2012年8月31日 星期五

Interesting Composite Deck Building


If you are looking to get yourself a new composite deck for your home, you should try to stick to getting a professional to install and build it. Decks are something that you can try to make for yourself, but if you are not keen on building things, you might end up ruining your backyard, or simply ruining your bank account. Your bank account will suffer and then you'll have to pay someone to not only tear down your composite decking mess, but also make you rethink your construction abilities.

For many people, construction work is not so hard. However, that construction work might not translate well to making a strong, and safe composite deck because if you have several people on it at once, you do not want it to fall and break, hurting your friends, family and even children. Yes, there are people that can build nice decks and do a lot of projects in their home. However, the majority of people that try to build something, hang rain gutters, or simply do their own construction, plumbing, or electricity, eventually realize that their handy work is not up to par with the professionals. If you try to do it yourself and you forget to test it for stress, you may have a lawsuit on your hands.

If you got sick, you wouldn't simply self diagnose yourself. You would not want to make a judgment call on your life, but for whatever reasons, many different people seem to think that they can do what the professionals do without any major problems. It's not easy to build with composite decking from raw materials. Sure there are home improvement shows that will make you believe that anything that can be done at home can be done with your own hands, and while that is interesting to say the least, it is not always the case when considering building a large scale project like a nice deck in your backyard.

Your backyard might be missing a composite deck, but do not be scared of adding that to your home. You will enjoy the greater good that this will value if it is done correctly. Things like knowing the proper deck screws to use to joist spacing can make a world of difference. However, if you are not sure, ask for a professional estimate and the pro's will make sure that you get the Correct deck or Trex deck of your dreams and make sure that you are not going to regret getting it. They'll also make sure it lasts for the life of your home and beyond.




Are you ready to learn all about the benefits of Interesting Composite Deck Building?? Visit http://www.fencesanddecksdallas.com today!





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Building Your First Deck For Your Home


This article will give you a good idea of what's involved in building a deck. There are always quicker ways to do things and you will learn them and invent some of your own as you proceed with your project. Always work safely and make sure you have a good firm footing underneath you. A trip or slip with a power tool can be dangerous. Let's get started with some of the tools you will need for your project.

TOOLS NEEDED- Electric saw, hand saw, hammer, 8,10 and 12 penny common galvanized nails, 4' level, string line, pencil, measuring tape, tripod and level gun (rent at your local rental store by the day), 5# sledge hammer, SAFETY GLASSES and a good pair of work gloves (your hands will love you for it).

LUMBER NEEDED-If you cannot figure out from your plans what lumber you need, most lumber stores will do a 'take-off" for you and sell you only what you need for your project. Many pre-made plans contain a lumber list right on them! Get some extra 2 " x 4" x 8' long lumber for temporary supports, etc.. If you buy pre-cuts studs, they are even cheaper. You buy the cheapest thing they have as it is only for temporary use. You can always use them for something. Framing anchors are needed for the post bottoms ledger joist connections and today they make many types of handrail anchors if you want to use them. Look at the anchor chart at the store and see what they have.

Building a deck isn't as hard as it may appear. All decks have the same basic components, just more or less of them. Posts, piers, floor joists, decking, handrails and stairs are the major pieces of any deck. Footing piers are covered in my e-Book footings so we will assume you already have footings in place and are ready to frame your deck. Building plans are available at most major hardware and lumber stores and give you tons of layout info even if the deck shown isn't exactly the size you want. Almost everywhere in the country today, building departments want your support posts to remain above grade. When you check with them as to whether you need a building permit or not, ask them. They will be glad to tell you what they expect to see. Remember, if you fail your inspection, they have to come back again and that is extra work for them. They want to pass you the first time!

The companies that provide pressure treatment to your posts have found the posts last a great deal longer if they are kept from having contact with the earth. I prefer this method as well and have found it to be true. Your pier footings or tubes should have been poured 2" above finished grade and this is where your new deck post will sit. You do not want to sit the post directly on top of the concrete without some type of anchor to hold it in place. Several brands of metal anchors are available at your lumber and hardware stores. If you are using a 6" x 6" pressure treated (PT) post, purchase the number of anchors you need, one for each post. One type is a flat plate with a center nail hole and 4 'feet" or points sticking out from the bottom in each corner. Place the anchor on the bottom of the plate with the "feet" or points facing downward, away from the post. Nail a 10 penny common nail through the plate into the post to hold it there while you work. Stand the post upright at the line marked for the corner of your framing. The "feet" will bite into the concrete footing pier from the weight of post and make it almost impossible to slide it around. Once the weight of the deck is on the post, it will not move. Repeat this work for each post for your deck. There are many types of post to footing anchors available. Some require a bolt be set in the concrete pier and the anchor then bolts to that and then nails to the post. All work equally well.

Now with all your posts ready, we'll assume you have 4 for this deck, you can either stand the posts into their exact positions as closely as possible and use some 2" x4"" lumber to brace them in an upright position until you complete the sub-floor framing for the deck or stand one post, frame to it, stand another post, frame to it, etc. I suggest you stand all the posts first to check your deck layout before you get half of it framed and find out you made a math mistake in your layout.

As you frame along to your plans, the old carpenters adage that measure twice, cut once, is still correct today. Lumber is expensive. Don't waste it and don't be in a rush! Wasted lumber costs money and a slip or fall with a saw or sledge hammer, can cause serious injury. Be careful while you work but enjoy it. Your plans show the size and number of post required. At this point they should all be standing, temporarily braced. The next item to be installed is the ledger board on the house if it is not already there. This board(s) will run the width of you deck minus 3". The exterior band joist nails to the ends of the ledger board for a neat finished look. The ledger board is always one size larger than your floor joists. 2 " x 8" floor joists, 2" x 10" ledger board. After removing the required siding to allow the ledger to be installed, nail the ledger with some 10 penny commons in a few places just to hold it there. Now a little math work. If you are using 2" x 6" decking lumber for your deck floor, set the top of the ledger board, 1 5/8" below the door sill to the deck. 2" lumber is actually 1 5/8" thick. If you want a 4" step out the door, set it 5 5/8" below the door sill and so on. With the ledger temporarily nailed in place, layout your joist locations on the ledger. Don't forget the exterior band joists on each end. Your plans will tell you if the joists are 16" on center (O.C.), 12" O.C. or whatever the design calls for them to be. Using your measuring tape, starting on one side of the deck and measuring from the outside of band joist, the next joist goes 16" ON CENTER, not the edge of the board. More than likely it will not come out even spaces. One space will be smaller. DO NOT MAKE THEM LARGER! The lumber is sized by design to carry a certain weight and making the joist spaces larger could cause a collapse of the deck.

With the joist layout complete, you can now see the spaces between the joists. Starting on the end bays or spaces, drill 2 holes, one above the other equally spaced in the ledger for lag bolts. Each bay after the end bays, gets one bolt not two. Stagger the bolts up and down from the top to the bottom so one bay the bolt is 2" down from the top in the center of the bay, the next is 2" up from the bottom in the center of the bay and so on. Pre-drill a pilot hole for each lag bolt. The lag bolt must be long enough to pass through the ledger and house plywood and into the house band joist behind. An example would be using a 2" ledger, ?" plywood on house, and a 2" band joist on the house, you would need a 4" lag bolt. Remember, lumber is 1 5/8" not actually 2". Here's where and electric impact socket gun comes in handy. You need to use a socket and ratchet for this work but it is possible with a plain old wrench. Either way, wrench or socket, your arms will be worn out when you have them all installed. The electric impact gun makes very short work of this task.

Ok we have the ledger installed, joists laid out on the ledger and it is time to build and set the beam across your piers or top of your support posts that will carry the outside end of the floor joists. The beam shown on the plans could be shown as 3- 2" x 10". You have to construct a beam from 2" x 10" lumber, three pieces thick, as long as your ledger board on the house. If your deck is 12' long, just nail 3-2" x 10" x 12' pieces together and your done. If your deck is 18' long this probably will not work. Some long length lumber is available but is very costly. It is cheaper to get 4- 2" x10" x 12' and 1- 2" x 10" x 8' piece. You cut one 2 " x 12" x 12' in half making two 6' pieces. Layout one 12' and one 6" piece end to end. Now layout another 12' piece over the 6' piece below and lap 6' onto the first 12' piece. Fill the 2nd layer with the other 6' piece you cut. Nail these together with 10 penny common nails. You now have two pieces 18' long, nailed together with the joints in the wood not lining up. NEVER line up the end joints. When nailed, place the last 12' piece over the 2nd layer starting from the 6' end and lapping over the joint. Fill in the last end with a cut 8' piece 6'. You have only 2' of wasted wood so far.! When nailed with 12 penny commons to the first two layers, you have an 18' long beam, securely nailed together with NO joints lining up. This is very important if the beam is constructed from pieces. Last note, every board has tree growth rings showing on the ends. Place your first layer of both boards so the rings point the same way down. Place the 2nd layer so the rings face up. Place the 3rd layer so the rings face down. When the boards dry out and try to warp, this alternating of the rings will help keep your beam straight and not warp or bow. OK here's where you need some extra muscle. You must at this point do a little math again. With the support post standing, you need to figure how long the posts need to be, plus the beam, plus the floor joists and then the decking. So again: (* actual size)

floor joists 7 5/8"*

beam 9 5/8"*

total 17 1/4"* OR 1'-5 1/4"* ALL TOGETHER.

Remember you have to add the thickness' of the pieces you are using. Above is an example only.

Now is the time to install the framing anchors. Install one framing anchor for each interior floor joist. The end joist or band joists get nailed to the end of the ledger and do not require a framing anchor. Nail one of the framing joist hanger on line either to the left or right side of the floor joist. Many people like it one way or the other. Whatever works best for you. Do NOT nail both sides to the ledger. Ok beam setting time. Having figured out the height of the beam and joist assembly, transfer the elevation of the TOP of the ledger on the house out to your posts. The mark on the posts, will be level with the top of the ledger. The tripod and level you rented, make this short work. It is possible to use a string line and bubble level but that is not as accurate and is really tough to do. Do not try it with a 4' carpenters level. If the level is off by only 1 /16" per foot, in a 12' wide deck that's 3/8" out of level not counting pencil marks. Most carpenter levels are off more than that. Trust me.

OK with the posts marked, deduct the height of your joist/beam assembly as in the example 1'-5 ?". Make this line BELOW the upper mark. This is where you cut your posts. REMEMBER-MEASURE TWICE, CUT ONCE. Cut off the posts with your saw and be careful. Standing on a ladder is awkward. Make sure you have someone holding the ladder and you have a firm footing. Watch where the top of the post is going to fall. Don't hit your partner, your going to need him shortly. Ok now, with the posts securely braced, get all the help you can find to lift the beam into place on top of the posts. This was a good day to have a picnic or some other way to trick your friends or relatives into coming over. (Don't tell it is to do work!). All together, lift the beam into place squarely on top of the posts. Hopefully you have two or more ladders so the beam can be nailed into the posts as quickly as possible. You don't want to balance it any longer than you have too. Now you can also see why I keep repeating the requirement for bracing the posts so well. Your braces are holding both the post and the beam at this point but not for long.

Now with all your help, start installing the floor joists. Drop one into each joist hanger on the ledger and place the other end on top of the beam. While one person nails the ledger end on the layout mark and against the nailed side of the of the hanger, the other person nails it into place on top of the beam. Jump around a little putting joists in every 3rd of 4th one and you will find that each one will help stabilize your beam and post assembly. Once a few are done, the assembly becomes much more stable and easier to work on. Toenail each joist securely to the ledger and top of the beam. Now you can complete your metal ledger joist hangers and beam to post connectors. Bend the ledger joist hangers around the joist until they are tight against each side and the bottom of the joist. These hanger have 2 indented metal fingers on each side that you can drive in with your hammer to hold them securely in place. Each hanger comes with short nails that are required to be driven into each hole in the hanger. Some hangers have 4 holes some 5 but whatever it is, install a nail in each hole both into the ledger and into the joist on both sides. The building inspector will look for these nails.

Bridging- In the case of a deck where the span between the ledger and the edge of the beam is 8' or greater, bridging is required to prevent the joists from warping and spreading apart thereby loosening the nails in the decking or possibly pulling out the nails from the ledger or the beam causing the deck structure to fail. Bridging can be either cut from left over pieces of wood joists, or metal bridging which is available at all lumberyards. Wood bridging or blocking is cut to fit in between two joists. Nail each one on center line of the deck offsetting the ends left and right so as to be bale to end nail them through the joist itself. Do not toenail them. When your done you will have one row approximately center of deck all the way across. Metal bridging simply nails form the top of one joist to the bottom of the other. Make sure you tell the salesperson what your joist centers are. 16"OC are longer than 12" OC. Metal strap bridging comes laid flat. Nail one end to top of joist, bend down and under the next and nail to the bottom of the 2nd joist in a criss cross manner. They are available in several different brands.

Now it is the time to take a break. Look over your work so far. There is bound to be nail missing or not driven completely into the wood. Finish all this first and then you can remove the braces for you posts.

REMOVE ALL NAILS FROM YOUR BRACES! Stepping on a nail sticking out a board is very painful and will cause a severe foot injury. Always strip all nails from wood when it is removed. Don't put it off untill later.

Cleanup- Cleanup all the debris from your framing work. Make sure the ground is leveled around your footing piers and rocks and other debris is removed. Even a small rock can cause you to twist an ankle.

Decking-After installing a flashing over the ledger board, start you decking against the house and work outward. I always leave a ?" space between the house and the first decking board. This will allow rain to fall through the opening and not wick down your siding or house plywood. It once was thought correct to leave a nail width between decking boards but this is not a good idea. Wood shrinks. Butt the boards together without forcing them. Either nail or screw them to the joists below. Use at least two screws for each deck board to each joist. Three is better. Use the longest length deck boards you can get. The less end joints the better. If you must butt two boards together, make sure you center the butt over the center of the joist and toenail or screw each one to the joist. Many carpenter like to let the boards "run wild" over one end of the deck, and then strike a chalk line at the end of the installation and cut them all at once. This will give you a better finished look instead of cutting each board and trying to line them up in a perfect straight line.

Handrails-Every state is different in its requirements. My state requires handrails 36" high with a mid point rail as well as a minimum if the deck is more than 30" above the ground. Railings must withstand a 250 pound side load push. Designs can vary by what the homeowner wants to see as a finished product. Handrails could be cedar, PT lumber, plastic, vinyl or even pipe. The types and styles are endless. A few points though to remember. The handrail posts must be securely fastened to the exterior band joist by either through bolting them or lagging them. Through bolting is far the better manner. Cutting away ? of the post to provide a rectangular notch the height of the band joist and the decking and then bolting makes a strong, secure handrail post. Two bolts minimum in each post to the exterior band joint is required. The handrails and top cap can then be nailed or screwed to the posts and provide a safe barrier against an accidental fall. Just about anything you can imagine, you can build for a handrail system

Final-Buy a couple of sheets of 100 or 120 grit sandpaper, Wrap the sandpaper around a piece of 2x4 and rub it along the edges of the handrails and posts. This will remove and potential splinters for soft hands.

Place the picnic table and barbecue on the deck, sit back and enjoy your hard work!

Pete

Your Friendly Building Inspector

http://www.Wagsys.com

BICES-Building Inspection & Code Enforcement System Software




Pete Ackerson is a 30+ year building inspector with experience in both public and private construction industries. From schools to treatment plants, from private homes and condo projects, to large residential landscaping projects, he has worked both in the building design areas and field construction in the Eastern US. In 2006 he formed along with two other building inspectors, Wagsys LLC which produced software for municipal agencies in the fields of building departments, planning boards and Zoning Boards of Appeals.





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5 Things You Should Know Before Building With Composite Wood


Composite decking wood sounds good but costs a lot of money. Composite decks are not too strong either and require additional sub structural strength than normal decks. If your contractor does not build them properly the company that manufactured the product will not stand behind the guarantee, so be careful in your choice.

They all fade in the sun. In recent years however, they have made some improvements. If composites are so good, then why do they require you to use only treated wood as the framing underneath? One would think that if the wood is so good, why can't you use it as a substructure? Why do so many composites require a gap of one foot per joist? Instead of the universally accepted 16" O.C. (on center). Because composite decking wood is very weak structurally, it requires real wood to be used underneath. On hand rails, it is even worse.

Why do composites decks need such a big gap between the decking boards? - They swell from water absorption.

I have seen countless Trex decks built by inexperienced contractors fail in the first year.

They did not put enough gap between the decking boards, and when the winter rains came, the deck absorbed the water and expanded like a wet sponge. Soon the deck mushrooms up above it's decking joists below. The gap between the boards is needed to allow the composite wood to expand as it get wet. When confronted with these complaints the manufacturer replaces the wood for free plus gives you $2500, to settle. We got the recipe wrong on that batch of wood is the answer given as an excuse to the home owners. Do you buy that? I most assuredly do not!

That is why they changed the lifetime guarantee to a " Limited 25 year guarantee". Composite wood decking fades over time. It has so much glue content, you can not paint it because it looks weird and the paint does not take to the composite. Now they have Trex dye. So many people complained, they invented a dye for decks. I do not know about you, but, give me a break. I would rather get new carpet, than to have it dyed. I use dye to color my Easter eggs, but that is about it. Point being, research it before you use it. Composite wood salesmen talk a good game, but do they walk the walk?

Tired of getting the run around on your decking needs? Contact a professional at Delphi Construction to answer any of your decking questions today.




Chris Doctor is a licensed general contractor in the state of California.
Owner of Delphi Construction # 631583
Celebrating 20 years of building.





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What Kind Of Decking Material Do You Like? - Get Composite Decking


Decking material includes just about everything you can think of that could be used for a deck. Composite decking is a type of decking that is made from a combination of wood fibers or sawdust and plastic. If you prefer to use traditional lumber, 2 X 6 is the most common lumber used, but you can also get hardwood decking, such as Ipe, cedar and redwood. In the line of wood decking material, you can get #1 and #2. # 1 lumber is kiln-dried to help prevent warping, cupping and checking. #2 lumber is considered green or wet.

If you are not sure about the new composite decking material that you have heard so much about, just visit one of your local decking retailers to see what it looks like. You can also do a search online and do a comparison of composite decking material and the traditional wood for decking. You can also compare the manufacturers of this decking material to find the best product for your needs at the best price. Some of the popular manufacturers of composite decking include Trex, Choice Dek, Weatherbest, Eon, Ipe and GeoDeck.

The invention of composite decking material has reduced the amount of work that homeowners have with building and maintaining a deck around their homes. There are various types of decking material that will last for years and with which you have very low maintenance to keep it looking just as new as the day you installed it. When you do a comparison of composite decking materials, you will find that when you have a deck made of this material, the only work you will ever have to do with it is to hose it down for cleaning. No more painting, scraping or repairing rotten boards in the decking in the spring. Composite material is well able to withstand the elements of the weather.

A comparison of composite decking material also means you have to look at the prices of each brand. Some of the manufacturers have tile decking that just snaps together. Some of these tiles come in a hardwood pattern and by rotating them you can create an interesting decking design. All of the composite decking materials are colored through so there is very little if any fading. This decking material is also slip-resistant and the water drains through the mesh base.

Take a good look at the many types of decking material on the market when you want to install a new deck. Whether you choose to use composite decking material or not, you will have to build a wooden frame. All the instructions you need for installing the composite boards or tiles are included in the packages and you can easily complete a typical deck in a few hours. Why bother with decking material that you have to paint or stain, when you can use composite decking and then sit back and enjoy it?




To find out more about Decking visit Peter's Website The Decking Guide and find out about Composite Decking and more, including Wood Decking, IPE Decking, Trex Decking and Pool Decking.





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2012年8月30日 星期四

Outdoor Grill Pads


It never fails, even when you are trying to be so careful, when you are grilling it is so easy to splatter sauce on the ground, spill the marinade or even have the grease cup overflow a little. None of which would matter if your grill were in a dedicated spot where stains and spills don't really make a difference. You could put your grill on the lawn, but that doesn't really work either, unless you have a perfectly manicured lawn with very even grass, and if that were the case, why would you want to put a grill on it? One way to avoid this potential mess is to get outdoor grill pads to protect the area where your grill goes.

Outdoor grill pads are made from a variety of materials; one company sells pads made of wood or recycled plastic, others are simply polyethylene or a rubber type material and the most popular brand is made of flexible fiber cement. While the plastic or rubber outdoor grill pads may be less expensive than the others, there are a couple reasons why they do not work as well. The most important thing to remember is that you cannot use the rubber mats with charcoal grills. The rubber is easy to clean, however, and easy to store when not in use.

The chemically treated wooden slat outdoor grill pads are attractive and functional, but will absorb the grease and stain, so they won't keep the same look. If you are buying something just to protect the surface of your deck or patio and don't mind that the covering ends up unattractive, the wood grill pad would be sufficient. The same company offers a grill pad made of slats of recycled plastic, TREX, that is more expensive than the wood, but it does clean up better, lasts longer and is ecologically friendly. These outdoor grill pads sit over your existing deck or you can use them to cover a patch of grass where your grill will stay. You can get them with the slats very close together or spaced apart. They do suggest placing them over gravel to keep grass or weeds from growing through the slats.

Another option are the outdoor grill pads made from flexible fiber cement. These outdoor grill pads are placed under the grill to protect a deck or patio from stains, sparks, barbecue sauce, marinades or other potential problems. But, unlike the other types of outdoor grill pads, these pads prevent any moisture from getting trapped between the surface and the pad, thereby preventing rotting wood or stained concrete. These outdoor grill pads come in a variety of colors and also can be special ordered with college or university logos. These are not only perfect for showing team pride at home but at tailgate parties.

These outdoor grill pads are perfect for protecting your wooden or concrete patio or deck and not only keep them looking nice but keeping your work area safe from inadvertent sparks or burning embers.




You need to protect your investment, don't overlook Outdoor Grill Pads. For more tips and ideas on bbq gas grills.





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Amaze Yourself - Design and Build Your Own Backyard Retreat


Your backyard should be a place where you can unwind, relax and escape your day-to-day worries. Hiring a professional landscape design company can be costly and is simply not an option for many people. So what do you do? If you are a relatively handy person, you do it yourself. You will be amazed at what you can accomplish using your own resources to create a beautiful backyard retreat.

Think about your yard as a functional space rather than an empty lot. Essentially, it is as an extension of your house with potentially many rooms. Visualize how you see yourself spending time in your backyard.

Questions you should be asking yourself are: do you want to entertain friends and family, do you have children and need a play area, do you have dogs and need space for them to run freely, do you want a water feature etc. Water drainage is important so you need to assess the grade of your yard. If the grade is an issue, consulting with a professional is recommended. You will also need to take note of the light and soil conditions in your yard before purchasing your plants.

If you have a difficult time coming up with design ideas go on line and do a search for local Landscape Design companies. Most companies will have photos of their work. It's a great way to get inspired and to trigger ideas on what you can do in your backyard. Or, you can simply go to the library or book store. There are hundreds of books available on landscape design ideas.

Once you have determined what you want to do with your space, take measurements of your yard and lay them out on paper to scale. On paper circle out designated areas such as dining area, play area, garden, lounging area etc. Take note, measurements on paper can be very deceiving even though they are to scale. I would suggest using something like a water hose or rope and lay them down on your yard to map our your "rooms" before you dig. This will ensure that you have allocated enough space for each area. A common mistake is making the dining area too small so be sure to allow enough space to walk around your table with guests sitting in their chairs. I would also recommend coming up with at least two or three different design ideas. Get a sense of how each design will work before selecting your final design.

For walkways, natural random flagstones are a great choice. If your budget does not allow for natural stone you may want to consider Unilock pavers. They are less expensive than natural stone and are available at retail stone yards. Also note that a walkway does not have to be a straight line. A curved walkway adds more interest to a space and allows your eye to wander more freely.

If you are interested in building a deck you have the options of cedar, pine or man-made wood such as Trex. Trex decking is enviro-friendly and is made from recycled plastic and reclaimed wood. There are a variety of colours to choose from and this product won't rot or split like natural wood.

Before you begin digging don't forget to call your local utility company. They will ensure that you do not dig near hydro wires or gas lines. Once you are ready to dig start with your hardscaping. This means the patio area, deck area and walkways. If you require an electrical conduit hook-up for an irrigation and/or lighting system this must be installed first.

Landscape lighting is critical if you wish to create ambiance for you and your guests. If you are unable to install an electrical line to your yard, solar lights are great solution and are also available in spotlights for your ornamental trees or shrubs. It's very important your solar lights are placed in an area where there is plenty of sunlight otherwise your lights will go dim very early in the evening.

Once you have completed your hardscaping you are now ready for planting. Start with larger trees and shrubs. Be sure to include perennials and then finish with annuals. Annuals help to fill in bare patches and add a boost of colour all summer long. Place natural rocks through out your garden and then top off with mulch. When placing rocks in your garden partially embed them in the soil to create a more natural setting. If you are unsure as to what types of plants to use visit your local nursery. Most nursery staff will be able to recommend plants for your soil and light conditions. Larger nurseries may offer design services as well. There is also a wealth of information on plants on line so do a little research to determine what types of plants you like. Don't forget to include evergreens in your plant selection. They are easy to care for are great for winter interest.

There is no denying that doing your own landscape design will require research and hard work, but the hours of enjoyment as well as the thousands of dollars you could save will make it all worth while!

Visit my blog for an example of a before and after transformation.




Donna is the founder of City Home and Garden http://www.cityhomeandgarden.com, an on line store featuring custom crafted home decor products, many of which are made by American and Canadian Artisans.

In addition to selling beautiful home decor products, City Home and Garden features articles with helpful information related to Home Decor and Gardening. Please visit City Home's blog http://www.cityhomeandgarden.wordpress.com for additional tips.





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Trex Deck Or Redwood? Which is the Best Option For You?


If you are building a deck on your home, you have probably heard of "TREX" deck. If you haven't, it is a fairly new material to the deck building world, which is made of wood polymer and easy to care for. You don't have to seal it or worry about rot the way you do with natural wood decking. Many composite materials are being made into decking material, including recycled wood products. It is estimated that almost 80 percent of new deck construction is being done with TREX easy care decking, and only about 5 percent are being constructed of redwood, which used to be some of the most popular.

Because of environmental concerns and the high cost of wood products, many homeowners have considered TREX decking the best of both worlds. It is better for the economy since it is composed of wood particles, shavings and other things that might be considered waste and mixed with polymer to make a strong and durable product that requires little care, unlike wood decking. It is better for the redwoods and a more durable product. Most TREX decks come with a 25 year warranty against splitting, rotting and checking.

With redwood decking, you have to keep it sealed, or it will turn a grayish brown to preserve itself. Most people think the weather makes a deck look older, which is the reason they have opted for TREX, besides the maintenance issues. While redwood is a hardwood that is natural insect and rot resistant, it is more vulnerable than a composite decking.

Because of the obvious advantages of TREX decking, it is often the choice, hands-down, in today's deck construction. If you have not heard of it or seen it, you should investigate it before automatically deciding on a redwood deck. Not only is it better for the environment, but it is actually a better product that is affordable and doesn't require maintenance. There are vinyl or plastic composition decking materials on the market to consider that might be cheaper than TREX, but the formulation of TREX decks has been proven for long-lasting durability, which is want you want for your deck.

Most decking contractors are familiar with the new TREX decking and will be able to show you samples of your choices. The decking gives the appearance of a wood deck without the hassle of the upkeep. Obviously, there are going to be some people that just want a redwood deck, but they are no longer the majority. For the most durable deck, most people are choosing TREX over the redwood decks, even though there are many grades of redwood available. Brazilian redwood is a popular redwood for decks, but can be more expensive than other deck choices and harder to get.

When you are considering a deck for your home, you should build one that is large enough to entertain your family. You should consider fifteen square feet per person, minimum. A deck that is big enough to serve as an outside living space can add value to your home and give you years of enjoyment. Be sure and get as big of a deck as you can afford and your home or yard will accommodate. A deck is a good investment for your home and one that will add to resale value, if it is in good condition, TREX or redwood.




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2012年8月29日 星期三

Answered - The Six Most Frequently Asked Questions About Composite Wood Decking Materials


If you're a homeowner deciding whether to build a deck, you've got a lot of decisions in front of you. The most important choice you face is what kind of deck you want to build. Will it be a porch? A barbecue area? A pool deck? The choices are limited only by your budget and your creativity, so this will undoubtedly be the most challenging decision.

But it won't be the only one.

Composite wood decking -- materials composed of reclaimed plastic and lumber scraps formed into planks, rails and studs -- has been rising in popularity among homeowners since its introduction years ago. And while wood is still in widespread use, builders looking for increased durability and longevity look to composites to fill their needs.

DIY decking enthusiasts often come to decking professionals with a variety of questions about what kinds of materials they should use. Here are six of the most common questions:

Will a composite decking system look good?

Composite decking materials are designed from scratch specifically to be used on outdoor decks. Because of this, the design of composite decking systems incorporates a flawless, consistent look, free of knotholes, raised grain areas, or imperfections. Wood materials, like cedar decking and ipe hardwood decking, look great in their own right, but can sometimes feature minor imperfections that might not match your style. Composite decking systems have a more consistent look. Composites, while attractive, may not be the best choice with deck builders who want a more rustic look to their decks.

I'm concerned about environmental impact. Are composite decking systems for me?

The planks in most composite decking systems are made from reclaimed wood scraps and sawdust, mixed with recycled plastics. Buying composite wood decking often relieves the demand for virgin wood. And while some environmentalists have raised concerns about the non-biodegradable nature of composite decking, many agree that using composites is much friendlier to the planet than using harsh wood treatments to preserve wood decks.

Are composite decking systems easy to install?

They sure are. Once again, the design of composite decking materials is geared specifically toward deck construction - making most systems easy to install. Products by companies like Trex and Geodeck often feature tongue-in-groove design, turning assembly into a weekend project.

Are composite decking systems as durable as wood?

In fact, they're known for their durability. Procell decking, for instance, is resistant to scratches, and is designed to retain its grain over time. Almost all composites are also unattractive to insects, saving you from worrying about termites and woodlice. Most of the problems we associate with aging wood decks - warping, cupping, twisting, and so on - simply aren't problems with composite decking. A system that uses these composites will last for years without a substantial economic or maintenance investment.

Are composite decking systems cheaper than wood?

Initially, you're likely to pay more for a composite decking system. But think of it as an investment: In the long run, you'll spend less money. With composite deckings, there's almost no upkeep cost, in dollars or man-hours. You won't spend a dime on water-sealant or stain, because there's no need to treat or restain composite wood. You'll only need to sweep off leaf litter in the fall, and hose the deck down when it gets too dusty. And when you factor in the increase in property value and quality deck brings to your home, it makes even more financial sense to go with a composite wood decking system.

How is a composite decking system good for my kids?

Most kids hate wearing shoes, right? Meaning that in summertime, you're constantly on the lookout for wood splinters and burned feet - if you've got a wood deck. But since a composite decking system won't splinter, warp or heat up in the sun, you won't have to worry.




Kevin Ott writes about home improvement projects (like deck construction, basement remodeling and mold removal) and a wide variety of other topics. He writes for dozens of clients, including Sequoia Supply, the premier supplier of decking material in the Northeast.

Visit Sequoia Supply at http://decksupplies.com





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Choose Trex Decking - The Last Material For Your Deck


Trex decking is one of the composite decking materials that has a proven track record with homeowners. Trex is different from other alternative materials for use as decking because it has a higher percentage of wood in its components. It is also very environmentally friendly and is completely recyclable. Although Trex decking does contain wood, it does not require the same level of maintenance as wood decking does.

Trex decking prices may turn you off when you first look at the price tag associated with it. However, when you compare Trex decking to using wood as decking material, you have to look at the other important features of Trex composite decking. With wood, you have to paint and stain it just about every year. It is subject to rot and insect infestation. You do not have any of these problems with Trex decking and it will last a lifetime. Compare the prices of what it will cost you to keep your wood deck in good shape and you will see that Trex offers the best bargain in decking.

Some of the other impressive features of Trex decking include:

· It doesn't crack

· It doesn't splinter

· It is slip-resistant

· It will not swell when exposed to moisture

· It has minimal shrinkage in cold temperatures

You can saw and fasten the Trex composite decking to the wooden frame of the deck just as you can with wood or another brand of composite decking. It has UV protection so that it won't fade from the glare of the sun on the hot summer days. Even though you pay the higher Trex decking prices, you will notice some light fading in the first few months. This is the natural process of the composite decking acclimatizing to the location.

Trex composite decking means that the material is made from plastic and reclaimed wood. The wood can be fiber or sawdust and often the plastic is recycled as well. Each plank or tile that you have has the color going all the way through. When you purchase an installation kit to help you out, you will also get the instructions as to how to create a beautiful deck with Trex decking. You can also visit the company website and download the instruction. The cost of the installation kit is in addition to the Trex decking prices so you do have to allow for this in your budget.

It is best to buy all of the Trex decking that you need at the same time. This is because if you run out of the Trex composite decking and have to return to the store for more, the next shipment may not be exactly the same color. At various times, you may be able to get the Trex decking on sale and when you have to buy some at a later date, you will have to pay higher Trex decking prices.




To find out more about Decking visit Peter's Website The Decking Guide and find out about Trex Decking and more, including Wood Decking, IPE Decking, Composite Decking and Pool Decking.





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Choosing the Right Deck Material


When it comes to building a deck there is a wide choice of materials to build it with.  You can pick from wood or composite materials. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages.  If the lowest initial price is the most important factor then a wood deck would be your choice. If overall durability and low maintenance is important than a composite material would be the best choice.

 

Woods decks can be built with several types of wood. The lowest cost would be fir or pine. They require a sealer or paint to keep them from rotting The next step up in price would be pressure treated lumber. It typically is made of fir in the west and southern pine in the east. It is treated with a preservative that allows it to withstand rotting. Treated lumber can be very durable and is the best choice for the structural part of the deck, such as posts and floor joists. A better looking wood  choice is redwood or cedar. Redwood and cedar have natural preservative in the wood allowing them to hold up to the elements better than other woods. They cost more and are a softer wood so they can show signs of wear over time.  They generally make the best looking deck and can last a long time if you keep a good sealer or stain on them. The choice between them comes down to availability in your area and which one you like the look and feel of.

 

Composite decking has become very popular and there are several brands with many styles and colors available. They cost more than wood decks initially but over time their durability and lack of maintenance make them a good value. Composite decking can be made to look like several species of wood and has many styles of handrails available. Many people are familiar with some of the biggest suppliers such as Trex and TimberTech. One of the latest features of composite decking is the ability to install them with hidden fasteners meaning you do not see screw heads in the boards. Choosing the best composite for your deck comes down to what is available in your area and the color and style you like best.

 




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All Hands on Deck - You Can Save Money by Building Your Own Deck


Asking how to build a deck is sort of like asking how to build a house - while there's certainly a list of guidelines and best practices to follow, there's no right answer when it comes to how you approach construction. Before you start making plans, you should ask yourself two questions: What kind of deck (or decks!) do I need, and what sort of decking materials should I use to build my deck?

Your New Deck: What's It For?

When it comes to answering the first question, you're your own best source. There's no such thing as putting to much thought into the best design for your deck - it's a home improvement that'll probably be with you for the lifespan of your home, as decks aren't easy to replace. If you don't know where to begin, ask yourself some questions: What do you plan to use your deck for? Will you entertain visitors on it? Will there be a pool or some other backyard feature attached? Will your deck be free-standing, or connected to your home? What kind of seating will you need? Do you want to install lighting? If so, what kind?

You should also consider your deck's orientation in relation to prevailing weather patterns in your area. From which direction does the wind usually blow during the warmer months (when you'll get the most use out of your deck)? Which side of your home gets the most sun? Are there any shade trees you can take advantage of?

Once you've got an outline of how you want your deck to look, and what purpose you'd like it to serve, you should pay a visit to your local zoning office. Some municipalities have legal guidelines governing the size of home decks, as well as their placement in relation to the street and neighboring homes. Make sure your deck doesn't run afoul of any zoning restrictions - otherwise you may pay for it later.

So now you've got a rough idea (or maybe a more refined one, depending on how thorough you are about these things) of what kind of deck you'll be looking at once the project is finished.

Maintenance-Free Decking: Your Best Choice Overall

"Maintenance-free decking" is actually another way to refer to composite wood decking, since just about every type of composite decking system involves very little upkeep on the part of the homeowner. Since composite decking resists bugs and weather damage, usually all you'll need is a little elbow grease to keep your deck in great shape. Maintenance-free decks are just as popular as you'd expect, simply because there's no yearly resealing costs involved.

Composite decking is so easy to care for because it's made of a combination of reclaimed wood and plastic scraps. (Don't let the words "reclaimed" and "scraps" fool you, though - the combination of materials makes for an overall stronger product, and one that keeps those scraps out of landfills to boot.)

Of course, none of this is to say wood and pressure treated lumber decks aren't any good. Decks with cedar decking and cedar rails are sure to beautify your home, and cedar (along with its hardwood cousins, ipé and cambara) is a strong wood that'll hold up to the elements relatively well. But to be truly weather-resistant and maintenance-free, decks should be composed of a combination of both wood and plastic.

There are a variety of brands of composite decking materials out there, and each has its strengths. Some of the more well-known brand names are Trex, Evergrain, Procell, GeoDeck and Timbertech. Spend some time with a cup of coffee and a search engine to find the brand that's best for your needs.

Once you've decided on a plan and a material, it's time to start building. So get the whole family involved - your spouse and your kids are sure to be thrilled to help you...What's that? Nobody wants to help you begin your great outdoor DIY project? They've all hidden away and are refusing to come outside?

Well, nobody ever said constructing a deck was easy. Now get to work!




Kevin Ott writes on a variety of home improvement topics, including (but not limited to) decking projects and the installation and maintenance of outdoor decks. One of his clients is Sequoia Supply, the premier source of composite decking in the Northeast.

Visit Sequoia here:

http://www.decksupplies.com





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2012年8月28日 星期二

Know The Reason Behind Inflated Trex Decking Prices


If you want superior quality decking material, then nothing can match up to the standard of the brand Trex. It is a fact that this brand offers high price products to their customers as compared with other service providers in the same industry but it is due to the unmatchable standard both in designs and quality which makes it expensive. They are worth the value of your hard money. You will find several advantages behind paying inflated Trex decking prices which is its unique quality and durability. Trex is one of the amalgamated decking equipments that contains a higher mix or percentage of wood.

So if you are looking for decking materials and their prices over the online medium, you will find several service providers to offer you with large variations but the products from Trex are best in the Industry. They do not even require too much of maintenance as it is done for woods. They are known for their environment friendly nature and thus are recyclable further. The quality of these materials is quite sturdy this is why the prices are also bit higher. Decks from Trex do not crack or rot easily and there is fuss of painting or staining them for effective performance during cold climatic conditions. Trex decks require little or no maintenance and eventually save your maintenance fees largely.

This will be more evident if you consider comparing the Trex decking prices with the normal brigade of decking materials online. With Trex you will receive more benefits and value for money. You can also get more tips on the installation process through online surfing. You always have an option of buying them online if required. You can initially compare Trex decking prices with the average ones in order to be sure about its credibility and finally plan and make a sensible purchase decision.




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Deck Material Comparison


There are many types of synthetic boards you may use for decking materials or you can choose wood materials that will last for many years. More durable woods like ipe can be oiled yearly to preserve the natural wood grain and stability. Consider the overall quality, wear, and durability of your deck choice.

Composite decks. Composite decking is an eco-friendly material, consisting of fusing plastics and wood into outdoor boards. Vinyl decking is composed of entirely plastic material and is less problematic concerning mildew growth. Trex escapes offers composite decking as, pre-weathered wood for decks and patios. Most composite decks will show signs of wear and tear such as scratches in the material and fading of original color.

You will have to spend more time maintaining the overall appearance of your deck and the boards will not stay in pristine condition forever. There have been a number of lawsuits in the past twenty years regarding faulty decking products. Be sure to research the company and warranty information before purchasing any composite decking. Most composite decking should be pressure washed with a mild soap and water treatment. You may use harsh chemicals for a more thorough cleaning, but be careful to spot treat instead of allowing chemicals to runoff into your landscape.

Ipe and other natural woods. Using natural wood allows the homeowner to have more consistency with the overall aging process and upkeep of the material. For example, the wood can be sanded, refinished, and oiled to be kept looking like new. The wear and tear look of natural wood isn't as visibly an eye sore compared with composite decking. Ipe wood has a greater durability and lower maintenance requirements. The USDA rated Ipe wood as being "very resistant to decay, attack of fungi and termites." Ipe changes to a nice light grey weathered look when left untreated in the sunlight. Over time the wood may show use of wear, but can be power washed to the original appearance. Ipe is an excellent wood that is rot and pest resistant.

Keep in mind how often you would like to maintain your decking material and overall visual appeal. You may make a different choice based upon longevity as well as maintenance. Contact your local landscape design and installation company for availability and pricing on outdoor deck materials.




Charlie Allen
BS Horticultural Science, NC State University
Operations Manager
Green Biz Nursery and Landscaping, Inc
3769 Wilmington Hwy.
Fayetteville, NC 28306
(910) 323-8811
http://www.greenbiznursery.com





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Trex Decking Prices - Look Beyond The Price For The Ultimate Deck


Trex decking prices are quite high when you compare them to the prices of other decking material. However, there are advantages to paying the higher Trex decking prices when you want a quality deck. Trex decking is one of the composite decking materials on the market that has a high percentage of wood. If you are looking online for decking material, the information about Trex decking prices and the material will tell you that this decking does not require the same amount of maintenance that you would have with wood.

Trex decking material is recyclable and environmentally friendly. Other impressive features include the fact that it does not rot or crack, you don't have to stain or paint it and it performs well in cold weather. When you look at these features and compare the Trex decking prices to the prices and features of other types of decking material, you will see that you are getting the most benefit for your money. Looking for Trex decking online will also give you tips about to install and clean the decking material.

Just as with wood, you can saw and fasten Trex decking material to a wood frame. Although you can also do this with other composite decking materials with lower prices than that of Trex decking prices, your deck will stay looking new for a lifetime. You can order Trex decking online if your local supplier does not carry it. By searching online, you can also purchase kits using Trex decking in various sizes and shapes.

Even though Trex decking prices are higher than average, the Trex decking material will fade slightly in the first few days after you build your deck. This is not a defect in the Trex decking, but is a natural process that you will find with any composite decking material. The composite decking has to become acclimatized to the location and after the initial fading, the decking material will remain true to the color.

Trex decking material is made from used wood and plastic. Sometimes the wood is sawdust and the plastic may be recycled as well. You will find that the color of the decking goes all the way through and is not just on the surface. When you decide to pay the higher Trex decking prices and place your order online, you will also need to purchase an installation kit. This kit does not come with the Trex decking and so adds additional cost to the Trex decking prices. You will have to allow for this in your decking budget. If the prices are a bit too high, but you really want a Trex deck, you can watch the sales and wait for the prices to go down. This happens several times a year and will enable you to get the deck you want at a lower price.




To find out more about Decking visit Peter's Website The Decking Guide and find out about Trex Decking and more, including Wood Decking, IPE Decking, Composite Decking and Pool Decking.





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2012年8月27日 星期一

Six Indisputable Reasons to Install a New Composite Deck


If you're considering adding a deck to your home but you're worried about things like cost, maintenance and longevity, look no further than plastic/wood composite materials. Hardwoods like cedar and redwood can make for attractive decks, but nothing beats the durability of a good composite. Decks made with products like Trex, TimberTech or Evergrain are easy to construct, beautiful to behold, and will stand the test of time:

Composite decks are cheaper in the long run. A price list for wood products and composite materials might be misleading. While the initial cost of composites is higher, there's almost no upkeep cost, in dollars or elbow grease. That's because all of our composites are maintenance free - there's no need to water-seal or restain them. Whereas with wood, you might pay $3 per square foot for a good renovation every year or so (and even more than that for resurfacing every 10 to 15 years), composites only require sweeping and an occasional hosing-off. Many composites are even stain-free.

Composite decks are easy to install. Many of our composites are designed specifically for making decks, which means they're less work to install. Many composite decking materials feature tongue-and-groove design, making assembly a snap.

Composite decks are environmentally friendly. Aside from being composed of reclaimed wood and recycled plastics - materials which would otherwise go to a landfill - composite decks don't require wood preservatives, which can leak into soil and groundwater.

Composite decks have a great, consistent appearance. Because composite decking planks are designed from scratch specifically for decks, they're uniform in appearance, without the knotholes or areas of raised grain that can make wood decking difficult to deal with. Put that potted plant wherever you want - with composite decks, you won't need to use them to hide imperfections.

Composite decks age gracefully. The sky can dump as much rain and snow as it wants on your new deck - the planks won't warp. Or cup. Or twist. And the fasteners won't come loose. Many types of composite decking resist scratches and retain their grain over time, and many more are fade-resistant. Whatever you choose, your deck will look as good ten years from now as it did when you first installed it.

Composite decks are easier to walk on in bare feet. What fun is the great outdoors if you've got to leave your shoes on? Composites won't heat up in the sun, no matter how hot it gets. They won't splinter either. So go ahead - kick your sandals off and enjoy the nice weather.




Kevin Ott writes on a variety of home improvement topics, including (but not limited to) decking projects and the installation and maintenance of outdoor decks. One of his clients is Sequoia Supply, the premier source of composite decking in the Northeast.

Visit Sequoia here:

http://www.decksupplies.com





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How To Build a Deck You'll Never Worry About


You may have heard the stories: Owners of wood decks complaining about warping and splintering, or about the creepy-crawlies that made homes in the knotholes of the lumber. It's enough to make you think twice about installing a deck.

Wood decks can be a beautiful investment - if you've got the time to devote to caring for them. But sometimes you just want to install your deck and start enjoying it... and continue enjoying it with as little maintenance as possible.

That's where composite wood decking comes in. Composite wood decking is a revolutionary product that combines the look and texture of real wood with the durability and sturdiness of a plastic composite. Wood decking has a great natural look and feel, but it can fade and crack without a rigorous maintenance schedule. Composite decking retains its beauty and strength with little effort. And it can do it while maintaining that same outdoorsy look.

Lumber, by its nature, is attractive to termites, woodlice and other pests; composite wood decking won't appeal to even the hungriest of insects. You're a busy homeowner, and you've got enough chores on your list. There's no reason to add more, like spraying for bugs and slopping water sealant all over your deck in the hot weather.

What's more, most composite wood decks are environmentally friendly, and feature the natural look of real lumber because they contain real lumber. When composites are created, their manufacturers reclaim and reuse wood by-products - sawdust, wood fibers and other lumber cast-offs that would otherwise go to a landfill - and combine them with other materials that seal in both beauty and strength. The result is a composite wood decking material that retains its attractiveness in the face of anything nature throws at it. Rain and snow, mold and fungus, bugs and burrowers - composite decks can deflect it all.

The wonders of competition in the free market have resulted in a vivid rainbow of composite decking types; because several companies manufacture it, composite wood decking also comes in a variety of textures, colors and patterns, any combination of which is sure to satisfy your desire for a warm, pleasing aesthetic.

Each manufacturer specializes in a specific type of decking. Trex, for instance, offers versatility of style, whereas TimberTech planks are famed for their comfort. Before beginning any decking project, it's important to outline for yourself what you want in a deck. It'll help you make the right choice when it's time to pick a manufacturer.

Your individual needs will decide the kind of composite wood decking material you should buy. If you're looking for the smoothness and comfort associated with an indoor floor, try TimberTech's Floorizon Plank, with its hidden-from-view fastener system and its silky surface. If it's versatility you're in the market for, Trex Accents may be for you: On one side, a smooth, soft surface; on the other, a standard wood grain. Many composite products allow for numerous design possibilities, so you can have swooping postmodern curves and simple, straightforward coziness, all in the same deck.

As environmental consciousness grips the world more and more, and people become more concerned with reclaiming and recycling waste, composite wood decking products will become more prevalent and popular. There's really no better way to build a deck that retains its sturdiness and beauty over the years.




Kevin Ott is a freelance copywriter who lives in California and writes on a variety of topics, including home improvement, food, travel, marketing, and a variety of other topics. One of his clients is Sequoia Supply, the premier supplier of composite wood decking material (to both contractors and do-it-yourself homeowners) in the Northeast.

Visit Sequoia Supply here:

http://www.decksupplies.com





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10 Phases of Swimming Pool Construction


Building an inground swimming pool is the culmination of 10 different phases of swimming pool construction. This article will give you a brief understanding of the construction cycle. And it all begins with, the desire to have a pool in your own backyard.

Design & Engineering

The first place most homeowners look for qualified swimming pool contractors is the local phone book, and by word of mouth from others who have built a pool. After the initial interview process, you will have a good idea what your swimming pool will cost to have built. The contractor or consultant will provide a design and a complete bid for your acceptance. With a contract in hand, the contractor will obtain all necessary engineering from a qualified structural engineer. The contractor will then submit for permits from the local jurisdiction. At this point, it might also be necessary for the contractor to apply for a Home Owners Association(HOA) approval depending on your local community requirements. Once the building permit is obtained, the construction kicks off in high gear.

Layout & Excavation

This is one of the most exciting phases of swimming pool construction, excavation. Excavation is the digging and forming of the swimming pool. The very first thing the excavation crews do is the pregrade. Pregrade is the clearing of the pool site and the grading of the area for the swimming pool. This allows the crew to paint on the ground the final shape of your pool and at the same time the crew will stake the perimeter of the pool and add forms for the structure of the pool. The typical time needed to dig a pool depends on various factors. These factors include: access, soil conditions, and overall size and depth of the pool. Most pools these days are dug in 1 to 2 days.

Rough Plumbing & Electrical

Once the pool is dug, it's time to move on to the rough plumbing and electrical. This is where all of the trenches will be dug for all the pipes and conduits necessary to operate your pool. Sometimes, the rough plumbing & electrical will be broken down in a couple of parts, otherwise all trenching and installation of the pipes and conduits will be done at the same time. This includes installation of the suction and return lines, water-feature lines, vacuum cleaner lines, fill lines, solar inlet and returns, gas lines for swimming pool heater and future barbecues and firepits, and the electrical service line. In most cases this will take 2-3 days to complete, and may be done either before, during or after steel.

Steel

The steel phase is the addition of rebar formed in the ultimate shape of the pool. A rebar contractor will "tie" the steel using bailing wire in a grid pattern determined by the structural engineer. A good crew will normally take less than a day to tie the steel depending on the size, shape and any raised walls or bond beams.

Gunite or Shotcrete

Up until this time, your backyard will look like one big disaster area, with trenches running here and there and a big hole in your yard with a criss-cross pattern of rebar running through. Gunite or Shotcrete is the application of the concrete to the pool surface, it makes the shell of your pool. The crews will arrive and via a hose will apply the concrete in the end, the pool will have a close to finish look. The benches installed, and the pool walls and floor will have been completed. This will also be one of the first times you will be required to be actively involved in the construction of your pool. For the next 7 to 10 days, you will be required to hose down the swimming pool shell two and three times a day with water to help cure the gunite or shotcrete. You will be truly amazed at how much water the pool structure adsorbs.

Tile & Rock

After the installation of the gunite or shotcrete, the waterline tile and any rock or boulders will be installed on your pool. The tile is necessary to provide an easy surface to keep clean at the waterline. Rock or boulders are added to incorporate a natural "swimming hole" look and feel and for waterfalls and jump rocks. For pools with the contemporary look or classic style, tile is incorporated into the design and is applied not only to the water line, but also to any raise walls or water-features.

Decking

(Concrete, Pavers, Trex, Tile, Stone, etc.) With the tile installed, the next addition to your swimming pool project is the decking. Now where I grew up, decking was always associated with wood, and redwood was king. But when I got involved in the swimming pool industry, deck was the item that surrounded the pool. For the majority of swimming pool owners, the deck of choice is concrete. Concrete is durable and inexpensive when compared to the other options being, grass or landscaping, tile, stone, pavers and natural or synthetic wood products. The installation of decking takes a minimum of a couple of days for forming and finishing, or it can require multiple days and weeks depending on the surface. The deck crew will also be responsible for installing the equipment pad, where all the pumps, filters, heaters and other equipment necessary to operate your pool will be located.

Equipment Set

The excitement builds, you're almost done and ready to swim. At equipment set, either your pool service company or the plumbing and electrical company will return to install all of the equipment. The lights will be installed, control panels will be hooked-up, all pumps, heater and filter will be mounted to the equipment pad and plumbed. This normally is routinely completed within one to two days. All ready for the filling of your pool with water. But wait, we're missing the all important pool surface.

Plaster

Plaster provides the waterproofing surface for your pool. Plaster comes in many different forms from plain-old, to pebble and polished surfaces. Typically, this can be done in a day. And for those of you where money is no object, this can be an all tile pool surface complete with Grecian borders. After the swimming pool finish has been applied, now is the time to start filling your pool.

Construction Clean-Up and Start-Up

Once the bulk of the construction is complete, all excess and left over materials will be removed from the pool site. All empty boxes will be hauled to the dumps, and finally, your backyard will be ready to be enjoyed and not looking like a disaster zone. The last item left to do is to start up the pool. The start up process assures all equipment is operating and the swimming pool has all of the necessary chemicals to prevent algae and other problems. Now it's your turn to start reaping all of the benefits of swimming pool ownership.

This has been a brief article describing the inground swimming pool process for gunite or shotcrete pools. A swimming pool is the culmination of many individual persons, each an experienced veteran of his or her trade. For most homeowners, a licensed contractor can guide them through the process. For others, the option of building their own pool and acting as their own general contractor can save them thousands of dollars but requires a deeper level of understanding.




David Vogel, is the founder of DoItYourself Swimming Pools & Spas where you can learn the latest about swimming pools, design, construction and what it takes to build your own and save thousands of dollars. David has spent the last 10 years building swimming pools and spas in California and was one of the first to incorporate todays latest technologies into every pool he's built. Sign-up today for his upcoming eBook at:

[http://www.diy-swimming-pool.com/2007/08/31/welcome/]





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2012年8月26日 星期日

This Chiropractic Marketing Tip Is Almost Too Easy


If this doesn't get you excited, nothing will.

And, frankly, I probably shouldn't even be telling you this because it DOESN'T even require the Chiropractic Dashboard to work like crazy.

In fact, you can start benefitting from this powerful chiropractic marketing tip immediately after you finish this email.

Excited yet?

No?

Just hang tight, you will be. Trust me.

First, a question...

Have you ever stained a deck?

Yeah... a deck... a wooden one... have you ever stained one?

No?

Well, me neither.

I was absent the day the Big Guy upstairs handed out "handyman" skills.

Anyway, when I lived in New Jersey I had this really nice cedar and Trex deck installed overlooking my backyard of about a 1/4 acre.

It kind of had this mid-western feel to it... really nice.

If you're not familiar with Trex, it's sort of like a tough plastic that doesn't require any maintenance, and is sometimes used as decking.

Perfect for a 'home repair challenged' guy like myself.

The only maintenance it did require was an annual application of the cedar stain on the cedar.

Of course, I had to call our handy man in each year to do it for me, but nevertheless, it got done. :-)

I think we paid him around $400 or so to restain all of the cedar which was fine by me and good for him.

What amazed me, though, was that every year when it was time to have the deck restained again, if I didn't call the handyman to come back he would never call me.

And, because of that, there were many years where I didn't end up calling the handyman back for well over a year and a half, if not more.

What the heck does my deck and lack of maintenance skills have to do with your chiropractic practice?

A heck of a lot!

Here's why:

Most of your patients are just like me.

No... not bad with tools... but... busy.

Sometimes so busy, running around with tons on their personal To Do list that their chiropractic care falls by the wayside.

In some cases, it falls by the wayside for so long that they either forget about it altogether or, more likely, they become uncomfortable calling your office to schedule a new appointment, embarrassed that it's been so long.

What happens then?

They don't call and don't come back for care with you.

And, the typical chiropractic office chalks them up as a former patient... a lost patient.

Meanwhile, they're not lost.

They're just what we would call INACTIVE.

And, until you do something proactive to REACTIVATE them, they're going to stay inactive.

The good news is that statistics show over 50% of your inactive patients would become active again in your office if you simply contacted them about getting started again.

That's 5 out of 10 inactive patients you're currently not seeing right now, that would come back in to your office and start-up their care program again with you, if you simply contacted them.

Contact them, how?

Doesn't matter.

Postcard, letter, staff call, email, online video, audio postcard.

The key is just letting them know you're concerned about them, not angry or upset with them, and would love to get them back on the right track again.

And, if you can contact them more than once, for the ones who don't respond to your initial contact, even better.

Most of the time 3 properly written contacts to a list of 10 inactive patients will turn into 4 to 6 reactivated patients for you.

Really!

Now, because of the automation and ease that comes with email, and online audio and video, I'm personally partial to using the Internet with chiropractic marketing to reactivate patients.

But, again, you don't have to use the Internet.

However, with something online like the Chiropractic Dashboard you don't have to worry about sending out letters or postcards or whether your staff is making the calls to your inactive patients at the correct time or not like you do with traditional chiropractic marketing.

Online, with something like the Chiropractic Dashboard, you can have the 3 contacts being done for you, with email, audio, and video, all on total autopilot without you ever having to think about it.

Regardless, though, remember...

Don't lose patients and cash flow just because they haven't been into your office in a while.

Even if it's been months, it's important to recognize, with some simple contacts executed at the correct time you could start bringing back half of your inactive patients.

Think of the financial impact that would have on your practice and lifestyle.

HUGE!

Sidebar: I wonder how much money our former handyman is losing ever year by not contacting former customers about having their decks restained.

Probably THOUSANDS!

With some simple contacts he could probably reclaim most of that.

You too, in your practice, with your chiropractic marketing.




Todd Brown, president of MoreChiroPatients, Inc, is now giving away for FREE his popular Online Videos entitled "The Ultimate Chiropractic Patient Attraction System". Get instant access to these videos at: Chiropractic Marketing Videos





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Composit Decking - Material That Can Handle Mother Nature


Composit decking is one of the new decking materials for commercial and residential decks that is cornering a section of the market. If you are not sure about using this material for your decking, you should read some of the reviews of the various brands. Viewing photos of decks completed with composite decking material will also give you a good idea of the professional ambiance that this can bring to the exterior of your home. Although composit decking comes in second place to wood in the look and appearance of a deck, you can get this material that looks as if you have a traditional wood deck.

The word composit means that the material used in the decking is molded or extruded using a process of mixing wood and plastic to create a unique decking material. Composit decking has distinct advantages over wood if you want to have a deck with which you will have very little work in the future. If you read composite decking reviews, you will learn that some manufacturers use polyethylene plastic while others use vinyl. The wood used is generally wood fibers or sawdust, although you would never guess this when you see the composite decking photos.

The brand of composit decking that you buy depends on what you are looking for. Read the composite decking reviews of Elk, Procell, Trex Geodeck and more then 25 other manufacturers of composite decking. You will find very favourable reviews about all of them whether you choose plank decking or composit tile decking. In the reviews, you can also learn valuable information about how to install this decking and the best ways of fastening it to a wooden frame. You can learn from the mistakes of others by reading reviews, so that you can avoid some of the common problems homeowners sometimes have and then feel so foolish when they realize the simple mistake they made.

Composite decking photos in magazines and online are a great way for you to decide which type of composit decking would best suit your home. As you compare the various photos of the composite decking material, you can also compare the prices of this decking material. When you compare the prices of the composit deck prices with that of wooden decks, you should keep in mind that composite decking requires very low maintenance. This is not true of wood decking. Read composite decking reviews to help you understand how paying a higher initial price can help save you money down the road.

The only maintenance you will need to do when you install composit decking is washing it down with a hose. This decking material does not rot, crack or splinter and it never needs painting or staining. If you notice that the color fades a bit in the first few months, just read the composite decking reviews to find out that this is perfectly natural. The color will fade slightly as it adjusts to the weather of your location. After that, the color will remain constant in your composit decking so that it will always look like new.




To find out more about Decking visit Peter's Website The Decking Guide and find out about Composit Decking and more, including Wood Decking, IPE Decking, Trex Decking and Pool Decking.





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Composite Decking Considerations-Maintenance & Fasteners


Choosing the right decking material will contribute to the beauty and maintenance of your deck.

Consider this fact, make sure your will be using the correct decking material for your local climate, taking into account such factors as humidity and temperature to ensure enjoyment and a long-lasting deck.

Above all, remember that research and knowledge about your future project is important to make a wise buying decision you will not regret.

If your choice is to build the deck with wood, your choice can be redwood, cedar or an exotic material of many choices which are fire resistant and will resists splitting and warping. Tip: Before the project begins, make sure your deck material (or wood) is acclimated and dry in reference to your current weather conditions.

Fasteners for your Deck Do Make a Difference:

Do you like nail or screws to show on the tops of the decking or would you prefer using clips on the edges of the decking to hold down the boards. Clips will not be seen, so the surface of the deck will be all wood, no screws or nails. Hidden deck-fasteners are readily available, and can be researched on the web . Here is a quote from a popular brand of hidden fasteners; " Our fasteners are the most reliable, long-lasting fasteners on the market. They are manufactured in the United States and made of ultra-violet resistant polypropylene. They can't rust, and they're guaranteed to last 100 years with normal use".

More advantages of hidden deck fasteners:

o Fasteners also help prevent premature wood rotting around fastener while creating a clean look from above.

o Help keep labor costs down. (Compared to other hidden deck fastening systems) Will not corrode like galvanized deck fasteners.

o No special tools needed to install.

o Easily installs for the average homeowner.

The Future of Composite Decking Technology is constantly changing and so are composite decks because of consumers desire for this product. So composite decking was created. Composites are usually smooth with a wood grain type of texture, and will not splinter and are comfortable on bare feet. Maintenance is easy too and can resemble the look of tropical hardwood. Other choices of decking other than wood, are plastic and vinyl decking.

Protect Your Investment

All decks need periodic maintenance and cleaning. Consult the instructions of the manufacturer as to what you can do and not do to maintain your deck properly. Pressure washing is usually permissible to keep your composite decking clean. Deck cleaners are also useful for getting rid of muddy footprints. General maintenance includes weekly sweeping of your deck. Especially sweep the deck during pollen seasons, because pollen creates a surface film and can allow mildew to grow on that surface. If your deck is attacked by mildew, you can use any one of several cleaners specifically made to eradicate the problem. You can use bleach and dishwasher detergent in warm water to remove small black mildew spots.

How about occasional spills, grease spots, etc? If such spills and spots appear, you can use any heavy-duty grease remover. Wood bleach will get rid of rust marks from metal porch furniture, toys, etc. Composite decking does have some drawbacks but has beauty. With regular maintenance you have a nice deck for many years to come.




Darrell Suchocki invites you to benefit form his 25 years of experience in the construction trades as a builder and flooring installer and home water damage. See his website at http://decks-n-floors.com/ for comprehensive information about flooring and decks to make better home improvement buying decisions. Plus see other articles related to the home construction trade. http://decks-n-floors.com/


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Advantages of Hardwood Decking


A deck is the "must have" home addition this summer. It can enhance the look of your house by several notches and give you additional space to entertain friends or relax with your loved ones. Decks are great for BBQs, a romantic candlelight dinner, or just gazing at the stars with your better half.

Decks are mostly built out of wood. This is because wood is easy to work with, can withstand different weather conditions, looks great, and complements the "outdoors" theme of the deck. In addition, wood is also cost effective, durable, and 'natural'.

You can build a deck using either hardwood of softwood. The latter is not really recommended owing to its lack of strength and overall poor aesthetic qualities. Hardwood, on the other hand, is the ideal wood for making decks. Hardwood decking has several advantages, some of which are:

1. Hardwood decking is strong and durable. While it may be a bit difficult to work with as compared to softwood, a decking made out of hardwood will be able to withstand diverse weather conditions and remain undamaged for generations. Hardwood does not rot easily either. This is quite an important feature, especially if you live in an area prone to excess rainfall or adverse weather.

2. Hardwood decking has a natural sheen and smoothness. This is undoubtedly one of the most important reasons for its popularity among home owners. Hardwood decking simply looks amazing as compared to its softwood or synthetic counterparts. It has a natural sheen and feels great to touch owing to its smoothness. Moreover, hardwood varies naturally in color and texture, meaning that no two decks will ever look the same.

3. It is cost effective, as compared to the alternatives. When you consider the durability and aesthetic qualities hardwood offers, its cost comes out quite cheap compared to synthetic alternatives. Cost is a major factor in home renovations. This is perhaps the reason why hardwood is preferred over other woods when it comes to making decks.




Get hot tips and info about hardwood decking [http://www.hardwooddecking.org] that will save you time and tons of money at my website: [http://www.hardwooddecking.org]





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2012年8月25日 星期六

Decking Parts And Structure Explained


Decks come in wide ranges of shapes designs, large and small. One thing that stands out among the different sizes and looks is that the structure or look of a deck is the same. For DIY'ers here is a valuable breakdown of all deck parts or structures needed to ensure a solid, long lasting and safe deck.

So what are the parts of a deck? What are they made of?

Knowledge is strength. Acquaint yourself with the various names and parts of your deck. Just think how you'll impress your friends and spouse as you order that part by name at your building supply.

Let's begin identifying and naming each structural part of a deck.

Boards used in the construction of decks usually are pressure treated wood because pressure treated is great for strength and longer life in the elements. These boards come in 2x6, and larger structural sizes, that hold the deck up. When constructing a deck other names you will become familiar with are ledgers, beams, posts, and joists.

Topside parts of the deck include the actual decking , rails, stairway, and decorative fascia usually 2x6 just below the deck running horizontal. The parts you see topside are usually in redwood, cedar or for example if its a composite deck, then you would probably use the manufacturer's composite railing kit and posts that compliment the brand of decking you have chosen.

Lets Identify the Deck Ledgers: They are used to secure a deck to an existing house. It's used to support one end of your joists. Joists: These are usually 2x6 boards attached at both ends of the deck. Joists are what the deck boards are attached to, either by nailing, screwing or T-clips. These joists are secured to the header joist on one end and to the ledger on the other end.

Concrete Footings; How is the deck supported? By concrete footings. The footing is formed by pouring concrete in the ground and hence allowed to dry. While drying some will secure a cement block of sorts with wood on top of this to nail in their 4x4 posts. Another way to attach posts is with metal post anchors made of galvanized steel.

Posts: These are attached to the concrete footings vertically 4x4's.

Beams: ( 2x8 or 2x10 wood supports) Called the main support system which is fastened to the deck posts underneath the deck.

Railings Terms you will hear are balusters, posts, railing and the cap. Balusters and posts you'll find are attached to the header and outside joists of the deck. The height of of the rails are usually 24- 34 inches high- check with local building codes.

Stairs: Made of 2 stringers and a number of what is called treads attached with cleats (metal) to the side of a deck.

That's it for now.....Happy Deck Building.




Darrell Suchocki invites you to benefit form his 25 years of experience in the construction trades as a builder and flooring installer and home water damage. See his website at http://decks-n-floors.com/ for comprehensive information about flooring and decks to make better home improvement buying decisions. Plus see other articles related to the home construction trade. http://decks-n-floors.com/





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