Client Wants Bling Added to Deck

Per the Clients Request to add Bling to the Deck. 

 I've came up with a few ideas:

The Pergalo looks kool but doesn't stop the midday sun light and the deck gets hot.  I can vouch for the how hot the deck got while building it during a 104 degree heat index summer temp.

The Client and I have talked about Half Lite sun screens of wood lattice or vine type plants.   With a preference for the natural look with plants.  So here is my idea of a natural sun shade that could be used until the plants become established in a couple of growing seasons.

Deck and Pergalo Before Bling

Reed Fence could also be used as a sunshade for the pergalo

Reed Fence as seen at Home Depot

additional bling deck ideas

Before and After Deck Photos

Here's what it took to make the Deck Safe

Thank You for
stopping by the Green Blog. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know by posting a question or comment. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone.

Decks Notes, Examples, Ideas, Drawings

 A client has asked me for

Notes, Examples, Ideas, Drawings

for Decks.

• This link to all about ​Decks From my Website- all kinds of different things and information.
• The following image is a simple deck bench with a straight back followed by a photo of a Angled Back Deck Bench.

This Bench I made for the Picnic Table from leftover scrap wood I didn’t want to throw away.

I like the Angled Back Bench Seat it makes the seat like an actual comfortable lawn chair.

Deck Benches are kool.  They are not building code compliant.  “If you ever got in trouble in the future they would ask you to make them code compliant.”  Like they did on the following jobs site deck project photos. I did for a guy for totally different reasons.  (the building inspector and the realtor didn’t get along.  The building inspector was right the deck wasn’t right but there was nothing wrong with the deck. I painted it, added metal bracing, fixed the stairs, and added lattice.)  

• Saving a Deck From the Landfill- StLouis, MO - YouTube

▶ 4:44

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvUFw6-GYhQ

Feb 21, 2013 - Uploaded by Scotts Contracting

St Louis City Building Code Officials said: "Bring the Deck to Current Building Codes or Tear It Down". We ...

• Saving a Deck From the Landfill

https://plus.google.com/photos/+scottscontracting/albums/5715256359919427265

• Saving a Deck From the Landfill. 62 photos. · Shared publicly · ... Just added Action Photos to the Green Build Deck Project. Read more...https://plus.google.com/photos/+scottscontracting/albums/5715256359919427265

The reason Deck Benches are not code compliant is because a child could climb on the bench, and then climb up the back of the bench and fall over the side of the Deck.

This is the one of the best stains I’ve ever used.  I used it on this deck below.  What a kool deck this guy had, it was huge.  The stain was called TPW Stain.  He ordered it online and it came in the mail.  

Deck comes to life with TPWStain

StLouis, MO Town and Country, MO, USA Posted by Scotts Contracting  Labels: 10 Things to Know Before Building Your Deck , Deck Repair , Deck- Ideas and Photos , Decks Porches Patios , TPW Stain , Wood Preservation http://blog.stlouisrenewableenergy.com/2015/09/deck-comes-to-life-with-tpwstain.html

The lumber in the brown bench pictures above came from a project right off  macklind. Here is all the photos: https://photos.google.com/album/AF1QipPSm8EtTrpKpl4RddiUJuzQK7Ja54xU-zLKliOr  I want to point out that this lady chose metal to jazz up deck.  It was expensive, she liked the Natural Look and is why she didn’t have me protect the wood-with paint or stain- of the porch and pergola I built.

You might remember seeing this sticking along side of the road Macklind

Thank You for stopping by the Green Blog. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know by posting a question or comment. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone.

Low Cost Home Water Problem Solution

What a stroke of luck, neighboring Homeowners worked together and solved the water issue that caused both basements to leak.

In the following Diagram is the layout of the water problem area in the Gangway between House A and House B.

Here is the low cost eco friendly water problem solution diagram that solves the water collecting in the Gangway between the two Buildings.

Gangway Water Issue and Solution

Submitted May 3, 2016- Offer Expires May 31, 2016 (based on prices of needed materials)

─

Scotty

Scotts Contracting St Louis MO

scottscontracting@gmail.com

Overview

House A initiated inquiry into eliminating water entering basement.  House A has Stone Foundation.  Inquiry with House B also has water infiltration issues in basement with stone foundation and is not opposed to hooking up drain collection point for both homes.

Goals

1. Eliminate the Water Infiltration into Basement for both Homes
2. Eco Friendly Options Requested
3. Repurpose and Upcycle Building Materials where possible
4. Match Existing Building Aesthetics
5. Affordable

Existing Problem

Sidewalk directs water towards foundation of House A and B instead of directing water away from home and foundation.  Heavy Rain showers cause water to enter into basements further deteriorating the existing mortar in the Stone Foundations.

Solutions and Options

• Expensive: Remove and Replace Existing Concrete Sidewalk with new concrete and install drainage system
• Less Expensive: Recover existing Concrete Sidewalk and install drainage system
• Least Expensive: Reposition and Recover Existing Concrete Sidewalk and install drainage system.

Safety Issues

1. Water Leads to Mold- If both homes have had water infiltration into the basement Mold growing on Stone Foundations is not uncommon,,.
1. https://scottscontracting.wordpress.com/2012/02/19/rock-foundation-waterproofing-basement-wall/
2. 
2. Before Digging Call Underground Burial Locator Service [ Dig Rite ]
3. Scotty chose not to utilize House B Roof Drainage Collection Point- If the lateral drainage line in House B ever was blocked- all the water collected on House B Roof in addition to water collected in French Drain Tile System would allow the water to collect and pool between the houses and water would not be diverted away from basements.

Notes

1. Scotty will donate I leftover French Drain Tile from a previous project to use as the water collection and water diverter drain tile-$.
2. Portions of the Existing Concrete Walk will need replaced.  These chunks of sidewalk after removal could be incorporated into the French Exit Drain Point in Garden Area.

Costs

1. Expensive

2. Less Expensive

$2,000-$3,000

3. Least Expensive

$1,200-$1,800

Additional Information and Links from Document:

• "Scotts Contracting Green Build Services and Energy ..." 2012. 3 May. 2016 <http://www.stlouisrenewableenergy.com/services.html>
• "St Louis Renewable Energy-Scotts Contracting | General ..." 2011. 3 May. 2016 <https://scottscontracting.wordpress.com/>
• "Rock Wall Foundation Repair and Waterproofing | St Louis ..." 2012. 3 May. 2016 <https://scottscontracting.wordpress.com/2012/02/19/rock-foundation-waterproofing-basement-wall/>
• "Call Before You Dig | Missouri Public Service Commission." 2012. 3 May. 2016 <http://psc.mo.gov/General/Call_Before_You_Dig>
• "Missouri One Call System: Call 1-800-344-7483 (DIG-RITE ..." 2006. 3 May. 2016 <https://www.mo1call.com/>
• "French drain - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." 2011. 3 May. 2016 <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_drain>
• "4 in. x 100 ft. Corex Drain Pipe Perforated with Sock - Home ..." 2016. 3 May. 2016 <http://www.homedepot.com/p/4-in-x-100-ft-Corex-Drain-Pipe-Perforated-with-Sock-04730100BS/100129255>

Thank You for stopping by the Green Blog. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know by posting a question or comment. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone. -->

Construction Tip #87779 Stair Building Tip

#StairBuilding Tip- Metal Balusters require deep hole in Handrail> Tape around Drill bit as depth gauge- > 2 deep=NoNo

CUSTOM STAIR BUILD TIP  METAL BALUSTERS Drill HOle Depth Guage #87779 BY SCOTTY

Time and Labor saving tips by Scotty used in Building these Custom Modern Stairs.  I snapped a few photos to help you build your own custom stairs and for an example of how the construction tip was used in the example. 

Contract Labor Project

Custom Modern Stairs is part of a Green Build Renovation Project located in Downtown StLouis Missouri

#StairBuilding Tip- Metal Balusters require deep hole in Handrail> Tape around Drill Bit as depth gauge -> 2 deep=NoNo pic.twitter.com/yoi5VnxfKw

— Scotty (@StLHandyMan) October 20, 2015

CUSTOM STAIR BUILD TIP  METAL BALUSTERS DRILL HOLE DEPTH GAUGE #87779 BY SCOTTY

Drilling too deep is not an option as it would ruin the expensive Handrail.   With what seems like hundreds of holes to drill when mounting the metal balusters its better to be safe than sorry.  The tape ensures that I do not drill too deep; but, is deep enough to allow the placement of lower part of the spindle into its location that is plumb and inline with its brothers and sisters.

Thank You for stopping by-Share and Comment below. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone. Build a Green StLouis Green Building Tips and Resources via: Scotty- St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog
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Saving a Deck and Stairs Material List

Material List for Saving the Deck - Client six thousand dollars with Exterior Stair Rebuild Photos

While dismantling the stairs to replace the rotten stair stringers and posts, it became clear there was a reason that the stairs had rotted.  It wasn't long after getting to the last stair removal that the answer to my question became readily apparent as I was getting doused by the automatic garden sprinkler.

Water Problem from sprinkler- coupled with the style that the previous builder used to construct the stairs by layering the 2x12s instead of using Stair Stringer Hangers also caused water build ups that led the the wood rotting faster.

Layering the 2x12s instead of Stair Stringer Hangers caused the wood to rot.

Old School- Built to Old Codes Stringer Attachment Deck Construction

Rebuilt Deck Stairs next step Lighted Stairs

Deck Stairs Material List:

• 5-2x12x8
• 6-1x6x8
• 2 small box 2 & 3 in deck screws
• 2-4x4x8 posts
• 4-2x12 Stair Stringer Hanger (Simpson Strong Tie)
• 2-4x4 Composite Post Base

Material and Tool List for Saving the Deck and Cash

• 37 composite 6 x 6 post base caps
• 40 bags Quickcrete (Fast)
• 3 bags sand topping mix
• 1 bag Portland Cement
• 16- 24 in #4 Rebar (1/2 in x 8 in Dowel Rods)
• Small Bundle Wire Ties and Wire Twister
• 2- 1 in x 8 in x 12 ft (10 in x 10 in Concrete Forms)
• Miscellaneous scrap plywood (concrete forms)
• Wheel Barrow
• Garden Hoe
• Flat and Round Nose Shovels
• Mag and Sponge Float
• Concrete Edger
• Torch Driver
• 1 1/2 in Screws
• 1 1/2 in Roofing Nails (attach the composite base plate)
• Tape Measure
• Level
• Small Square
• 10 in Chop Saw
• Right Angle Drill Adapter with 3/4 in dia "Shorty" wood bit
• Small and Medium Hammer
• Nail Puller
• Skill Saw 7 1/2 in blade
• Saw Saw wood blades
• Extension Cords

Build Notes:

• Temporary 2x4 Deck Supports were used
• Post Rotation System ensured continuous support for deck- every third post was worked on and no additional weight loads on new piers for 24 hr minimum.
• Forms Constructed for re-use / re-cycling saved manpower and materials

Thank You for stopping by-Share and Comment below. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone. Build a Green StLouis Green Building Tips and Resources via: Scotty- St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog
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MOhemp Energy: The Key To Green Buildings

So why aren't more people adopting green building techniques into their home or business.  The biggest obstacle for adopting this technique into every building is the short term costs to implement these techniques.   

For those who have been reading about MOhemp Energy's plan to address this biggest obstacle: The technique and system of using the Hemp Seeds and Fibers to pay for every part of the process of growing and harvesting Hemp- from farming to the end result.  

This Will: enable MOhemp Energy to offer

the Hemp Hurds to clients and customers 

at the lowest possible costs.  Enabling the 

Hemp Hurds used to make #Hempcrete 

with little to no expense.  Thus allowing 

cheap and inexpensive alternative to 

building or renovating most any structure 

into a sustainable building.

If you build or renovate as a DIY project yourself, the lower costing sustainable Hemp Hurds materials will be a minimal investment.

MOhemp Energy: The Key To Green Buildings

Net Zero Container Home Prices

Since learning how affordable shipping containers are in StLouis-2015 Spring Shipping Container Special: 20ft $1,700, 40ft containers $2,100 with additional discounts on purchases of 5 or more. 

I wanted to share the open floor plan I had in mind for the 5 Container Layout with open concept living areas. 

5 Container Layout with open concept living areas

Rear View Shipping Container Layout Design

In a few days I'll publish the remaining Interior Designs Scotty.

Design Note: The Width of the distance between the container homes will be determined by the Client Budgets.  Wood Trusses are available in spans upto 100 feet.  The real question is how big do you want your open floor  plan to be?

If you have a specific Container Home design in mind and would like an opinion or design assistance contact me via the contact form and I'll get back with you.  Usually with 24 hrs.  Scotty

2015 Spring Shipping Container Special: 20ft $1,700, 40ft containers $2,100 with additional discounts on purchases of 5 or more.  Shipping Available.

Part 1: Net Zero Energy use from 4k Wind Turbine and Solar Panels System.

Part 2: Pricing Net Zero Container Home Interior View

Part 3: Finished Floor Plan Design for Net Zero Container Home published at a later date.




Thank You for stopping by-Share and Comment below. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone. Build a Green StLouis Green Building Tips and Resources via: Scotty- St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog
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