Retirement and how I’m spending my summer
 

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1561948578.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1561948599.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1561948616.jpg
Upper deck will be a challenge. Almost finished with the lower one. New railings then on to the upper deck.

One nice thing about retirement is you can work on a project almost continuously until it's done.

A very worthy job.

So when someone asks you, are you retired, you say No I'm a builder.

Are you using plastic biskets routed into the sides of the decking timbers for fasteners?
Deck looks great
You'll roll on thru the upper deck with all of the practice resently on the lower one.

And here I thought you were spending your summer as a ranch hand.

Cheers Richard

Wow, big project - nice place!

Thanks, I’m using CAMO tool and fasteners. Kinda pricey but that’s what the Wifey wanted. Using all pressure treated lumber for the support structure. Original ledgers were nailed directly to the house. I lag screwed and am using plastic spacers to stand the ledgers off the house. Using Grace Vycor membrane on top of all joists and ledgers. The old decking was still good but the support structure rotted away. The upper deck will be all ladder work.

Lags can work loose.

Anyway to get thru-bolts and flashing in there?

Don't be silly. You might be an architect but I doubt you ever screwed in lags and came back years later to find them loose.



However, you might find them somewhat rusted and hard to remove at first. Many years after that they might have rusted so much that they will pull out with a pry bar with little effort. The deck would have been buried at the dump a few years before that.

I'd like to see that happen. You mind taking a picture of it? It'd look next to the framed one of me riding Pegasus at the head of a herd of unicorns orcs and elves.

No rim joist. Truss joists. 3/8 shear. Only way was to lag into studs. This is what I used.
https://resourcefulsupply.com/each-simpson-strong-tie-strong-drive-sds-ledger-deck-screw-pc-x-wood-screw-123890317?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrr3ZpJmU4wIV27XACh1FJg ksEAQYFCABEgKmyvD_BwE

I thought you just had shoulder surgery!

Yep, I can’t sit still and there is work that needs to be done. I fell and jacked up my right shoulder( the good one) and I’m scheduled for surgery in October. Yes....I’m stupid.

Looks like a massive project!

Not passing any judgement on this deck but just FYI: Most exterior elevated decks are dangerously built. Substantial change occurred to the IRC requirements several years ago and many contractors and building inspectors are not aware of the changes :rolleyes: Before retirement as a structural engineer, I used to inspect lots of deck failures including a few with fatalities. The requirements are outlined in this document from the AWC. Pages 13 (minimum 6x6 post size and bearing area), 18 (lateral load devices), and 19 (guard post attachment) are the most common deficiencies.

https://awc.org/pdf/codes-standards/publications/dca/AWC-DCA62012-DeckGuide-1405.pdf

Thanks for the link. This deck originally was built with 4x4 posts and passed inspection. I upgraded to 4x6 posts which made an unbelievable difference.

+1

Very nice crib.

Pup looks a little miffed about no steps.:)

She is waiting for me to throw the ball for her. All ball all day!

I'm only here for the herding category......:p

https://buzzsharer.com/wp-content/up...ollie-meme.jpg


Seriously though - no comments on any of the technical aspects - I'll let others here do that. I'll just say I'm with you on the home improvement stuff. I'm not retired yet but slowed WAY down and have already implemented some projects I've had on my wish list for a while.

There's nothing better on God's green earth than to create, upgrade, and repair infrastructure on your property!


<Tim Taylor grunt!>

I agree....no rush either. Today I fired up the chain saw to clear some manzanita and attempt to dig up the stumps. I’ve got a landscaper coming on the 10 th to start working on a hill in front of the house. Fire resistant stuff. Everyone in this county is busy busy taking out trees and brush. Fire fears run rampant.

Sounds like your retirement is on par.

Damn cool. Good on you.

I have ~10 yrs to go. Started ramping up plans a couple years ago.

Can't wait.

Btw, niiiice deck.

;)

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1562111582.jpg
Inspector showed up today sticking his nose into everything