Are you thinking of building a tree fort for your kids? Do you want it to be waterproof and bugproof, but not spend too much money? I made this tree fort using mostly materials I already had. The most money I spent was on the paint, but that is totally not necessary. I didn't take too many pictures of the progress shots, because I never intended to write about this. This tree fort was one of my "special projects", as Tony likes to call it. I was able to get out of the house, build something with ... continue reading...
Blog
How to build a deck
Do you want to learn how to build a deck, start to finish? Find out how we doubled our outdoor living space and how you can do the same. Originally Tony and I hadn't planned on building an extension to our deck this year. But since a lot of our summer plans were cancelled, we decided it would actually be a great time to start a big project, and especially one that would increase our outdoor living space. We started building our deck Easter weekend, and it took us about ... continue reading...
How to build a DIY outdoor sectional couch
A main part of our deck building project was to increase our outdoor living space, and a great way to do that is with a DIY outdoor sectional. We wanted comfy seating outside where we could sit in the shade and watch the kids play in the pool. A place to enjoy our morning coffee, or maybe to have an afternoon nap. Catch up on our deck building project: 1: How to design a deck 2: How to install deck footings and sonotubes 3: How to install deck posts, beams and joists 4: ... continue reading...
How to build deck railings and deck stairs
Last time in our deck building project I shared some tips for installing deck boards, plus a list of all the tools to use. This week I'm writing about how to build deck railings and deck stairs. Week 1: How to design a deck Week 2: How to install deck footings and sonotubes Week 3: How to install deck posts, beams and joists Week 4: How to install deck boards We decided to go with a pretty simple pressured treated railing, consisting of the posts, rails, spindles, and top. ... continue reading...
How to install deck boards
Over the last few weeks Tony and I have been working on our backyard deck build. To recap: Week 1: How to design a deck Week 2: How to install deck footings and sonotubes Week 3: How to install deck posts, beams and joists This week I'll give you some tips for how to install deck boards, plus a list of tools you will need for your own deck project. This is probably the simplest step in building a deck, and also very satisfying. Size of deck boards Deck boards are usually 6 ... continue reading...
How to frame a deck – posts, beams and joists
Do you want to find out how to frame a deck? Over the last few weeks Tony and I have been building a deck in our backyard. We started with a plan to extend the top deck to almost double it's original size. The plan also included a lower deck that would be at the same height as our above ground pool. Last week I shared how we dug the holes and poured the concrete for the footings and sonotubes. This week I'll show you how to frame a deck, including the deck posts, beams, and ... continue reading...
How to pour concrete deck footings and sonotubes
Once you have a design for your deck build, the first step for your deck build is to dig the holes and pour the concrete footings and sonotubes. For the entire deck build, this was the part that I was dreading. I knew nothing about digging holes and pouring concrete footings and sonotubes for a deck. But fortunately, Tony had a plan and it went surprisingly well. Deck supplies We ordered all our deck material from Morrisburg Building Centre and had it delivered on April 7. That weekend we ... continue reading...
How to design a deck
If you're like our family, you've been stuck at home the last few months. Tony and I like to stay busy, and we always have ideas for different ways to improve our home. We had not planned to build a deck this year, but with most other vacation plans cancelled or postponed, we thought it would be a great time to increase our outdoor living area. Plus, having a large project to keep me busy keeps my mind off other things. We are doing this deck project as part of the Spring 2020 One Room ... continue reading...
