Our original 2 x 4 deck rails ran vertically, so when we sat down and looked into the backyard,
we felt as if we were in jail. To give the new deck a more open feel, we used 3-foot-high,
16-gauge galvanized steel fencing to wrap around our deck. It makes a strong,
almost transparent railing. The galvanized steel will last forever and will never need painting.
Outdoor Kitchen
The cooking area was offset so the grill wouldn't take up space on the deck. We installed a small
bar sink next to the grill, which provides a great place to wash hands or utensils while cooking
and to water small potted plants. Two tin doors conceal the grill and propane tanks and create an
area for storage.
Junk or Treasure?
My wife isn't always thrilled with the salvaged items I bring home, but sometimes they turn into
neat decorations. Old tools make a nice emblem above the steps. I drilled a hole in each handle
and bolted them to the center support of the truss. Lanterns hung from an old plowing implement
brighten the entrance.
A funnel-shaped item found at a flea market makes a unique lamp. I filled an old bird feeder made of scrap lumber with pyracantha berries and candles to illuminate the covered
deck.
Table Toppers
A wooden lazy Susan filled with old garden tools, candles, pears, foliage, and flowers
serves as a showy centerpiece. At dusk, the flickering light of a hurricane lamp casts a seasonal glow, illuminating an assortment of buff-colored pumpkins, fruit, and berries.
When setting the table, tie bundles of foliage, such as kale and maple leaves, to your napkins
with red raffia to brighten each place setting.
Try these fun ideas and colorful autumn arrangements to bring comfortable style to your outdoor
areas.
Containers Make A Splash
A few planters set around the deck showcase brilliant fall colors. Burgundy chrysanthemums work
well with ornamental kale and cabbage. Red mustard and yellow mums planted at the base of a coral
bark maple also make a striking combination. For long-lasting blooms, buy mums when their buds
are tight and just beginning to show color.
Is Your Deck Safe?
Inspect how the deck is attached to the house. It should be bolted to the side. Nails are unacceptable and will fail over time. Bolts or large lag screws can be added after the deck is built.
Look for flashing between the top of the deck and side of the house. This keeps water from getting trapped between the deck and house, causing rot. This is a bit more difficult to correct, but you can pull off a row of siding and decking closest to the house, add the flashing, and then replace the siding or decking to remedy the problem.
Jump up and down on your deck to see if there's any sway or motion. If there is, you might need to add additional floor joists or post supports to strengthen the structure.
Inspect the post supports. If your deck is more than 10 feet off the ground, 4 x 4 posts and large spans are not substantial enough. You should consider upgrading to 6 x 6 steel or block supports. Or you can add more 4 x 4s to strengthen the structure.
Inspect the base of each post. If it is rotting or damaged in any way, replace it immediately.
Try to determine how the posts are set in the ground. The best way to set a wood post is on a large base with a galvanized tie to keep the post from coming into contact with the ground. It's okay to have the post permanently cemented into the ground, but know that a wood post will decay faster when in contact with the ground.
Inspect and test railings. Don't throw your entire body weight against the rail, but wiggle it to test if it's sturdy. If the rail flexes, either rebuild it or add additional screws or nails.
Inspect how the floor joists are connected to the deck framing. They should be resting on a 2 x 2 ledge or hung with galvanized joist hangers.
Inspect joints around the steps. If you see any gaps or bowing wood, replace the bad wood immediately.
Look for any nails that have pulled up and reset or replace them. As wood dries out, nails can pull free and become a hazard to bare feet and pets.
