Category Archives: Household

Deck Cover Project

This project is a little ironic in that, for years I have always wanted to sit on my patio and look up into the shade trees but couldn’t because of an ugly old trailer park-type awning. So, as in my earlier posts, we removed the old awning cover, built a larger deck over the old patio and my dream was fulfilled. Well, after the first season, we realized that the table and chairs were constantly filled with debris and bird poop. We have to keep them covered, or end up cleaning them every time we want to sit to dinner on the deck. An umbrella was out of the question, with our occasional windy days we would have to keep it down. So, a cover was decided, but just a half cover, enough for the dinning table and chairs, but the other half with the Bar-B-Que and Chiminea is not covered, offering views up into the trees and to let smoke drift upwards from the Chiminea and bar-b-que.

Clear fiberglass panels keep us dry, and there is an electrical box for a fan we found, for those muggy windless days.

Back Yard Landscape Facelift

I have finally finished the landscaping project that connects the new patio and the new deck that was built over the old patio coming off of the kitchen.

patio-007.jpg Before… bakyard-007.jpg After

We used some of the old bricks left over from the patio project and made a border along the wider flower beds we created using fill that came out of the patio excavation.

patio-008.jpg Before… bakyard-011.jpg After

We used composite “bender board” and composite stakes between the granite/rock path and the grass. It won’t rot like redwood or cedar and is stronger too. I had many tree roots to deal with and had to rip the bender board to about 1-1/2″ along the half towards the deck. Buried only about 1/2 to 1 inch deep in places, yet is strong enough to withstand the occasional big foot or lawn mower wheel. Impossible to do with redwood bender board.

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That’s an antique milk tank used as a pedestal for a sun dial

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I used bark dust for the mulch and “decomposed” granite for the pathway, with stones collected around our mountain cabin mixed in.

Build a Deck Project, Phase II

Ok, first some revisions to “phase I”. I went ahead and extended the deck 1 foot out the other side after all, so it is a full 16 ft deck. I had to remove the old awning before I could go any further…

patio-184.jpg The awning was on a hinge like mounting so we just removed the bolts holding the support posts to the top and swung it down. It was even lighter than I thought it would be, being aluminum but fairly large. Then we supported it with scrap blocks of wood because it was narrower (7′) than the height of the over-hang (7′-8″) from the top of the patio to ease in removing the screws holding it to the fascia.

patio-187.jpg patio-182.jpg Now I could lay down the deck joists, but first I had to attach the ledger board I talked about in the last blog. First I marked where the joists would be on the ledger so I didn’t have a bolt right on a spot where the joist went. I also marked the joist positions on the outer rim board, opposite of the ledger board at the same time so they line up well. Then attach to wall with bolts. Then, since I am using the “Deck2Wall” spacer, you must remove the ledger, then screw the spacer right over the holes using 1 screw to hold it. Then put a dab of silicone on the holes in the siding and re-attach the ledger.

patio-189.jpg patio-183.jpg Now I could attach the joists to the ledger. I laid down the two outer joists, attached the rim board, then laid the rest of the joists on their marks. Since it was resting the right on the patio slab, I simply “toe-nailed” them to the ledger using 3″ screws. The outer 4×4 posts used a saddle bracket to mount them to the ledger. As a precaution, since it is only a 2×4 ledger, I dug out a small area under the ledger and braced it with a pier block, just for added support. If I had been thinking, I would have put one more post brace on the outer 4×4 joist right near the ledger.

Build a Deck Project, Phase I

Now that the new patio is done, for the most part, (there are still some fence boards to mend, stain and gravel edging etc) I have started on the new deck that will be placed over the existing (older) patio coming off of the kitchen. Fortunately, the patio slab couldn’t be in better condition. It looks only a few years old, (although it isn’t by any means) and it has good slope away from the house for drainage. It is only 9-feet by 12-feet (9’x12′) and isn’t big enough for my new Bar-B-Q and the Cheminea, and a nice table.

I am going to once again use some rather unorthodox methods to increase the size of the deck to 9.5’x15′. I know, weird size but tree roots and sloping ground around the deck prevented me from going through with my original 10’x16′ deck. It still will be an improvement, especially with room for me to put my bar-b-q.

Unorthodox you say? yes, I am putting down Evergrain composite decking right over the slab. This may not sound too bad except the new composite decking’s out there want plenty of air circulation underneath. I am going to gap it between the boards 3/16″, not just the 1/8″ as prescribed by the manufacturer.

patio-176.jpg I am drilling 1-1/2″ holes (3) in each pressure treated 2×4 to aid in air flow. Since it is sitting on a solid concrete slab, the structural integrity won’t be effected. More holes with cute little louvered vents in them will be on the end board, one for each “cavity” created between the joists. They won’t be visible unless you get your face down there and look.

patio-174.jpg I also had to dig up some of the area where the extension will be. This was not easy because of a large tree less than 8 feet away has shallow roots every where. I had to shorten up my original 4 feet to 3 feet because a huge root just was too big to cut.

patio-175.jpg patio-177.jpg (here, I’m using scrap 4×4 and a straight 2×4 to get the saddles the same height as the patio slab) I’m using pressure treated 4×4’s as the last two outside joists, resting in a Simpson EPB44HG post saddle. A trick I picked from one of my customers who builds decks for a living. This helps get the deck right down to ground level, rising up just enough to not touch the ground. With the air holes I drilled there should be plenty of air to prevent rotting too.

Attaching the deck to the house won’t be a big thing either. I’m using a fairly new product called “Deck2Wall” spacers. A hockey puck-looking disc that goes between the siding or foundation wall and the ledger board, creating an air space to prevent rotting.

deck-002.jpg deck-007.jpg A dab of silicone at the bolt hole is added prevention. I learned these methods because I work as Asst. Mgr at a local retail lumber and building supply store.

In years past, I wasn’t able to add a deck unless I tore out the patio, or ripped each joist down. Standard lumber decking is 1-1/2″ thick and would have been too high above my doorway. The newer composite decking is only 1″ thick, putting it just at level with the doorway. A larger than normal gap between the deck and the wall should help prevent water from getting in, because the deck-to-wall spacers also help in drainage, eliminating the need for flashing.

Block patio project, Phase IV

After getting the block down, you must go over it with a plate tamper, the same one I used to pack the 3/4 minus gravel earlier. I’ve heard different ways it should be done, like spread the sand over it first then tamp it, or even leave it thick over the block while going over it with the tamper. I opted to use the method I read in the booklet that the manufacturer of our block put out… (click thumbs)

tamping the block First, I tamped the block before sweeping the sand into the cracks. I went around and back and forth several times. They suggest this so the sand will fill the cracks from the bottom up. Perhaps if you fill the cracks with sand prior to tamping it won’t come up as far from the bottom?

sweeping sand sand in cracks Then I swept the sand into the cracks real good, first at 90 deg. to the cracks, then at 45 deg. angles to the cracks, then I went over it with the tamper again as before, making several passes in both directions.

brick path Here is the brick path between the garden and patio, we did the tamping the same way.

Finished patio finished patio Here is the finished patio! We are very pleased with how it turned out.

tuckers portrait Here is a little old window we found at Morrow’s antiques and Nick knacks we placed on the back of the shed. Cheryl did a “reverse painting” of her cat Tucker peering out on the panes of glass.

fountain This is a fountain we found at Lowe’s. We looked all over and this was the nicest looking one for under $300 we could find. It’s fully contained for the most part, just add water!

This concludes the block patio project. We are still not done though with the back yard. We need the new deck over the old existing patio and the pathway between the two, plus misc. landscaping.

Block patio project, Phase III

Now the fun begins! After packing the gravel comes the time to lay some block. First I made a bed of sand 1″ (inch) thick by laying 3/4″ PVC pipe (3/4 is the inner diameter, 1″ is the outer diameter) and using a straight 2×4 to “screed” the sand.

screeding sand (click thumbs)

Then, following the edging we laid down earlier, we started making our rows of block following the pattern we liked. Our is called an “I” pattern. After carefully laying the blocks, make sure the edges are tight and square and gently thump the block into the sand if need be.

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Using cuts of plywood helps in not disturbing the block until it can be tamped.

Here I am kissing the final stone after several hours just of laying block and 5 weeks total, mostly after work and weekends digging and scrapping.

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The next day you can hardly move but we wanted the get the antique brick path between the new patio and the garden finished sooo…

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My wife Cheryl laid most of the path bricks.

Block patio project, Phase II

Now that the pad for the patio and pathway between the garden and patio have been cleaned and prepared by removing all dirt and tree roots, it’s time for the gravel.

(click thumbnails to enlarge image)

The gravel gets delivered by a local rental place.

Chris and I get to work spreading the ‘3/4″ minus’ gravel. Most tutorials and how-to’s say to use 4 inches of gravel, but I have asked around and some “experts” have told me that 2-3 inches is fine.

  

Now I am using a plate tamper to pack the gravel. I first hosed it down lightly and this helps it to stay packed when finished. I made two passes going opposite directions, making sure it was just damp but not soaking wet.

Just in time, our block is delivered and set right where we wanted it.

After packing the gravel down we are making ore starting corner. It must be a perfect 90 deg. angle so the block stays true throughout the laying process. We used a “3-4-5” method using our string line (measure up one side 3 feet, up the other side 4 feet, then measure across the two points you made and it should be exactly 5 feet) we were extremely lucky and it was perfect the first time! (my great eyeballing)

 

Block patio project, Phase I

Ok, as if the kitchen remodel wasn’t enough, now we are tearing out the back yard and making it a more inviting and livable space. We are putting in a block patio with a small tiered fountain on one corner and we also decided to improve the flower beds and convert our existing patio into a deck.

Here are some “before” shots of the patio area at the far end of our yard, the flower beds along the house, and the existing patio that we are going to convert into a deck.

(click thumbnails to enlarge image)

First off we had to remove the dilapidated old flower bed in the corner and remove the old dirt.

Then we cut the grass with a rented sod cutter. This was used to cut down below the grass and easily remove the grass in big 12″ to 18″ pieces. We did this for the patio area and the extended flower beds as well.

 

After removing the sod we had to remove the small tree roots and layers of dirt to get down to the final depth. I opted to use the sod cutter twice again as it cuts a uniform 2″ depth on each pass, then all you do is scoop out the loose dirt. We used the loose dirt from the patio excavation to fill in the widened flower beds.

The sod cutter only get so close to the fence, shed, etc.  so we had to go around with a pick to remove dirt to the level of the rest of the pad

Moving the flower beds out also meant we had to move the sprinkler heads out to the new edge of the grass

 

 

Kitchen Remodeling IV

Well, the counter top people came and installed counter tops in the kitchen and bathroom. The bathroom is also getting a face lift but not as major as the kitchen. New counter top (keeping vanity), sink, faucet, shower faucet set, re glazing the tub, new linoleum floor, adding a wainscot of rustic wood and seashore items for a nautical theme.

After the counter top people left, I was anxious to install the new sinks. I was up all night worrying about it because I just knew that the old drains wouldn’t line up. I was right no matter what position I put the sinks and their drain “traps” it couldn’t line up with the old 1962 plumbing. I tried removing the old tail pipe from the wall (in the bathroom) but it was rusted frozen. I tried Jerry-rigging the pipe but the old chrome pipes and washers were shot, and I cracked the tail pipe.

I gave in and called a plumber. Best thing I ever did, he totally replaced the drains, and inlets, under both sinks with modern valves and pipes. Now their set for another 40 years! Plus he hooked up and set the bathroom sink. Cheryl was highly upset with the mess the plumber made, gunk and caulking all over her new counter top and sink and faucet in the bathroom, so we installed and set the kitchen sink our selves, and the plumber hooked up the drains (not lining up there either)

After the stove and dishwasher were installed it is finally finished. Only a few trim pieces and an over head light remain. Here are a few pics of the finished kitchen…

  

We were looking for some sort of antique we could use for a phone stand or desk. I spotted this beauty, a kids role-top desk in great condition!

  

Kitty is checking out the new back savers. Drawers for pots and pans, and our canned goods.

 

Kitchen Remodeling III

Now that the old cabinets have been completely removed, we did some patching and spackling of the sheet rock. I am comfortable with spackle, even filling quite large areas (where the old back splash tore the facing of the sheet rock away) is no problem with my trusty “5-in-1” painters tool but patching the sheet rock with tape and mud was new and a little intimidating to me at first. Good thing that all the areas that we patched will be hidden either by cabinets or the tile back splash we will put in. I first used self sticking mesh type sheet rock tape, covering holes too big for spackle. Then you put a thin layer of sheet rock (s/r) mud over the mesh tape pressing it in to just fill in the mesh. Let that dry over night and sand smooth. (I didn’t use it but there is also a fast or “hot” mud that dries in 20, 45 and 90 minutes if you like.)

Then you put another thin layer over the patch, this time wider and feathering the edges, making sure to not allow any of the tape to show. Wait over night and sand again, trying not to expose the mesh like tape underneath this time. Now for the final coat of mud, this time using an even wider “knife” and feathering the edges of the mud thinner so when it is sanded and painted it won’t show.

 

 

Before the new cabinets were installed, we thought it would be a good idea to paint the areas that would show first, avoiding a possible mess taping and painting the brand new cabinets. Boy are we glad we did! The installers only scuffed a tiny 1 inch area that had to be touched-up after they were through. We also wanted new moulding around the windows and door going into the laundry area, and so I removed the moulding above the sink window before they installed the cabinets so I didn’t risk whacking and scratching the new cabinets with my pry bar. The other moulding will be swapped out later, as it isn’t near the cabinets.

 

Here are the new cabinets just after being installed.

 

 

After the cabinets were installed, the electrician came and finished installing the under cabinet lighting, replacing the outlet cover plates, and the county inspector was already by to approve it all. And the counter top people were by to do their final measurements and should be ready to install next week. It was very reminiscent of the movie “Money Pit” (Tom Hanks, Shelly Long) here yesterday with different people coming in and out.

I have now competed putting on the new moulding around the sink window, installing the new microwave oven-hood above the stove area, and installed a new light over the sink. My wife put her new curtains over the competed sink window and she says it is shaping up very nicely!