After the scrubbed SpaceX launch yesterday I set to work on the upper deck. I had a problem with the way that I had installed it originally and needed to make some additions. The deck is 16 feet wide and I used 12 foot lengths on the upper which meant having a 4 foot and 12 foot length to make the width. I had staggered the boards so the seam was every other board. I had also put the joists at 2 foot centers which was just not good enough. I needed to get 1 foot spacing to make the deck solid and the boards supported correctly.
Started by removing the fascia boards and then the toe screws on the end boards. I then loosened about 2/3 of the fasteners all in one go.
Once the fasteners were loose I was able to pull the deck boards and stack them on the lower deck. It made getting into and out of the house a bit interesting for the boys, but they managed to have fun with it.
All the decking removed and ready to install the spacer joists.
8 joists had to be installed and on the house side I used 2x6 hangers and had to ensure I was close to level with the surrounding joists.
I added in a 3rd length to the 4 foot point. I wanted to make sure to have a nice and solid surface for the seam to run along. Plus the extra board on the left was pretty warped so makes good use of it.
On the outer end of the joists I used the brackets to hold them solid with the beam. I am really happy with how the brackets work and how easily it is to get the joists solid.
One of the main impetuses for doing the deck is that I need bracing between the joists if I want to install the railing. These 3 blocks are what I will mount the posts to on this end of the deck.
All the 4 foot lengths got slid onto the deck and into their general location. I had 2 full length 16 foot boards left over from the lower deck so i used them as the inner and outer boards. The one is against the house.
Started installing the 4 foot boards then I slid all the 12 foot lengths onto the deck. It made it so we could walk around on it and have easy access back to the slider.
All the 4 footers installed, well in place. I installed all the fasteners but did not screw them down all the way. Leaving them slightly loose meant I could get the install done and then go back and tighten each one.
While not the fastest I did make some damned good time on the rebuild.
After unloading the groceries she grabbed the other drill and set about tightening all the fasteners. I was able to finish installing the last of the boards while she worked.
I used the other 16 foot board on the outer edge and toe screwed it in place. The last thing was to reinstall the fascia boards over the ends of the joists and hte rebuild was done.
In all it took just 5 hours to take it apart and put it back together, only stronger and looking better. I am pretty surprised I managed to get it all done but damned happy with how it looks and how much stronger it is.
Busy day today. Got our order of chicks this morning at 6am and then am going to go check out the new truck this morning in the valley. Might just come home with a new ride!
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Fleming Family Farm
FLEMING FAMILY FARM, LLC
Sustainable & Organic Methods | Heirloom Produce
