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...
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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...
How to install a subway tile kitchen backsplash
After three years living in our house, we finally decided it was time to install a subway tile kitchen backsplash! Here's how I installed this subway tile backsplash using matte white 3" by 6" tiles and ready mixed adhesive and grout. It took me about two days to complete, and cost less than $200. A subway tile backslash is an affordable way to update your kitchen. You can easily get this project done in a weekend. Our kitchen has dark stained maple shaker cabinets made by Vedder ... continue reading...
2019 year in review and project goals for 2020
At the beginning of the year I made a list of projects that we wanted to finish for 2019. Generally all our projects fall into 1 of 5 categories: real estate investing, room makeovers, outdoor projects, furniture flips, crafts & DIY projects. The start of a new year is a great time to look back over the last year and see all the projects we've accomplished. I'll also list the project goals we'd like to finish this year so you'll know what to expect from us over the next year. 1. Rental ... continue reading...
Our first single family rental property renovation is finished!
Eighteen weeks ago we purchased a single family home with the intention of fixing it up and renting it out. In August we closed on the deal of this cute little two bedroom, one bathroom slab on grade bungalow in the town of Morrisburg, Ontario. We purchased the house at a great price and knew we could increase the value by doing a lot of the renovations ourselves. After just over four months, this house is finished and we have a tenant lined up! It was a lot of fun, lots of sweat, some blood, ... continue reading...
