Beams for Substructure Support

I used a double 2X10 nailed together with 16d nails to create the beams that the deck would sit on, then attached the beam to the tops of the 4X4 posts that are cut to elevation using 16d nails and 4X4 to 2X10 metal plates. Using 2x10's for the floor joists means I can span a longer range from my ledger board on the house to my beams that will support them at the far edge of the deck. I placed my foundations and beams so that I would never span more than 10 feet without being supported by a beam. Its a little over kill for that specific wood, it can span up to 16 feet in between beam supports but its always been my pet peeve to build things stronger than they call for in the specs. An easy tool to use to calculate the span that the joists you are using can span is a free online calculator .http://www.decks.com/Calculators/JoistSpan.aspx.

Summer Deck Construction

I have been involved in allot of summer carpentry projects this year and one of the most common is Deck building. I wanted to share some of the tips and tricks that I have run a crossed and made note of while I am working to make the job a little faster and efficient while maintaining a safe working environment.

This is an old cedar deck that is starting to fall apart and breakdown over tough weathering conditions. The owners wanted a new design to increase the square footage as well as building it out of a material that is low matenince that dosent require re-finishing every couple of years.

Demoing existing structures.

Before you get to the fun part of new construction you have to of course demo the old and make way for the new. This too can be a fun stage of any project but also a dangerous one too. I have seen situations get out of control by trying to work to fast or not thinking before you make a cut or put steel to wood in an attempt to persuade a piece of wood to move.

In this picture I am cutting in between the joist bays to break apart the structure in more manageable pieces. Using a cats paw (nail puller) you can remove the nails from the joist to the foundation and the section should be able to come apart allot easier and faster than using a leverage bar to rip up individual planks.

Eco Friendly Paints and Stains

Using Eco friendly paints and stains is one of the ways to contribute to a cleaner planet beginning from your own shop or home project. Even though they might be on the more expensive side, they are often better quality, and, of course, safer to use. Rather than using the typical petroleum based stains, you can purchase soy, citrus oil, or castor oil based products instead. Products that have citrus or castor oils in them last longer than traditional stains, and have a harder surface finish so they can be used for both interior and exterior applications. You can also find sealers and adhesives that are eco friendly; all of which have low VOC’s and some are isocyanate free, a chemical that is toxic and may potentially cause asthma. By using these products for your project you are not only helping to stop the production of harmful materials, but also keeping your household, and the ones you love, safe.

Plumb-Level-Square: Three Rules in Carpentry to live by

Whether you are framing walls, hanging sheet rock, laying flooring, or installing a door, every carpenter must ensure projects are plumb, level and/or square. Plumb can be established with a level, preferably the longest available, to give you the most accurate reading. You can also use a plumb bob to ensure your project is perfectly upright; if you are outdoors and bobbing more than 10 feet, I suggest using a heavier bob to help steady it from the elements.

Level can be determined by- you guessed it-a Level! Make sure to keep the bubble in the middle of the two black lines and you are good to go.

Square is the most difficult measurement to achieve. It can take two people to square a big project, one person to measure while the other person stabilizes it. There are a couple of different ways to achieve square. You can either build a jig that is square and use it against the edges of your project, or you can hook your tape measure at one corner of the project and pull to the other end, giving you a diagonal measurement. Do the same diagonal measurement from the other corner to the opposite side, and the two measurements should be the same. If they are not identical, adjust the sides until they are the same.

Essential tools for the job

Here are a few tools I always keep on me, and some on the job must-haves to be able to complete your average carpentry projects. It is said that tools are extensions of our hands, so you don’t necessarily have to buy the most expensive tool out there, but you have to have the basics:

-Hammer
I say- If it doesn’t fit get a bigger hammer!
-Tape Measurer
Keep it clean and in good condition; it will keep you on your mark.
-Pencil
A short Pencil is better than a long memory.
-Utility Knife
Multifunctional- You can cut and score materials, plus the added bonus of sharpening your carpentry pencil with it.
-Speed Square
Lay this triangular tool on a piece of lumber to give you a strait cutting line
-Skill Saw or Worm Drive
This is faster than a traditional handsaw. Don’t pin the guard back, remember safety first!
-Power Drill
Used for driving screws and drilling pilot holes so the lumber won’t split.
-4 ft. Level
This tool keeps you inline with one of the three rules of carpentry: Plumb, Level, and Square

There are so many others, but for your average fix-it jobs around the house these are the carpentry tools that will make your life a lot easier. Word of caution- when you use the wrong tool for the job you could end up breaking it or hurting your self.

Here are some other tools that you could add in more advanced projects:

12” Level- for those hard to reach areas
24” Level- for door headers
Chalk Line- Make two marks on each end and this handy tool makes a strait line
Plumb Bob- Always check for Plumb
Nail Set- Countersink those nails and fill in with putty
Mallet- It won’t mar your finished surface, if you have to help it in place.
When a metal hammer is too aggressive, this won’t mark, or deform, your projects
Framing Square- This tool gives you a perfect 90-degree corner
1” Chisel-When you just need a little off the top
Cats Paw- For the ‘oops’ nail drives, use this tool to grab your nail head and pull