Browse Forums General Discussion 1 Dec 20, 2023 10:55 am Im needng to build a small deck at the front of my house entry way. Ive built plenty of stuff before and am comfortable doing this job, but i have a few questions that i cant seem to find the answers for befor ei go down this path. This will be an on slab install, so no joists and bearers set up, just the joists on slab. 1. I need a corded rotary hammer drill to drill into the slab. What is the best value/performance one out there. I need something that will be efficient, has a depth gauge built in and wont give me grief. I will likely only need this tool one more time when i build the rear deck. So i dont have a need for processional gear that will last forever. 2. What masonry/concrete bit should I consider (not size, just brand) Any significantly superior over others, Which to avoid? I don’t mind paying for a good one, rather go through one or two rather than have 10 break/blunt on me. 3. Any benefit to packing with plastic packers over galvanised washers to level? 4. if doing a picture frame border, do I need to reinforce the perimeter of the structure (I e laminate two joists). 5. Do I need a ledger board for an on ground set up, if so do I need to consider a different drill bit to thrill into render without damaging it, or just treat it as any masonry (Acratex finish)? 6. When drilling into the slab to set the brackets/dynabolts, anyway to avoid the reo inside, or do I just shift the connection a little if I hit the reo. 7. when I finish with the edge board, is there a way of making this removable so i can monitor and maintain the expansion joint between the slab an the path that forms the boundary of my deck? 8. Is picture framing genuinely difficult to finish well? Are there easier alternatives that look as nice? 9. Do I need to fix the mitres together (composite being used)? 10. Any one know if bunnings can rip a single deck board to the correct width to finish when I know what the measurement is (don’t have a track saw or table saw)? Re: Deck advice 3Jan 02, 2024 10:18 pm 1. Depth gauge, wrap duct tape where you wish to terminate your drilling onto the drill bit and use your eyes throughout performing. 2. 2 vs' 4, most at bunnings will suggest you four, if you are thst concerned over wear and tare opt to have a garden bucket nearby. 3. Plastic packers offer conviennce in thr variety of sizes and ready availability, there's additional packer brands more suited for structural steel columns so performance is not the issue. 4. Preferably yes, you may need 2 holes to drill within the board. 5. Ledger is not nessasry you can anchor one side only into the Slab and the boards running adjacent will stablise. 6. It's a hit and miss scenario, you can continue drilling through and will get there eventually I'd your desperate for the position but you will sweat time and money innyour drill.bits and wear and tare on your tool if your force. Just move to the next spot if possible. 7. Use less screws as so it's easier accessible. 8. Picture frame is not nessasary, ensure your deck is square. 9. Where your have a join you use a bond break board acts as a feature. Run a board perpendicular to the joints. Don't butt your boards. 10. Some stores do within the trade section I recommend do it with a steady hand, eye and saw I've just built 3 stairs off a landing out the back and been told by the private certifier I need hand rails sorry tried to attach a pic but couldn't mine don't have sides… 5 5773 So I'm just reading up on this ecosystem of lights. I'm planning on putting deck lights along the outside edge of a large deck. Will need about 3 packs (18 lights) plus… 0 23097 Hi, does anyone have any experience with using Trex rain escape or EPDM rubber to waterproof a deck so you have dry space underneath. Popular in the US and realize that… 0 3468 |