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In this episode of The Handyguys Podcast the Handyguys Brian & Paul continue their interview with Paul Mackie from The Western Red Cedar Lumber Association.
This part of the interview contains discussion of:
- Can a handyguy build his own deck.
- Exotics versus cedar versus synthetics
- Quality of cedar in various markets
Tips and considerations for a DIYer when building a deck
- board spacing
- corrosion resistant fasteners
- hidden fasteners
 Thanks to Western Red Cedar Lumber Association for this picture of a great looking deck. Click for full size. |
What are some of the skills needed to build a deck? The Handyguys, Brian & Paul, discuss what it takes. The conclusion – if you are handy you could build a deck and save some money in the process. If you are building a second floor deck or if you deck is high you may want to consider having someone do the framing. Height ads complexity plus safety may be a concern. Listen to the Podcast for the full discussion.
The Handyguys wrap up the discussion talking about comprehensive landscape design. You may want to consider hiring a landscape designer to help you come up with a complete plan including hardscape, plants, shrubs and lighting.
Thanks to Mr. Cedar, Paul Mackie, of the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association for a great interview.
Brian & Paul continue to discuss the tools after Mr. Cedar signs off. There is a minimum compliment of tools you will need. The Handyguys like their tools and discuss some upgrades that would make building a deck easier. The table below shows the minimum tool and a possible upgrade. You can click each picture for a full description and purchase option for each tool.
Deck Building Tools
| Possible Required Tool | An upgrade to the required tool | ||
| Post Hole Digger |  |  | |
| Plumb & Level |  |  | |
| Saw |  |  | |
| Hammer |  |  | |
| Driver |  |  |
 Thanks to Timbertech for the image Click for full size |
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
The photo from Western Red Cedar Lumber Association is gorgeous. Too big of a job for this handy man but a great inspiration anyway. My deck project was just re-staining a current deck so not nearly as involved. But I like to see what other people are doing. There are lots of great photos on the net like at instructables.com and http://www.yardshare.com. Good advice too.
Yea, I like that one too. My wife hasn’t seen it yet. Its similar to what she will want! Thanks for the comments.
I wish I had the space in My yard for a big deck like that. I love being outdoors and there is no better way to enjoy that. Then by relaxing on your deck
Hi
I am looking to make the shades that you have in the above picture. Do you have directions?
Thank you
Anne
Anne – Those shade were made by a company called Shadetree. They also designed the pergola which I then built. There is noting too fancy about the sewing of the canopy I would guess but their track system is pretty sophisticated. Their shade fabric is pretty heavy duty. Check out http://www.shadetreecanopies.com/awnings/pergola-awnings/
-Brian