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Showing posts from May, 2024

How to Mount a Pergola on Deck

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Not too big, not too small, just right: Pergolas on deck offer a perfect medium for stylish outdoor seating and entertaining without taking over the entire space. Many pergolas feature climbing plants such as roses, bougainvillea, clematis or Virginia creeper. These add color and texture to the space. It’s important to choose plants that don’t require too much pruning and can scale the structure. Posts Whether you’re mounting a pergola to the top of your deck or using the structure as a shaded walkway off the main part of your home, it requires at least four support posts that connect firmly to the deck’s joist and frame — not its surface boards. If not attached correctly, the entire structure could pull away from the deck and fall down. Professionals use a power auger, shovel or clamshell digger to dig post holes that meet local building codes. They then anchor the posts to concrete poured footings that reach down at least 48 inches below the deck’s surface. If you’re mounting a ...

Recycled Plastic Decking – An Eco-Friendly Alternative to Wood Decking

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In addition to recycling wood by-products, TREX also partners with schools for their annual Trex School Recycling Challenge. Their program helps kids learn the importance of sustainability and environmental responsibility. Manufacturers of capped composite decking wrap the core with hard PVC on 1-3 sides to guard against mold, mildew and warping. Some manufacturers also use a capping process to coat the grooved fastener notches for added protection. Recyclable Recycled plastic decking is made from a combination of recycled plastic and reclaimed timber. This makes it an eco-friendly alternative to wood decking and reduces waste going into landfill sites. It also looks good throughout its lifespan and requires less maintenance than wood decking. Trex is one of the largest consumer film recyclers in the country. The company takes in all kinds of plastic film, from case overwraps to newspaper sleeves and sandwich bags. The recycled material goes into composite decking and other outd...

Types of Pool Decks

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A pool deck is an important part of the overall look and feel of your backyard pool. It should be slip resistant and should meet local safety regulations. There are many different types of materials to choose from. Concrete is a popular choice and can be colored with dry-shake pigments. It also allows for sloped drainage and is easy to maintain compared to pavers or wood. Concrete Concrete is often thought of as a utilitarian material, but this decking option is actually quite versatile. It can be colored and textured with coatings that make it fit right into the design aspirations of pool owners. It is also highly durable, which is important for a pool deck. It can be polished with bonded abrasives for a sleek, high-gloss surface that feels soft and comfortable on bare feet. Concrete is also able to be stained with dyes and water-based solutions that mimic the shades of wood, stone and other materials. Unlike pavers, which can crack and shift over time, concrete is designed to ...

How Bunnings Workshop Members Constructed a Low-Cost Deck

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A deck can transform your outdoor living area, making it a perfect place to relax and entertain. But how do you choose the best decking material for your budget? Here are some tips from Bunnings Workshop members. Member Hadi built a low-level Merbau deck over concrete in just three weekends. Easy to Assemble If you’re looking for a simple DIY decking solution, look no further than Good Times modular decking kits. These kits come with pre-assembled frames and decking panels to make constructing your deck easy and cost effective. They can be used in a variety of spaces, but the most suitable location is one that is flat and has adequate drainage. The timber is pre-treated with a mix of chemicals to protect it from attack from insects and decay that cause fungus. However, the treatment may not penetrate all the way through the timber, and cut ends are prone to attack. To reduce the risk of these problems, use a timber preparation product to remove tannins and oils from the cut ends. ...

Low-Maintenance TimberTech Decking

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Choosing your low-maintenance decking material is a big decision. You’ll want to select a composite or PVC line that suits your budget and design preferences. Both Trex and timbertech are highly durable synthetic/composite materials that resist splintering, rotting and insect damage. They are also mold-resistant and backed by 50 year fade and stain warranties. AZEK The Legacy Collection of TimberTech is very beautiful, and it can give you a wide range of looks that look very real. The colors blend well together, and there is a lot of variation from board to board and within each board. The texture is very natural, and the four-sided capping helps to hold those looks over time. Like Trex, Azek deck boards are composite materials but have an added advantage because they don’t contain any wood, boosting their eco-conscious value. They’re also capped on all four sides including the grooves to inhibit mold and mildew growth. They’re impervious to moisture, cooler underfoot in the sun...