On Fire!

Was presented with another outstanding sunset the other evening off my back deck!

It doesn't get much better than this!

#Blessed

Just Sitting And Watching

Oliver has chosen a new spot for perching.

These pictures don't show it but he's sitting about 14' up above the ground.

He has a short memory and doesn't remember falling from the deck a couple years ago. The compost decking prolly isn't the best for grabbing and holding on to.  Compared to regular wood anyway.

He blends in well...

Set Sail...

The handy work of my brother!

Really need him to visit more often. When he's here my to-do list gets smaller.

The sail does a nice job keeping the sun off the deck and out of the kitchen through the slider.

Dog Leg Looking Deck Post Repair In Progress

The 6x6 center post on our deck came with a slight bend or warp to it.  Over the last several year the warp has gotten worse, which in turn has had me worried.

So, in an effort to correct, my neighbor helped install an ~80" steel box-type post against the warped post.  Three holes were drilled (top, center and bottom) through both posts and monster bolts were inserted and tightened down.

The plan is to slowly (every couple of days) torque the nuts to pull the warped wooden post into vertical alignment with the steel post.

Initial indication is good with the wooden post responding as we intended. 

Deck Is Now Complete!

 

Our deck is finally finished!

 

Due to the added weight that the composite decking added to the 12+ year old joists, we were forced to add (3) additional 6 x 6 posts and support bean under the center of the deck.  Of course we didn't want to do this, as we've lost our only open space near the pool that provided shade and we've also lost our cloths line, alas.

 

However, it was needed and there was no way around it, so I'm glad it's been taken care of finally and before the snow flies, which is sure to add additional weight but no worries any longer.

 

We can now host that long over due party without worry and fear of the deck collapsing with too many people milling about.

Phew, Glad That's Done!

 

A post-hole digger is your friend!  Well, yesterday it was my friend.

 

I dug (3) 12" diameter holes that are 4' deep in preparation for a new deck support system that we're installing. 

 

Hole digging here in New England is typically a huge undertaking with Murphy's Law always playing  role.  Inevitably, the location one chooses to dig is exactly where that monstrous rock is always hiding.  When this occurs and if you're lucky the rock is movable, however, a 12" diameter hole is now a 24+" diameter hole.  If your not lucky, well then you SOL!

 

In my case I was SUPER lucky, and with the exception of the large rock (soccer ball sized) in the above picture, I had NO problems.  I had all three holes dug and ready their for sonar tubes and concrete in under and hour.

Show Stopper!!!

Ran into a slight problem last Saturday while attempting to install the final railing to our deck. Actually, it's bigger than a slight problem really and prolly falls into the BIG, show stopping category. We're talking about a FRYE project!

One of the corner posts snapped off just below the floor decking. The post, which is a 4x4, was notched on two sides to mount a side and the end of the deck on top of the notches versus using lag bolts to secure. So what they essentially did was remove 1.5" from two of the four sides. Being that the deck is 20+ years old, and even though pressure treated lumber was used, it's 20+ years old. Anyway, since the deck is 9' off the ground, I am concerned about the integrity and safety of the original three support posts.

I've been researching and consulting with family and friends on the proper way to proceed. As you might expect there are many different suggestions but none that give me the warm fuzzies.

Stay tuned, this is going to be interesting...

"Honey Do List"...

JoAnne had more work for me to do delivered the other day, alas...

And We're Off, Finally...

Our deck remodeling project has finally begun, hooray!

Since the floor joists and support posts are still in great condition, we decided to simply replace the floor decking. JoAnne got a fantastic deal on the grey composite decking. This was a couple seasons ago and we've been storing these (14) 20 footers in the garage since. It is SO nice to have these removed finally!

The picture pretty much shows where we're at. Not much progress has been made since 06/14. This is large part due to my building partner taking off to go back home to Miami...

Half is better than nothing right?!

Stay tuned...