Interesting 'New Deck' Challenges

Curves and Angles in Deck Design

We are often charged with finding solutions and execution for deck and other outdoor structural designs that are not.  These designs are either presented to us or we design them based on our clients' imagination.  New challenges pique our interest and keep us sharp. 

This year we saw several different challenges and responded with ideas and clarity and were able to successfully  finish the desired results.  This irregular shaped bench was designed to cover a basement condo garage grill and integrate it into the building's exterior finish. The curves and angled cuts presented the main challenge and we were able to create the finished seating area that matched expectations.           

Angles are normally easy to accomplish, most tools we work with are calibrated and/or marked as pre-sets such as miter saws.  When an angle presents at 65 degrees, power tools are limited to about 50 degrees which creates the challenge of proper angle and exact length. 

Hidden Strength and Support

Carport - Green Roof plans presented issues for us because of unbraced posts that are expected to carry the weight of the 'green roof garden', and the strength to deal with the sideways shear (racking) of the roof, on just four pillars.  Stand a broomstick up and see the difficulty in securing the stability and sway.

With the help of the engineers we worked with, we developed and built post bases designed to eliminate post sway and allowed for the weight of a suspended green roof. Strategic locations and dimensions for fasteners allows us to properly secure the overall structure.  The details of connecting the post base to the post include the accuracy of the cuts to allow for the wing plates to be tightly secured, and bolt holes that meet the hidden openings within the 8x8 post itself.             ​

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