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CAse studies

We receive lots of stories from deck builders across the country telling us about the various projects they have built so we thought it would be a good idea to share some of them with you. 

Just pick a deck that you like and start learning  about some of the details of its construction. This list will grow as builders share their stories with us.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION STEP BY STEP

Simple DIY Wood Deck Project

Go Learn
 Any beginner deck building project can seem a bit challenging. So if you are a DIY'er, this is a great little deck to study and learn some basic construction techniques. This is as simple as it gets. Except you are going to learn about design, site layout, footings, beams, ledger attachment, framing, stairs and railing.  Follow these steps:
  1. Assessing Your Site
  2. Creating Your Deck Design
  3. Preparing Your Site
  4. Footing Location
  5. Digging the Footings and Piers
  6. Ledger Attachment
  7. Setting Beam Height
  8. Framing a Deck
  9. Railing Post Attachment
  10. Installing the Fascia Board
  11. Decking Material Installation
  12. Building Stairs
  13. Installing the Railing

Pergola Footings Without Digging

Go Learn
 Bet you thought it was impossible to build pergola footings without digging and setting the posts into the ground.  Fortunately there are some excellent ways of installing footings for a pergola that are strong, stable and durable without the need to dig, mix and pour cement.  Follow these steps:
  1. Get the tools you need
  2. Remove sod and organic material
  3. Drive the auger down into the soil
  4. Compress the footing load plate against the soil
  5. Attach 6x6 post saddle to footing
  6. Attach pergola posts to the footings

Outdoor Waterproof Tile Deck Project

Go Learn
 Matt Whale was approached by BuildingCraft Construction, for a unique deck tile project. It was for the old veterans hospital in the "Avenues" of downtown Salt Lake City - an older very distinguished neighborhood.  Follow these steps:
  1. Waterproof Deck Tile Job
  2. Build New Balcony Decks
  3. Prepare Deck Surface
  4. Install Cement Board
  5. Install Flashing Under Brick
  6. Roll Out TileDek Membrane
  7. Apply Adhesive for TileDek
  8. Finish Wall Flashing Against Brick
  9. Triple Welding Vinyl Seams
  10. Welding Patches Around Columns
  11. Apply the Bond Coat
  12. Laying the Tiles
  13. Installing Expansion Joints
  14. Grouting the Tiles

Stone Paver on Wood Frame Deck Project

Go Learn
 A stone paver deck can be installed over a wood frame. If you are like most people you probably thought deck pavers could only be installed at ground level over 12"-18" of granular stone. Follows these steps:
  1. Building a Deck With Pavers
  2. Framing for Stone Pavers
  3. Install Grates for Deck Pavers
  4. Building Stairs for Stone Treads
  5. Cascading Silca Stair Case
  6. Wood Frame Meets Pool Decking

Vinyl Covered Deck Project

Go Learn
 Trust The Professionals to install vinyl decking properly so you can go from an old beat up deck to this smooth perfectly watertight surface is harder than it looks. Trust us on this! Follow these steps:
  1. Prepare deck
  2. Smooth surface
  3. Drip edge
  4. Level deck
  5. Apply adhesive
  6. Roll out vinyl
  7. Welding

Build A Fireplace Outdoors

Go Learn
 Here is a basic summary of how to build a fireplace outdoors. This has got to be one of the best deck improvement ideas there is. Now, if you live in a really warm climate 12 months of the year, you may not have the need for an outdoor fireplace.   The building process will be broken down into a few steps.
  1. Planning
  2. Remove sod and organic material
  3. Drive the auger down into the soil
  4. Compress the footing load plate against the soil
  5. Attach 6x6 post saddle to footing
  6. Attach pergola posts to the footings

KEEP AN EYE ON THIS section OF THE SITE FOR NEW ARTICLES ON new case studies

We're busy writing about new developments and building techniques in the industry all the time. And we love to hear from people just like you that would like us to focus on something new and emerging. Let us know!

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