two-man auger
Landscape cloth
Mulch Note: First you'll need to determine where you're going to build a new deck or reinforce the old one. In any remodeling project, it's important to check out all your options. Several sketches of the new deck could be helpful, but if you can't draw, there are several computer programs on the market that can create a 3-D image of your new backyard (figure B). - Start the project by removing any plants or foliage around the old deck. With care you may be able to transplant them in another location.
- After the ground is clear, it's time to cut the railing. Begin by measuring the top rail where it needs to be cut, using a speed square. Mark across the top.
- Being careful, cut through the top railing with a circular saw.
- Remove the top railing as a single piece that can be used later (figure C).
- Use a reciprocating saw to remove the sections of railing where the new deck will start. Take it out as one piece so it can be reused as well.
- For this particular project, the corner post is in the way, so it was cut down and removed.
- Now it's time to close off the old access point to the deck. Start by installing a new post (figure D) that will anchor an additional section of railing.
- Reuse one of the old sections of railing by measuring and cutting it to length. Remember to install support blocks at the bottom of the posts.
- Set the railing in place and attach with screws, using a drill for better stability.
- The last piece to be installed is the "old" top rail. Measure the length and cut with a miter saw.
- Position and align the corner and secure with spiral nails (figure E).
- With the railing and posts set, it's time to mark for the posts of the new decking. First, determine exactly where the new deck will begin. Run a line out from that point and stake it into the ground (figure F).
- Once you have a fixed line along the new deck, you can measure points along that line where the double-joists and posts will go. A framing square will give you a right angle off the original line so you can begin stringing additional lines in order to begin a grid pattern.
- As a grid takes shape, the lines running parallel to the back of the house are where the double joists will go. Every spot where a string intersects those lines is where a post will go. Basically, wherever the strings cross, you're going to dig a hole. You can mark these spots with spray paint (figure G).
Note: Portable hot tubs require no plumbing hookup. They are filled and drained with a hose, then heated and filtered by their own equipment. Reveiz is halfway through the first day of this level-3 intermediate project. In the next segment, the holes will be dug and the posts set for the new decking.
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
Hydro Spa
Clearwater, FL 33762
Website: www.hydrospa.com
GUESTS :
Sandy DeKoning
Mountain Stream Spas
Phone: 865-774-6888
Website: www.mountainstreamspas.com
Richard Wallace
Representative
Southern Pine Council
Phone: 504-443-4464
Website: www.SouthernPine.com
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