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Silver - Deck
This pressure-treated deck was definitely in need of attention. The 20+
year old 2X6 PT decking was looking pretty rough. There were a lot of cupped boards, splits, nails popping up, etc... The
handrails and stairs were equally as bad. The decision was made to replace the rails, stairs, and decking. The frame was still
intact and strong enough to save, with some slight modifications, leveling, and reinforcement. After all of the old 2X6 decking
was removed, the straightest and most sound boards were used as additional decking support, by installing them between each
of the old floor joists. This gave the floor the stiffness of 12" o.c. joists without having to buy more materials.
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The Silver's visited The Hardwood Store of North Carolina to view/handle alternatives to pressure-treated wood. Western Red Cedar was chosen to replace the old pressure-treated wood. All of the decking and all other weather exposed areas were fastened
with Deckmate brand screws that are designed specifically for exterior woods. When the deck was completed, it was stained with Wolman's DuraStain - "Natural Cedar" color. This stain has not only enhanced the look of the overall project, but it appears to have added
a significant barrier to water and the sun's u.v. rays. When water was splashed on the decking, it beaded
up like a freshly waxed car. Cedar does naturally resist rot due to water penetration, but it is porous and will absorb
water. Over time, if not stained or sealed, the wood will form a slight sheen that repels most water. Without some sort
of u.v. protection, the new cedar would all turn a weathered, silver/gray color in a fairly short time.
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These stairs have a riser height of less than 7" and have a tread depth of about 13 1/2". These tread and riser
dimensions create stairs that are very comfortable to use.
To increase the tread depth, a decking board was ripped in half and fastened between two full width decking boards.
In addition to making the treads more comfortable, they are more attractive as well.
The final touch for this deck was to add some very attractive copper and cedar post caps. The Silver's selected
the caps from Maine Ornamental.
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Also contributing to this project:
(866) 780-3507
(336) 449-9627
1-888-445-7335
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