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Heavy Duty & Beach Front Construction TechniquesSome of my clients live in environments, such as beach communities or the desert, which require additional care in building. To give you an idea of what it takes to build in these environments, here is a brief visual overview of a recent deck I built in Manhattan Beach near the ocean. You might also be wondering why I am showing so much and sharing the techniques I have learned -- won't my competitors see this too? The answer is yes. And that is OK. I have seen lots of bad decks and replaced far too many. So by sharing this information, I help lots of people. First, my clients, who see that I know what I am doing and can feel good about hiring me. Second, builders all over the US who don't have a way to learn except trial and error on their clients projects, because there are no apprentice programs and it can take years to discover and develop these techniques. And third, homeowners all over the US who can now have a better deck built for them because I was willing to loose a few local clients in the greater good - better built decks.
The Finished Deck
This beach front IPE wood deck (learn more) was custom made to fit the needs of my clients for entertaining.
My Step By Step Building Process
Step 1: After the space was cleared, I installed the deck beams on short posts which are in turn nailed to heavy duty post brackets set in concrete (note the pressure treated ledger board attached to the house frame through the stucco underneath the doors)
Step 2: Detail showing cut ends and bottom of posts treated properly with preservative
Step 3: Detail showing heavy duty, double galvanized hardware and nails
Step 4: Detail showing proper screws (rated for pressure treated wood -- I use the right materials for the job to ensure your deck will last a very long time)
Step 5: The deck framed up
Step 6: Detail showing joints planed smooth (this keeps all the deckboards flat so there are no bumps when the deckboards go over a beam)
Step 7: Showing planed areas treated with preservative (again to ensure a very long life under extra beach front moisture conditions)
Step 8: Detail showing cut end and how the preservative does not penetrate into the center (improper treatment will shorten the life of your deck)
Step 9: Detail showing the proper treatment of a cut end (notice how it is absorbed into the entire surface area)
Step 10: View of the deck boards being installed
Step 11: Detail showing the countersunk holes with edges sanded cleanly (this helps with bare feet) and color matched, stainless steel screws (which last much longer especially near beaches with salt corrosion and blend in visually)
Step 12: Here is the main deck done and the edges cut, and I am just starting on the steps
Step 13: The steps are cut and configured to meet the uneven concrete (I like to make sure the deck looks great from every angle and the steps stay solid and firm)
Step 14: Here is the finished deck and accompanying fence and gate (I still have to replace the old white picket fence in the back)
Lighting Detail: Notice the inset lighting
Deckboard Detail: Every detail is important, including taking the time to match up and align the corner boards (which I angled to make them visually appealing)
Permission is granted to anyone who wants to |
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