Putting down the decking goes quickly once the joists are attached and blocked. We worked from the two ends, setting them in place with a few screws, then placing the other boards. Spacing was adjusted at one end, then the boards were progressively attached, working from the spaced end. Since it’s very rare that aContinue reading “Looking like a deck, finally”
Category Archives: Construction
Deck understructure ready
Laying down some weed barrier was the last step before placing the decking. You can also see the pressure treated joists and blocking, as well as a beam that supports the joists.
Ready to pour the footings
By positioning the beams and brackets before pouring the footings, we can ensure that everything aligns perfectly. Once the footings have set, we can unscrew the beams, cut the ends and finish the deck.
Another deck
We’re finally starting work on the linear deck that will link the back door of the house to the garden. It will have long concrete steps in the same style as those on the floating deck, and will be completed later with a screen structure and seating area.
Planting sedge plugs in summer
It would be nice if plant availability and the optimum planting season coincided, or if planting time on a project were planned for cooler weather. They’re not. Since we’re not in an ideal world, things sometimes must go in the ground during hot weather. The trick, then, is to develop techniques that ensure a highContinue reading “Planting sedge plugs in summer”
Beware of the Grout!
That fancy colored grout that you have your heart set on might have a little secret: it fades in the sunlight. These two photos show the same grout, applied at about the same time one year ago. As you can see, the color is almost gone on the table mosaic, although some traces of blueContinue reading “Beware of the Grout!”
Gravel Paving II
With the garden tour happening the next day, we decided that the paths should have some kind of relatively level walking surface. So, instead of relaxing and letting our muscles recover from the previous work, we moved two yards of road base, tamped it down and wet it to reduce dust. The road base shouldContinue reading “Gravel Paving II”
Installing a gravel path
How to lay down gravel paths in the landscape.
Fun with new concrete
Concrete steps with a decorative swirl pattern now link the deck to the landscape.