Auto news on Youtube Sep 26 2017

Decks are perfect for outdoor entertaining and relaxing. This overview

of building a ground-level deck will give you a good idea of what's involved.

Batter boards and mason string lines are used to layout footing locations. Six

holes for 8-in. diameter footings are dug with a posthole digger and each hole

is 12-in. deep. Tube forms are used to level the footings about one inch above

ground level. Six 60-lb. bags of ready mixed concrete is mixed in a

wheelbarrow. You'll place post anchor bolts into the center of each footer

before the cement has begun to harden and leave enough of the bolt above the

footer to connect to the anchor. Beams are made from double 2 x 6s and

attached in the post anchors. The inside 2 x 6 is shortened 1 1/2 in.

at each end to allow for flush installation of the two rim joists.

A 1/2 in.-thick pressure-treated shim is installed between the beam and one side

of the anchor at each footing. The anchor is t3 1/2 in. wide and the

beam is 3 in. thick. Beam alignment should be checked and adjusted

as necessary to make certain beams are square. Two by six rim joists are attached to

the end of the beams. Angle brackets are installed to provide additional support

for the corner joints. Then the inner 2 x 6 joists are attached to the beam

faces with joist hangers. Next, align the edge of the first length of decking with

the outside edge of the beam. Drive two fasteners through the board into the

center of each joist and position each fastener 3/4 to 1 inch from the edge of

the board. You'll snap a chalk line to mark a straight cutting line and trim

the decking to length with a circular saw. The total approximate time for this

ground-level deck project is 16 to 24 hours. On a project like this, safety

is always important. So wear hearing and eye protection. Wear a dusk mask when

cutting lumber and mixing concrete. Don't wear gloves when operating power saws.

Use outdoor appropriate GFCI protective power cords and use manufacturer

approved hardware and fasteners for all wood products. For more detailed

information on this and many other popular projects, check out the DIY

projects and ideas sections of homedepot.com or talk to one of our store

associates. Good luck, and thanks for shopping at The Home Depot.