Yesterday I spent most of the day making (hopefully) level marks on all my
posts to start my deck supports. Actually the marks are where my deck level
will be and I will have to measure down to start the deck supports.
Out of my treated lumber from lowes, more than half of the 2x8x12's
measure 7 and 3/8 inch high. 2 are 7 and a half inches, 3 are 7 and a quarter
inch, 3 are 7 and 5/16 with a couple at 7 and 7/16 inch. So I will start with
a bottom support measurement of 7 and 3/8th inch and use that size. The next
level, the joists that hold the deck boards will be considered 7 and a quarter
inch for the rest. All boards over 7 and a quarter inch will be notched to
fit. The largest ones will be used to cover the ends of the joists and attach
the railing system. That should allow me to have a set plan to follow and come
out with some sanity, plus the levelest deck that I can make. I started with
the concrete base of my old smokehouse to be near level with the deck where my
new chiminea will be used. I want to put black iron around the concrete that
will have a quarter inch lip above it and flush to the deck to make a barrier
for hot ashes to catch on just in case.
If today goes as planned, I will get my first one in.
.....................bob
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