In this video episode of The Handyguys Podcast we showcase some of the features of a freestanding Ipe deck such as lighting, hidden fasteners, Ipe plugs and aluminum balusters.

Some of the things show in this video are

• Ipe Deck completed construction
• Use of beam and joist flashing
• Use of low voltage lighting with concealed wire
• Using a boulder for a landing
• Use of hidden Ipe fasteners
• Use of Ipe Plugs

Related shows:

1. Building a freestanding deck and dealing with voles
2. Repair a leaking water heater T&P and planning for a new deck
3. Deck Material And Design Part 2

On this audio podcast the Handyguys discuss Brian’s free-standing deck and Paul’s Vole problems.

How to Build Freestanding Decks

A freestanding deck will have an additional beam near the house and no ledger board. Free-standing was chosen here due to only a small area next to the deck with no cantilever.

There are several advantages to building a deck freestanding, not attached to your house, and few disadvantages. In the podcast we discuss a few points to consider when deciding to build freestanding or not.

Potential for deck failure

The most common point of failure of a deck is the connection to your house. Building a freestanding deck eliminates this potential problem connection.

Deck water damage

When building a deck attached to your house a board, called a ledger board, is attached to the the house to hold up one side of the deck. This board needs to be flashed properly to prevent water from entering the house

House structure

A ledger board cant be attached to some types of house construction. You shouldn’t attach a ledger board to a section of house that is not supported by foundation (called a cantilever). This includes bay windows, bump-outs, fireplace or chimney chases. Deck ledger boards shouldn’t be attached to some types of building materials like stucco, SIPs, i-joists or veneers without special considerations. Sometimes you just want you deck somewhere away from your house, such as next to an above ground pool or spa.

Deck Fasteners When Building a Freestanding Deck

Some types of fasteners, nails, lags, bolts, hardware, hangars, etc will react poorly with some types of pressure treated lumber. The hardware can fail in just a few years. When building freestanding you are not relying on hardware to hold up one end of the deck.

Access

Some codes may require the ledger to be bolted through the house’s rim joist. Sometimes its not possible to gain access to this area due to a finished basement or tight crawl space.

Deck Costs

The cost of building a freestanding may be a wash, or only slightly more expensive. A freestanding deck will require additional footings, an additional beam and additional bracing. When attaching to the house you will need the ledger board, joist hangers and flashing materials. In Handyguy Brian’s case four additional footers and posts were needed and one additional beam.

Deck Codes

When building any deck you should check with your code enforcement officials to determine if a freestanding deck is allowed. Most jurisdictions it is allowed but you should check first.

Deck Performance

“doesn’t it wiggle?” Handyguy Brian’s freestanding deck is still under construction. The framing inspection passed, the deck boards are going down and the cross bracing is installed. There is virtually zero movement of the deck which is about 16′x27′. When the deck boards are installed it will be even more solid.

Check out Brian’s completed freestanding Deck here:

Voles

Paul had a pesky lawn problem this winter. When the snow cover thawed one winter day, Paul noticed that he had a maze of tunnels all over his yard. It look like he had a mole problem. Or was it a vole? Listen to the podcast for details.

Related shows:

1. Freestanding Ipe deck features and best practices
2. Repair a leaking water heater T&P and planning for a new deck
3. Deck Woods And Deck Refinishing

In this audio episode of The Handyguys Podcast, Paul continues his discussion about his leaky hot water heater and Brian reveals what material he chose for his deck project.

Temperature and Pressure T&P valves and Expansion tanks

Water Heater, T&P Valve, Expansion Tank

Water heaters all have Temperature and Pressure (T&P) valves, many also have expansion tanks. When a T&P valve leaks, there is a good chance that the expansion tank has failed. Paul presents a simple method for checking your expansion tank to prevent future water leakage. Your expansion tank may not need to be replaced, just recharged. Paul tells us how he recharged his in the podcast.

Ipe Decking

Ipe decking ready to be installed

Brian discusses why he chose Ipe for his deck material, including costs and installation considerations. Ipe is a premium, natural, renewable deck material that is harvested mostly in Brazil and other tropical regions of South America. If you decide to go with Ipe make sure it is responsibly harvested (FSC Certified). Ipe can last, by some reports, 40 years without treatment and 100 years with some maintenance. It is fire resistant, rot resistant, termite resistant and mold resistant! Listen to the podcast for discussion about why Brian chose it.

Check out podcast for further details.

Related shows:

1. Repair a leaking water heater T&P and planning for a new deck
2. Replacing water tank and lines on GE side by side refrigerator
3. Building a freestanding deck and dealing with voles

Water Heater Leaky T&P – Temperature and Pressure valve

Leaks coming from the hot water heater’s T&P valve are very common.  Some folks just overlook the problem but water leaking from a water heater can create mold problems or other water related damage.  Address the issue as soon as you see it.  Paul and Brian begin a two-part series on repairing this problem.

Planning for a deck project

Brian also discusses the challenges of designing a deck and getting plans approved with the local building inspector.  Issues discussed include deck design software and when to solicit outside help.

Related shows:

1. Replacing Water Heater Expansion Tanks and Ipe Decking
2. Water Heater Repairs and Basic Maintenance
3. Building a freestanding deck and dealing with voles

The Handyguys discuss what nailer you use when. A pneumatic nailer takes much of the work or of driving nails and saves you time. With one pull of the trigger the nail is set flush or below the surface of the work. Nailers allow for one handed operation which frees up your other hand for positioning the work. A nailer can also get into tight or awkward locations where it would be virtually impossible to swing a hammer. There are nailers for interior trim, crown molding, chair rail, craft projects, woodworking, framing, building a deck or roofing. There are many many specialty nailers designed for specific jobs.

In this show we address a few questions about nailers from one of our fans Eddie. Eddie wrote us and asked.

I am doing a complete kitchen remodel as you may remember. To help me in this I got a set of 4 Campbell Hausfeld nail guns from Lowe’s. Now my dad owned nail guns and I saw him use them. But I was never allowed to use them very much and don’t know much about them. ( I know they are dangerous and that you have to oil them, usually with an oiler place in line on the air hose)

I need a resource for learning about these machines and the finer points of using them. What kind of maintenance etc. what kind of nails they are capable of using ( are there just one or two sizes per gun?) When do I choose which gun? I have some common sense but don’t have enough experience or education to know what question to ask.

This is quite a question! Eddie, we have dedicated this entire show to your questions. You asked the right questions.

First a run down of the most common nailguns

Maintenance

Most pneumatic nail guns need to be oiled. You mention an in-line oiler. This option probably didn’t come with your kit. They can be added to facilitate automatic oiling of your tools. The disadvantage is you will have oil in your hose which is really bad if you are going to use the compressor for spraying paint. Most people will usually just add a few drips of tool oil in the air inlet before using the tool.

Safety

Be sure to read an follow all the instructions that came with your kit. Safety glasses are a must.

Tip!!

Paul had a really random tip to wrap up the show. Door stoppers, get the spring loaded ones, not the solid ones. You have to listen to the show to understand why.

Related shows:

1. Homeowner Air Compressor Tips
2. Using a Pneumatic Nailer for Target Practice
3. Buying Reconditioned Tools

How do you get your house ready for the Winter Season?

Win this toolkit. Click on the picture to learn how! Hint: valid use of duct tape wins!

Join the Handyguys in a not-so-methodical checklist for the winter season.  This is not your every day handyman (or not so handyperson) checklist.  We have some extras you may not see on other lists. Listen to the podcast as we discuss these items. True Value had all the supplies we needed to get our houses in order.

• As the days get shorter and darker, it is a good time to check all of your outdoor lights.  Make sure they work.
  

  Paul was able to discover these fancy CFLs at our local True Value. They look great don’t you think?

  Perhaps it is time to install a light with a motion detector to secure your outdoor entrances and windows.

• Also, you can now get some wife pleasing outdoor CFL lights.  You don’t have to settle on the curly cue CFL bulbs

• Watch out for leaks and/or water penetration.
  • gutters/downspouts
  • grade flowing toward house
  • clear insulation around soffit vents to avoid ice dams
• Bring in your outdoor furniture
• Replace the grates and flavor bars on your Grill.  True Value has the parts you need for this.
  

  Why not refresh your busted down grill and enjoy a few more cookouts this season. Paul picked up the new flavor bars and grate at True Value. The steaks came from the cow he bought.

• Winterize your yard tools
• Seal/weatherstrip and caulk around window and doors and latch those windows for the winter
• Insulate your unfinished basement.. especially around the rim joist
• Clean your Dryer Vent before it is too cold to work outside
• Install some heavy drapes on your windows to stop drafts.  That’ s what they did in the old days.
• Last chance for pre-winter fertilizer.
• Final chance for exterior touch up paint
• Is it time to stain the Deck in the fall?  Isn’t the sun closer to earth in the Winter?  Brian says no.  Paul says yes. Which is it?

Disclosure

Related shows:

1. Summer Home Improvement
2. DIY And Home Improvement Book Recommendations
3. Using Leaf Blowers Vs Rakes And Repairing Leaky Showers

The Handyguys Discuss Deck and Tub finishes in One Podcast.

That’s right, tub finishes.

Deck Stains

First up is a question from Joan that came in through our new call-in service (see the large “Call-me” link on our web page).  Joan asks about the best finish for wood decking with undesirable variations in color.  She mentions natural Cabbots Australian Timber Oil finish which will not impart much color nor hide the variations in the deck. A better choice is something with some color to allow the beauty of the wood show through.  Look for a tinted version of the timber oil finish or use a semi-transparent stain.

You can get all of Brian and Paul’s commentary in the podcast.  Thanks for the question Joan.

Tub Finishes

We then address an issues sent to us by Jeff, he writes:

I have a home built in 1947 that my wife and I bought about a year and a half ago, and have spent a lot of time updating little things here and there. My biggest issue that scares me to death is the old tile and the bathtub in the bathroom. The floor tile is really old and dull and totally lost all of it’s glaze, the grout is also pretty much black and stained. The bathtub is the same situation and has no glaze to it. I’ve tried to use the super powerful cleaners you can buy at Home Depot or Lowe’s, and it hardly worked at all.

After talking with a friend we have thought about getting our bathtub re-glazed, and we are curious if it is possible to get the tile re-glazed as well? If it is possible, would it even be worth it from a financial standpoint, or would it be less expensive to just replace the tile (which I know is a lot of work)? Thanks guys, I love your show.

Been there, done that Jeff. Handyguy Brian went the route of a complete bathroom gut and remodel but you asked about re-glazing. There are many companies that can do this for you. Its not a DIY process. There are also companies that can re-do your tub with an acrylic insert. It is sort of a tub within a tub with an acrylic tub surround over the tile.

In the Podcast we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of re-glazing, tub liners and complete bathroom remodels. Bottom line Jeff, if its your only bathroom, re-glazing will be a much faster option and cheaper than a full remodel.

Related shows:

1. Installing Wood Floors On Concrete, Dripping Faucets And Finding Stains
2. Deck Material And Design Part 2
3. Repair a leaking water heater T&P and planning for a new deck

The newest generation of synthetc decking looks much more like real wood and has a much longer warranty.

Synthetic Decking Material and a Fiberon Warranty

The Handyguys begin the show by talking about whats new in Synthetic decking. Composites versus PVC. While composite decking appear to be maintenance free, some manufactured decks become marred with mold, staining and deterioration. There are many newer synthetic decking materials that now have long warranties. One such synthetic decking material, with a 10 year warranty, is Fiberon.

Making the decision to choose a synthetic deck versus a real wood deck can be daunting. What is your budget? What look do you want? Can you be careful about not staining the deck with a dropped hamburger or plate of buttered corn?

Listener Question On New Electrical Outlets

We answered a question from  James  regarding adding outlets to front and back porch and attic.

James wrote us Hi guys, love the podcast. I’ve listened to every one so far.

Quick question for you: We got our house last august, a 3 story, brick Victorian that will be 100 years old next year. It’s in surprisingly good shape, the home inspector thought so, and we agreed with him. Our only problem was the electrical system. They still had some active knob and tube wiring in the home and the insurance company refused to insure it until it was updated. The owners agreed to update it to a 100 amp service, we asked about upgrading it to 200 and we would split the difference, but the electrician wanted $2000 extra so we went with the 100 amp.

Anyway to make a long story short (I know, TOO LATE!) There are 3 places where there’s little or no electricity. 2 of the places are on the front and back porches. There are outlets inside the house where I’d want to place outlets on the outside, and from what I understand from reading online, you just (after turning off the electricity) take the outlet out on the inside, drill a hole to the outside, run the wiring, splice it in, mount the box? Sound about right? What size hole would you recommend? Any other thoughts would be welcome.

Third location is in the attic, there’s a light fixture, basically a bulb hanging from a wire, but no outlets. I wouldn’t be running anything heavy duty up there, beside the light, maybe a fan, radio, and/or my son’s slot car track. I was thinking of mounting a junction box onto the wires to the light fixture and then running some surface mount boxes, one on each end of the attic. Any thoughts on this?

I don’t want to end up on one of your “DIY costly mistakes” episodes, so any help and advice you could give would be greatly appreciated.

Keep up the great work guys!

We discuss Jame’s issue during the show. The one issue James didn’t mention is how much load is on the circuits he wants to extend. If there are not too many outlets on the circuits in question, he can extend the outlets inside the house to he porch as he suggests. A GFCI will be required outside. James could use a surface mount box or a recessed box.

James – Determine if a licensed electrician is required to do the work in your and follow all local codes and permit processes.

For the attic, same issue of not overloading the circuit applies. If you have enough juice, you can certainly add some outlets. However, without more detail about the space (finished or not finished?), it would be difficult for me to provide more explanation. You may need to run wires in conduit if it is exposed to contact/abuse. You may run it by a local electrician to make sure everything is up to snuff.

If James can get a new circuit, wire, back to his new panel then it would be ideal. Same for the porch outlets. Adding a new circuit will ensure you are not overloading anything.

Speaking of GFCIs.

What do you do when retrofitting an older house and the boxes too shallow to fit a GFCI? Well, you could change the box to a bigger one. This can be a challenge when you are trying to avoid damage to plaster, tile or wallpaper. They sell box extenders at the home center. Those box extenders are designed for when you add tile. They are not meant to be seen.

Handyguy Paul found an interesting solution. Extended wall plates. These plates gove you the extra room you need and have a finished look. You can get the in our Amazon Affiliate store.

The Handyguys addressed some methods for adding a GFCI outlet where there is only a shallow electrical box.

No related shows.

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

Related shows:

1. Deck Material And Design Part 1
2. Deck Woods And Deck Refinishing
3. Building a freestanding deck and dealing with voles

Paul Mackie from the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association is our guest on this episode

The Handyguys discuss deck materials with Paul Mackie who represents the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association.  Whether you are interested in Cedar or not, the Handyguys have a great discussion with Mr. Cedar about lumber selection for your new deck.

www.wrcla.org

It is a great time of year to start planning the new deck you hope to build.  There are some great deck planning sites to help you estimate costs and material  such as the design tool at www.wrcla.org.

If you are planning a new deck, you want to check out this podcast.  Mr. Cedar and the Handyguys discuss the basics of Deck materials with a focus on framing materials, ledger boards and various wood decking products.

Mr. Cedar runs down some of your general options for wood decking in order of cost:

• Treated Lumber
• Knotty western red cedar
• Exotic Hardwoods (such as Ipe)

The Handyguys put the second half of the interview on hold for next week. We wrap up by talking about different deck finishes ans stains.

Stains

Deck stains & sealers come in three varieties: transparent sealer, semi-transparent and solid color. The more color (pigment) the stain has the more UV protection it will provide. The less pigment the less UV protection but more of the natural wood will show. Some transparent products have UV inhibitors in the mix. They should provide longer protection.

Do not hesitate to mix things up. How about a deck with a transparent stain on the surface and a solid color railing? That could be an interesting look.

This is part 1 of our interview with Mr. Cedar. Part 2 is next week. You may also want to check out our show from last Spring on Deck care. We may continue to do more posts on decks as our own deck projects progress. Don’t forget to subscribe so you do not miss a show.

Related shows:

1. Deck Material And Design Part 2
2. Deck Woods And Deck Refinishing
3. Building a freestanding deck and dealing with voles

The Handyguys discuss decking materials and refinishing your deck.

The weather is starting to get warmer and many of us are thinking about getting outside again to use our decks. If you have a deck, it is time to think about cleaning and refinishing your deck for the summer season. If you don’t have a deck, then you may be thinking about building one. But what material should you use to build that deck?

Most decks are built with pressure treated wood. However there are many alternatives to this common decking material. One of the more popular new materials is composite decking which is sometimes made with recycled plastics and saw dust. The Handyguys discuss their opinions on several kinds of woods and composites, including cedar, red wood, ipe and tiger wood. So whether you are considering composites or Brazilian hard woods, you should check out this podcast.

The other issue that many of us face is refinishing that deck (unless you already have a composite deck). There are a few methods for cleaning and refinishing so check out episode 10 of the Handyguys podcast!

After listening the podcast, see Brian’s finished deck here:

Comments are always welcome. Also, feel free to contact The Handyguys with your DIY or Home Improvement questions.

Related shows:

1. Deck Material And Design Part 1
2. Freestanding Ipe deck features and best practices
3. Deck Stains And Tub Glazing