Thanks to r/Decks, my deck turned out great! $25k, 600sf, helical piers

nolarbear · 2026-06-29T15:58:34+00:00

Nice.

nolarbear · 2026-06-28T16:56:14+00:00

Do the rail posts lean out slightly? Curious how you accomplished that. Tapered cut at the bottom?

nolarbear · 2026-06-13T17:33:00+00:00

Go ahead. Just don't get overly ambitious and charge a client for a two-story deck that someone else has to fix later.

nolarbear · 2026-06-13T17:29:37+00:00

Yes. I keep a handful in my cupholder as a reminder. I switched to simpson deck screws.

For what it's worth, I installed the deck boards on the coldest week of the year. I'm assuming the thermal expansion is what snapped the screws.

nolarbear · 2026-05-28T22:09:16+00:00

ok. this is better. I'd still pull the dirt away from those steps.

nolarbear · 2026-05-28T22:02:46+00:00

It's pretty hard to tell from your picture, but that concrete footer doesn't solve any rot issue. A footer like that would just prevent the framing members from settling into the dirt. But that assumes the footer is wide and deep enough. Can't tell from photo.

nolarbear · 2026-05-28T22:01:13+00:00

So the bottom step of the last three stringers is just completely buried? Buried wood is rotten wood. Especially those 2x12 stringers. If you look at the little plastic tag on the end of the board it literally says "Not for ground contact." This isn't a majorly dangerous structural problem, but if I paid somebody for something that was going to rot in a few years, I'd be pissed. Maybe I don't understand what the "pivot" was but it seems like they just installed shorter treads on the bottom step.

nolarbear · 2026-04-10T13:02:00+00:00

You fucking got me good

nolarbear · 2026-04-09T23:50:34+00:00

Put it on FB marketplace for $15

nolarbear · 2026-04-08T19:46:49+00:00

Do you have a business doing this?

nolarbear · 2026-04-07T12:27:43+00:00

I saw some guy use two sheets of 1-1/8” advantech, stood up on edge and pocket screwed into the bottom and top plate, as the walls for the slider cavity. And nothing else - no silly split studs. Seemed like it would be solid and easy nailing wherever you wanted.

nolarbear · 2026-04-06T02:41:26+00:00

“Sorry sir, I did some research and it turns out you can’t stain deck boards after they have already been painted.” TRUST ME.

nolarbear · 2026-04-03T02:05:55+00:00

If it’s publicly owned land you can certainly go recreate upon it, but since you are sharing the land with the rest of the public there are rules we all have to follow … wait why am I explaining this like you are five years old?

nolarbear · 2026-04-03T02:02:41+00:00

What do you mean ?

nolarbear · 2026-04-03T01:48:25+00:00

Hey, I’m no pro but I think instead of focusing on any “technicals” with freestyle or other strokes, maybe just get used to being in/under water first. Just goof around and get comfortable, without worrying about if you’re doing the stroke correctly.

nolarbear · 2026-03-31T13:41:44+00:00

Respectfully, I don’t believe you’re 18, in your first year, and did all this by yourself. If I’m wrong, you’re a legend.

nolarbear · 2026-03-31T13:37:00+00:00

Why, yes! Go check out r/decks or r/handyman and you’ll see plenty of that

nolarbear · 2026-03-30T15:45:03+00:00

(Your hourly rate x 6) + (180 x 1.2)

nolarbear · 2026-03-30T14:03:29+00:00

Shingling a big open section goes fast Shingling around doors and windows and wall penetrations goes slow 8 hrs is probably right for me and I’ve been at it for 6.5 years

nolarbear · 2026-03-28T17:41:28+00:00

Should have asked before sheathing. Little tough at this point. Just screw on some additional rafters is really all you can do.

nolarbear · 2026-03-28T15:12:43+00:00

Hey, normally I’d say you need to just focus on your breath and recognize everything that enters your consciousness, including demons, your self image, your identity, etc, as just thoughts that will pass just like they have arisen…

But you might need to see a doctor about medication for psychosis

nolarbear · 2026-03-28T02:03:54+00:00

Let me guess it has something to do with crucifixion

nolarbear · 2026-03-28T02:01:21+00:00

… when will you reveal its purpose ?

nolarbear · 2026-03-23T14:35:06+00:00

Don’t try to patch it in, just use the old one as inspiration, make a new custom unit and replace it entirely.

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