How to Turn Your Deck Design Dreams Into Reality

Posted on July 9, 2011 by letshaneexplain

You know what you want in the backyard. But the dream deck in your imagination may have a difficult path to travel from concept to reality. Experts say you should browse through magazines and websites gathering pictures, forming a vision of the ultimate outdoor paradise. But how can you build a deck that matches those dreams?

Ask the pros for a hand.

Why the Building Supply Store Probably Won’t Help You

Sure, you can visit the local big box building store for ideas. They may even supply deck plans for your DIY project, including all of the lumber required to construct it. But will that basic deck design meet your expectations? Can you customize the plans to include overhead features, privacy screens, unique railings and funky deck board patterns?

Probably not.

And just like your interior decorating, it’s those personalized and customized elements that make your deck stand out.

Go ahead – clip the pictures. Make a few random sketches on graph paper. Pace out potential deck designs on your grass (lay out the hose to get an idea of the right shape and size). Then visit a local decking contractor to find out whether your dreams can be transformed into reality.

It may be a good idea to get a price for professional installation (just in case those dreams are pretty far-fetched and your body and skills aren’t up to the task). But many of the established decking pros will help you draw out accurate deck plans, providing a blueprint for your DIY deck project. They may even sell you the materials.

Your new deck will be a comfortable outdoor living space that adds value to your home and lifestyle. Dream big in the backyard. And talk to the pros about how to make your deck design visions a reality.

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How Deep to Dig Wood Fence Posts

Posted on May 2, 2011 by letshaneexplain

Installing your own wood privacy fence can be a pretty straightforward job. With just a few basic tools and a free weekend (or two) you’ll save some money and have bragging rights with your buddies about whose fence is better looking. Not a bad deal. But how deep should you dig wood fence posts to ensure they will give your new fence the support it needs?

It depends on where you live, really.

Why Is Concrete Necessary With Wood Fence Posts?

The only reason you set a fence post in concrete is to combat against the frost. When that nasty force of winter gets underneath a wood post (or anything buried in or laying on the ground), expansion in freezing weather will move anything in its path. Frost will recede in spring, often leaving your fence post in its new position – your fence leaning, your gate off kilter or your deck crooked.

And that’s why you need to dig a hole deep enough to get below the frost line in your area. Most often 42 to 48 inches is good. The pros most often dig somewhere around 48 inches, just to be sure. Make it about 10 – 12″ across at the mouth.  Clean out the hole, place the 4×4 in and pour concrete in until the hole is full. Voila. You have a fence post that will stay put year after year.

How Can You Get That Deep?

Digging a 4 foot deep hole doesn’t sound that bad. Digging 15 or 20 holes to build a fence all the way around your yard sounds like torture to many. So how can you ensure your fence postholes are deep enough without breaking your back?

Call in the pros for a helping hand.

Many fencing companies offer a service to dig  postholes and set the 4×4’s (or 5×5’s or 6×6’s) in concrete. After waiting a few days for the concrete to set, you can then start building the fence. Don’t worry – full bragging rights still apply to you on this job.

Look for a company that will do more than drive in with a posthole auger, dig and set the posts and disappear. Full DIY packages include help with the locates (call before you dig to be sure all of the hydro, gas, phone and cable lines are out of the way), clean up the job properly and even include delivery of all of the materials you need for the fence job. One phone call to these pros and the whole DIY project is set up for you. If this is your first time building a fence (or you’ve forgotten how), ask the pros for some expert advice.

For the best looking and most durable wood fence possible keep those fence posts at least 42 inches in the ground. Call in the pros to help with the postholes and you can flex your DIY muscles on the rest of the job. It’s the best of both worlds… and you won’t break your back.

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Popular Wooden Privacy Fence Styles

Posted on June 10, 2010 by letshaneexplain

So you need some privacy in the yard and are looking at a wooden fence to get it.  Easy to install and durable, wood fencing is still the most popular choice for homeowners everywhere.

Take a look at these three different ways you can install the 1×6 fence boards, creating three distinct looks in your yard.

Good Neighbour / Board on Board

Board on Board for privacy and a consistent look
This is the style that you see most often.  The 1×6 fence boards are installed on both sides of the 2×4 stringer or cross beam.  A 3 1/2” spacing between the boards on one side is covered by the boards installed on the other side (also spaced 3 1/2” apart).  It creates an alternating look that allows wind to flow through the fence, while still creating a decent amount of privacy.

You can see through this fence when you’re standing at the right angle (very close to the fence and with limited sight).  The spacing between the fence boards also makes this style climbable.  Make sure you shrink that spacing for pool applications, allowing this style to meet building code.

Flat Privacy

Flat Privacy is easy and quick to install

Just like it sounds, this style is flat and private.  All of the 1×6 fence boards are installed along the same side of the fence, butted up against each other.  You’ll only use about 17 boards for each 8 foot section, as opposed to the 21 or so used with the Board on Board style.  That makes this fence cheaper to build.

You’ll have to decide which side of the fence will display the 2×4’s.  Often homeowners face this side out, but that makes it climbable as well (and might annoy the neighbor).  For pools, you’ll need to face the 2×4’s in to meet code.

The boards will shrink from exposure to the sun and you’ll end up with a small gap in between them.  It’s not a lot, but will make this privacy fence less private then you may have originally expected.

Board on Baton

This style is a mixture between these two, but offers comBoard on Baton for complete privacyplete privacy.  The 1×6 fence boards are attached to one side of the 2×4 stringer spaced 3” apart.  Then another 1×6 board is nailed to the top of the spacing, overlapping the other boards by about 1” each.

Any gap is covered and will be even after shrinkage occurs.  You’ll be using around 21 to 23 boards per 8 foot section, making it slightly more expensive to build than the Board on Board style.  Again, you’ll need to decide where to face the 2×4 stringers.

All of these wooden privacy fence styles are simple to build and use readily available materials.  Choose whichever one suits your yard and application the best.

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How to build planters on your deck for a splash of colour

Posted on April 28, 2010 by letshaneexplain

Planter boxes are an easy, beautiful addition to your deck.

Container gardening is taking off in a big way.  People like the idea of moving the garden out of the traditional beds and spreading it around – onto the walls, the porch and the deck.  An easy way to incorporate container gardening into your patio is by building planter boxes.

Using the same material as your deck, whether that’s pressure treated wood, cedar or composite, you can have the perfect spot for that herb garden, colourful annuals or whatever else suits your green thumb.

There are a few things to remember when putting these together.

Remember to make them big enough, but not too big.  Boxes should be proportionate to your deck space and not overly deep or wide.  If your deck is lower to the ground you can use them as railing (that strategy won’t pass most building codes for decks higher than 24” off of the ground).  Also, with a wide lip or ledge, planter boxes can act as impromptu seating or a handy place to put your drink.

Place the planters in good lighting.  You will likely get more sun at the outer edge of your deck, which is often better for annuals and herbs.  But if shade is your thing put them wherever you like, just buy plants that will thrive in those conditions.

Build them like a wooden box, with deck boards (5/4” x 6” or 2” x 6”) for the sides and bottom, as well as a ledge or rim for visual interest.  Butt the boards tight together.  After they’ve dried and weathered, you will get a small space of about ½” or so.  Line the inside of the box with poly or a store bought plastic liner and staple it down for stability.

Make sure you have adequate drainage by punching holes along the bottom of the box.  Some gardeners also recommend putting a layer of small stones on the bottom to provide air and prevent root rot.  This is especially helpful with shallow planter boxes.

Use a good potting soil for these planters.  Regular garden soil is too heavy.  Mix bagged potting soil with organics like compost or peat moss – 1 part potting soil, 1 part organics.  Special container soil will have perlite or other aggregates mixed in for water retention.  If not, mix in some coarse sand.

Enjoy the colour and visual interest planters add to your deck.  Change the look of your patio year after year by planting something new.  Bulbs will present a cheery picture in spring and herbs are great for culinary use.  Whatever you plant, planter boxes are a simple and attractive addition to your deck.

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Dress Up Your Wood Fence with Gate Inserts

Posted on April 14, 2010 by letshaneexplain

This simple aluminum insert makes this gate stand beautifully.

Wood fences are often built for privacy.  But the tall, bare face of a wooden fence can be fairly uninspiring and many homeowners are looking for something to dress it up.  Set your property above the rest of the neighbourhood with gate inserts and other fence accessories.

Gate inserts are economical, fit easily into your wooden gate and come in a variety of styles and sizes.  They give the appearance of a window in the wood and have intricate, artful designs throughout.

Generally made of cast aluminum, these enhancements look great from both sides of the gate.  Some styles are manufactured with an aluminum frame around the design.  Fence boards in the gate simply fit into and around that frame.  Other styles need a wood frame incorporated into the fence; the insert will be held within that.

Gate inserts come in an oval shape, as well as circular, rectangular and square (which can also be adjusted to a diamond).  You can install just one small piece for a subtle look or combine a row of them.  There are also larger inserts that cover a good portion of the gate.

Install this product within fence sections for a decorative touch anywhere.

Other accents and accessories include things like ornamental post caps in aluminum and copper.  Nuvo Iron in Bolton, Ontario also carries Iron-Lattice, a wood fence topper that lends elegance and an old world charm.

Ask your local fencing contractor what types of wood fence accessories they carry and dress up your yard.

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Deck Designs to Reflect Your Family

Posted on April 9, 2010 by letshaneexplain

Deck designs reflect the unique tastes and lifestyle of your family.

The weather is beckoning you outdoors.  Now is the time to think about converting that patch of dirt outside your patio door to a fantastic new deck.  Well thought out deck designs will create an outdoor living space perfectly suited for your lifestyle.  Take the time now to consider all of your options.
Size and shape are important.

How high off of the ground will your deck be?  Is there enough space to install multiple levels, creating “rooms” and improving traffic flow?  Make sure that the deck framing will not obstruct any windows, venting outlets or trees.

Now that you know where the deck can go, decide how big it will be.  The golden rule is to build the most deck you can to fill the space and stay within your budget.  You won’t regret having too large of a space, but you may kick yourself if the furniture or BBQ won’t fit well and you have to sacrifice atmosphere or function.

Deck board direction is another consideration.  Install decking on an angle, straight across or in a herringbone pattern (creating a “V” shape).  This is almost like choosing exterior flooring.  Make it visually appealing to dress up the space.

How about the railings?  Find out first whether building codes will dictate the height or style necessary.  Then think about materials.

Wooden picket railing are popular and can be more interesting than the common 2×2 picket style.  Add post caps, patterns or inserts.  Tempered glass can be installed in a wood frame to maintain a beautiful view, as can aluminum pickets for a contrasting look.

Complete aluminum railings are also available.  Powder coated pickets come in a variety of colors and can be straight or curved for different looks.

Stairs will help with traffic flow and can also provide additional seating in a pinch.  Flower boxes and pergolas are features that will change the look of your deck and provide shade or extra gardening space.  Low voltage lighting can be fitted into the railing or overhead beams, allowing your family to enjoy the backyard long into the summer evenings.

Think of how and when your family will use the deck.  Design a surface and area that will provide comfort, function and durability for all.  Then your backyard living space will truly reflect your family and make their dreams come true.

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Installing a backyard fence with help

Posted on April 4, 2010 by letshaneexplain

Hire a contractor to help with the trickier steps in your backyard fence installation.

Handy homeowners will save some money installing their own backyard fence.  But the trickier steps of construction may be an intimidating challenge for some.  How do you know when to call in the pros for help?

The structural stability and the overall appearance of the fence are dependent on the installation procedure.  When the proper steps are not followed, the project will fall below expectations and won’t last as long as it should.

But there is a happy medium for homeowners.

Fence posts are the most important element for durability.  They need to be set at the proper depth and in concrete.  Posts also need to be in line and installed in the correct location (it’s not a good idea to infringe on your neighbour’s property).  A professional post installation will take care of these things.

There are companies that will dig your post holes fast and correctly.  They ask for you to provide certain information (such as your survey and utility locates) and will use machinery to get the required depth.  It’s a fairly pain free experience for the homeowner and ensures that the holes are well prepared and in the right spot.  Setting the posts is still up to you.

Other companies provide a dig and set service, which usually includes the same as above as well as installing the post in concrete and possibly cleaning up the site.  The cost for this service will include the concrete and post materials, plus labour.  The value is well worth it though, when you consider the quality of a professional job.

Now you can concentrate on installing the fence itself, without worrying about the posts.  Homeowners will still save a lot of money on the installation costs and have a quality foundation for their fence.

Decide for yourself whether the increased cost of these post hole services (usually around $10-15 per post) is comparable to the hassle of digging the holes, mixing the concrete and setting the posts yourself.  You may find that the savings aren’t worth the work.

Consider all of your options and call in the pros for help when you need it.

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How early in the spring can you build a fence or deck?

Posted on March 21, 2010 by letshaneexplain

Watch for frost and soggy grass before you start building your fence or deck.

Many people are watching the snow melt away with eager minds.  They have an outdoor project on the back burner and it’s almost time to begin.

But when can you start to build that fence or deck in the spring?  What signs should you be looking for and when should you keep waiting?

There are a few conditions that need to be met before it becomes feasible to build a deck or fence in the early spring.

The Disappearance of Frost

This is not an absolute necessity (many construction companies will break through deep layers of frost in the middle of winter), but your body and equipment will thank you if you wait for the frost to melt away.

Even a few inches of hard frost under the soggy grass or soil will be hard on your shovel or auger when digging the post holes.  Avoid unnecessary strain (and back pain) by waiting until the frost has gone.

Test this by inserting a stake into the area and seeing how far down it goes easily.  You’ll know if you have hit stubborn frost.

If you’re having the project done by a contractor, ask them if there are any additional costs should they have to break through frost.  Some will want to come and inspect the yard before committing to a start date.

If your lawn has been snow covered for most of the winter, the frost should not be overly deep.  The areas that have only a thin blanket of snow and are exposed to cold wind and freezing air tend to have the heaviest frost build up.

A Dry Spell

April showers bring May flowers and we are all for that, right?  But March thaw and April showers also leave the yard sopping and the mud heavy and thick to dig through and work in.

Watch the condition of the grass to see when it has dried up enough to efficiently tread across while building your project.  Not only will you need to walk the length of the fence while installing or stand and move a lot in the deck area, but you need a place to pile the lumber that won’t leave a mess.

Many flower beds need replanting and sod needs replacing if the still mushy ground is repeatedly walked over.  You don’t need to wait for June, but just don’t be out there until you are confident it won’t severely damage the lawn or garden.

Spring is nearly here and you may be itching to start the fence or deck project.  Once these two aspects are looked after, you can get to it and really enjoy the spring season.

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Repairing Frost-Heaved Fence Posts

Posted on March 12, 2010 by letshaneexplain

Straighten up the heaved fence posts damaged by winter frost and have a stronger fence.

Last winter was tough on fences everywhere.  Maybe your wood fence is leaning or the sections are beginning to bend and crack.  If your fence posts have shifted up or to the side, it’s likely a result of frost heaving the concrete around the post.

A lot of homeowners find this a particular problem with wood gates.  If your gate worked fine last season, but seems impossible to open now, your post probably experienced some heaving over the winter.

It’s time to call a pro to correct the problem.  Or with some hard work and a friend or two to help you out, this can be a great DIY project.

First, detach the section from the post.  If the wood was screwed in place, simply unscrew and lay it off to the side.  If it was nailed (as is more common), cut the nails off against the post and remove the whole section.

Now it’s time to dig out the fence post.  You’ll have to get all the way around the concrete and lift it straight out of the ground.  Take a sledge hammer to the concrete and smash it off as much as possible.  If you’d rather, picking up a new 4×4 is just as easy.

Clean out the hole in the ground.  Make sure you dig it deeper to get below the frost line so that the same problem doesn’t happen again.  Get at least 42” deep, but all the way to 48” inches in depth is better.

Once the holes are ready, set your post back in and mix some quick setting concrete.  Use the quick setting brand so that you can get the fence back up as soon as possible, for safety and convenience.  Repair all heaved fence posts at one time to get the best use out of the concrete mix (and those friends who offered to help out).

Check that the posts are level and in line with the fence.  Finally, re-attach the sections.

Pat yourself on the back.  You’ve tackled the frost damage yourself and now have a stronger, taller and straighter fence.

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Build a Wooden Ramp to Make Your Home Accessible

Posted on March 4, 2010 by letshaneexplain

Ramps are used often in commercial applications but can change the accessibility of your own home as well.

Many people require better accessibility to their houses today.  This home improvement project can be tackled easily with a wooden ramp installed at the door or off of the porch.

Wooden ramps work essentially the same as a deck, except that they are built at an angle and have specific requirements for dimensions and railing.

Size Considerations

A wooden ramp will be built flush with the ground at one end – so be ready to dig the framing in.  For that reason, use 2×6 dimensional lumber for the ring joists and all other framing (instead of the more traditional 2×8).
Remember that building codes require accessibility ramps to have at least 36” of clearance across the width.  That means you need a minimum of 36” across the ramp between the railing posts.  Design for a 42” width and you should be well covered.

After marking out the ramp shape and excavating any dirt in the area, install the posts in the regular fashion.  Be sure to leave the 4×4’s or 5×5’s long so that you can use them as railing posts all the way down the ramp.

Set your ring joists against the outside of the posts at the desired angle.  Be sure to drop no more than 1” in height over any 12” span.  This is the safe slope that meets building code.  Attach ring joists and build your frame.  Run your deck board and attach with screws or nails.

Railing Considerations

All railing on a wood ramp needs to be a minimum of 36” high.  Code may require 42”, check first with the local building department.
Also find out whether a bottom plate or lip will need to be attached to the ramp surface.  When using wood picket railing, this can simply be the bottom 2×4.  If your ramp features aluminum or vinyl rail, be prepared to install a cut piece of deck board or a 2×4 along the edge of the ramp.

With these considerations in mind and a carefully designed, well built wooden ramp, your home will be completely accessible.  Ramp up the convenience of your front entrance with this simple project.

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