Diagonal braces are used to keep your building project square and structurally solid. Without bracing, walls or decks can collapse since there isn't any lateral stability. Be sure to check your building codes for diagonal brace requirements.
Q&A /
Deck Railing Connection TIPS NEVER notch deck posts Through bolts NOT lag bolts to deck joists Use special galvanized hardware - See Below WATCH Video below for great connectors! CLICK HERE to Get Tim's FREE & FUNNY Newsletter! Deck Post Danger Deck railing posts are the foundation of a deck railing system. They must be strong. It's […]
"You install a deck post using special metal connectors and fasteners that have a thick coating of zinc. Cheap connectors can corrode and the deck will collapse." Revised November 2018 Install a Deck Post TIPS Use treated lumber for ground contact Connect to pier and deck beams with Simpson, or equal, structural framing connectors Watch my […]
This is an experiment. I discussed it in my September 14, 2016 AsktheBuilder Newsletter under Galvanized Nails, Screws and Connectors. I want to see if you're interested in discovering how and why things work around your home in a fun and clever way. Please take the quiz below. It's only five questions. All of the questions […]
DEAR TIM: I read your column each week in our paper and a few weeks ago you talked about building stairs for a deck. I can handle that but am worried about how to make all the complex cuts required for the deck stair railing. I realize you can’t provide step-by-step directions in the space […]
DEAR TIM: I need to build some simple outdoor steps to replace ones that fell apart and rotted, even though they were made with treated lumber. I’m fairly handy and have a decent grasp of the math but would love some tips to get professional results. I’d also like to prevent the new steps from […]
Tim Carter describes what Trex RainEscape is. This was what my photo in the August 13, 2016 Newsletter showed. Well, while under construction! This is not a how-to-install-it video. Go to Trex RainEscape for detailed installation videos. This product protects that area below your deck by channeling water away from that area. LOOK AT PHOTO […]
Trex Protect Joist Tape Tim Carter shows what Trex Protect Joist Tape is and how to install it to keep the nails and decks on your deck so they don't come loose. If you can fog a mirror, you can install this great product. CLICK HERE to purchase the special tape Tim used on his […]
DEAR TIM: I read your column each week. Your last one talked about deck screws vs. nails, but I need to know about the different choices I have when it comes to deck flashing materials. What are my choices and can you discuss the pros and cons of each and any new and exciting materials? […]
Deck Screws vs Nails DEAR TIM: Recently a deck collapsed near where I live and people got seriously injured. The report blamed the failure on the use of nails that had corroded and couldn’t hold the weight. Could this be right? Every deck I know of has been built with nails and they seem to […]
SPONSORS /