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Cottage Life handyman Wayne Lennox talks about materials, design features, and building tips for your very own outdoor shower.
Applying semi transparent deck stain is an ideal way to add color to your patio as well as protect it. Being aware of the various tips and hints that can be followed during the process of applying the stain will ensure that you achieve a decent result.
Tip #1 – Preparation
In order to ensure that the stain takes properly, it will be necessary to prepare the surface in readiness of accepting the solution. In addition to sweeping up any dirt and debris that may be present on the deck, take some time to give it a more thorough cleaning. If you do not have a pressure washer, a scrubbing brush will be sufficient. Pay particular attention to any marks on the surface as this can result in voids in the stain if they are not taken care of. If any stains have seeped into the wood of the deck, rectify this by gently resurfacing the affected sections with sandpaper. Ensure that you wipe away any resultant dust after this process before beginning to apply any stain.
There’s a reason so many builders are leaning green these days.
After all, who doesn’t want a home that’s healthier, keeps energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions in check, and doesn’tsquander water and other natural resources? But you don’thave to buildfrom scratch to turn your not-so-newhouse into a dwelling that’s eco-friendly and more economical to run.
Whether you own or rent, the following 45 simple ideas can help you save money (and the planet) today. Read more…
Everything always comes back into fashion. Whether its retro clothing, vintage cars, or designer antiques, 
people love it when the past catches up to the present again. But bringing a little history into the home isn’t just limited to decorative knick-knacks and old-fashioned furniture. It can extend to the actual construction of the house as well. Reclaimed wood has become a popular way to recycle pre-existing wooden structures by incorporating them into newer homes.
The 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) has a number of big changes when it comes to framing decks. If your state, county or town will be adopting the ’09 IRC you’d better take a look at a copy of the code before you get a code violation.
The changes are all related to how you connect the ledger to the building. For one, there’s now a prescriptive chart for fastener patterns, no more ‘rule of thumb’ bolt or lag screw frequency. You just match the depth of your deck to your fastener of choice (1/2 inch lag screw, 1/2 inch thru-bolt or 1/2 inch thru-bolt with stacked washer space) and you’re good to go. But you are going to need a structural engineer if you want to bolt your deck ledger to anything but a 2x rim joist or a 1 inch thick Douglas Fir LVL rim. This means you have to know how the floor is framed when adding a deck to an existing building. Plus if the rim joist is concealed on the inside, you have to provide some sort of visual access for inspections – get out the hole saw….
You could throw a dart at a random list of contractors and easily hit one that has built a deck at some point during their career. But just because a contractor has built a deck, it doesn’t mean that’s who you want to do your job. Decks–whether they’re a simple square or span several levels and require fancy woodwork–require special attention to how the space will be used, as well as how the deck will work in relation to your home and garden.
What to Ask Before You Hire a Deck Contractor
The easiest way to find a contractor is to ask your friends, family, and neighbors for recommendations. If you’ve seen a deck you like, don’t be shy about asking the homeowner who built it. They’ll be flattered you like their deck, and you’ll begin your search with a solid list of contenders. Contractor directories, some including ratings and other feedback, offer another good place to get started.
Ask every deck contractor a short set of questions including:
- How long have you been in business?
- Are you licensed and insured?
- Do you have references I can check?
- Can you complete a free estimate?
Some contractors might charge for an estimate, but many are confident enough in their prices and quality of work, they don’t. Be sure to obtain at least three written estimates that include what kinds of materials will be used.
If you don’t already have a deck plan from which to work, ask whether the contractor will complete drawings. The drawings should specify all construction details, including the foundation, railings, benches, and stairs.
When you and your contractor are on the same page, what you want is what you’ll get.
As the housing market continues along its downward slope and the economy teeters on the edge of a recession—if it’s not already in one—building a deck can be a smart way for property owners to maintain or even improve their home’s value. After all, it’s less expensive than building an additional room but still enables homeowners to expand their living space. “It’s safe to say that a deck is one of the more cost-effective things you can do,” says Robert Markovich, home and yard editor for Consumer Reports. “Decks are really a high-return item.” Read more…
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