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House
& Home . If
you've been postponing the inevitable, ED NOTE: As we do from time to time, we're continuing to run this article from last month's issue. The idea is, between all he wet weather we'd had, plus the fact that the best intentions don't always get translated into actual projects as quickly as they might, there may still be plenty of folks out there who'd like to use this piece -- and the accompanying Links to House & Home On-Line: Deck Plans, Ideas & How-to's -- as a guide once you get around to building your deck. ... We hope you find it helpful. ...
You know it's long overdue, so why not just buck up, get a set of plans together, and make a weekend of it? The fact is, for all but the more elaborate deck projects, a few folks, working in concert, can have a deck up in no time -- from the post holes to the last nail or screw in the last plank. ... We won't bore you with plans this month. The variations are too many, and the possibilities ... Well, designing the deck you want is half the fun. ... A few summers back, we decided it was time for a deck. Of course, we didn't finish in one weekend. But that's only because, once I started -- by pulling up the old boarded walkway, I became obsessed with laying out and framing up a sunroom first. Since I usually {some would say too often} follow out such obsessions, that's exactly what we did. ...
The cost wasn't prohibitive, either. We used pressure treated 4x4 posts, 2x8's for joists, and 2x6's for the decking. For the foundation, since the deck is free standing, I decided to try {again} a method I came on about 25 years ago, one that's stood up pretty well for such situations, like our well house and a small, free-standing 8 x 12 shed, for example. It supposedly comes from a Welsh practice. ...
The basic idea is this: You dig some post holes, at least a couple of feet down, but not necessarily below frost line. You then fill the bottom third or so with "fist-size stones." Supposedly, this is the secret. If the stones are too large, then the frost will grab them and heave them against your posts. And if they're too small, then the stones will compact in the clay, with the same result come the first deep frost. But with enough fist-size stones, the water and clay will freeze into the open pockets between the stones before it tries exerting any pressure against the post. You know. The old "path of least resistance" theory. ... If you're looking for a way to save some time and money, this approach to the foundation can be just what the doctor ordered. Though I'll confess, the main thing that draws me to the practice again and again is that I like working with stones ... ... and I also like the somewhat primitive feel of a foundation like that, and probably the Welsh thing, too. But that's my obsession. It doesn't have to become yours.
No matter which way you decide to go, if you're starting with a clear work area, it is true that you can pull it off in a weekend with three people, and that, without breaking too much of a sweat. . ******* ******* If you would like to submit something for our House & Home section, don't hesitate to let us know. Simply e-mail us at house@downstreetmagazine.com. The e-mail should contain your name, address, and a phone number where we can reach you. You may also send a copy of your proposed article. The text can either be included in the body of the e-mail, or you can send it as an attachment in just about any word processing format. If your piece is accepted, we will pay a small honorarium for your interest & your time. [See Freelancers Wanted for more details.] ******* ******* If you would like to advertise in this section, or throughout the magazine, please visit our Advertising Info Pages ... or call, write, or e-mail ads@downstreetmagazine.com. ******* *******
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