Deck-Building No-No QUESTION #1: Tim, I need your help. I contracted with a large home center to have a deck built. I came home from work and saw that the carpenters had toenailed an outer joist to the side of my home. Many of the nails are close to the edge and I can already […]
Squaring Up A Deck With Two Tape Measures DEAR TIM: I’m going to build a deck. Don’t try to stop me. I’ve got many questions for you. First, what’s the smallest size a deck can be and still have a table on it for eating? How does one figure out where to put the support […]
Deck Foundation DEAR TIM: I’m concerned about the concrete deck base that’s fully above ground at my new home. The other decks in our development have the concrete piers below ground. Shouldn’t the concrete be completely buried to protect against freezing and cracking in the winter months? What do you feel are the best concrete […]
Did you see the overnight news about the horrible multi-story deck collapse in New Jersey? At this time, I don't believe anyone died, but several were seriously injured. CLICK or TAP HERE for a local news story. You could become a statistic in the future if a deck you're standing or DANCING on collapses. The […]
Deck Beams and Posts QUESTION #1: Tim, I really need your help. My husband is making a mess of a deck extension project. I’m concerned he’s using the wrong-sized lumber and the connections between pieces of lumber don’t appear to be secure to me. Are you able to share deck-construction basics so my kids and […]
Different Deck Piers QUESTION #1: Tim, can you explain why I need concrete deck piers under the wood support posts that hold up my deck? I saw an older deck where the posts just rested on pre-cast concrete stepping stones. The deck seemed fine to me. Are deck piers overkill and a way for contractors […]
Ask the Builder Podcast 22 Custom Joist Hangers: Custom Joist Hangers - Tim Carter, founder of AsktheBuilder.com, talks to David up in Wisconsin. He's building a deck and needs custom joist hangers for a few beams. You'll love Tim's suggestion. Podcast Sponsor: Stain Solver - Certified Organic Oxygen Bleach Home Improvement and Home Construction […]
"I think the decking can get to over 160 F, or more, the closer you are to the summer solstice. " Temperature of Composite Decking - Can Cause Burns Fast! The temperature of composite decking is hotter than you'd ever imagine. I tested my own Trex Transcend composite decking. Free & Fast Bids CLICK HERE […]
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Steel in Concrete Question #1: Tim, my builder is telling me to forget about using reinforcing steel or mesh is my concrete driveway and patio. He says he’ll just add an inch of thickness and that’s good enough. What’s your feeling? Would you go to the effort and expense to install reinforcing steel in outdoor […]
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