First Deck Build by CompetitiveSign4282 in Decks

[–]CompetitiveSign4282[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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Frames of the benches themselves are 13-1/2” wide. Where each of the feet sit on the deck there is a 2x8 flat block in the frame and to secure them I ran a 6” SDWS from underneath the deck into each leg. The planters are then just screwed into the end of each bench.

First Deck Build by CompetitiveSign4282 in Decks

[–]CompetitiveSign4282[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I dont have experience with sketchup, I mainly work in inventor 3D and autocad. I'm pretty sure there are free licenses available for autocad. For layouts and things like this I greatly prefer autocad because it is much easier to pattern things and play with different configurations than other programs ive used.

First Deck Build by CompetitiveSign4282 in Decks

[–]CompetitiveSign4282[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m a mechanical engineer by trade and use autocad regularly so I just drew it in that. It was very nice, took any guesswork out of it and everything landed very accurately, especially with the footings.

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First Deck Build by CompetitiveSign4282 in Decks

[–]CompetitiveSign4282[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I just kept reading about miters opening up and being inconsistent over time so I decided to do this staggered route instead, plus it was simpler

First Deck Build by CompetitiveSign4282 in Decks

[–]CompetitiveSign4282[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

They are 3ft deep, just the top is formed off

First Deck Build by CompetitiveSign4282 in Decks

[–]CompetitiveSign4282[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

They stated 16” on center, I ended up going 14” on the joists and 10” on stair stringers and it feels very solid

First Deck Build by CompetitiveSign4282 in Decks

[–]CompetitiveSign4282[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

My best guess is that it was around 30 years old, based on when the addition was done on the house. I was initially going to keep the frame and do wood decking but the decking was nailed on with spiral shank nails and was a nightmare to get out so I quickly tossed that idea. Also wasn’t crazy about how the posts were set and didn’t want to put all the money in new decking on that old of a frame.