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Hello everyone,
I'm trying to build a deck in our alfresco. At this point, it's still on the planning stage. I've seen a few posts here and there on this forum and would very much appreciate some further inputs to more experienced people than me.
My background: I work in the IT industry and "hardware" isn't really my thing lol. Anyway, I've built a few benches, and tables (nothing fancy) but not really built anything as big as an outdoor deck.
Project Alfresco: We have a small alfresco that my wife insists should have a deck. I agree, and I want to build it myself. Here's some bit of a challenge. The brick height is low, and also, "not even" from the side near the wall (corner of the doorway), it's around 130mm slopes down to 125mm the other side. Also, what would look good:(1) building the deck only on the slab of the alfresco, or (2) including the one outside as well?
Need suggestions on best way to build it, should I use this? https://www.bunnings.com.au/tuffblock-300-x-300-x-90mm-instant-foundation-system-deck-support_p24103... shour I do something else? Open to any suggestions at this point since this is my first build.
thank you.
Hello @yeahboo
That decking frame looks great! I recommend using CAgroup 50mm x 20m Bearer Protector G-Tape over the frame before you start putting on the decking panels. It will provide extra protection to your decking frame.
Eric
Hello @EricL @MitchellMc ,
So, I finally started putting boards. The first board I placed is the straight one that's parallel to the wall. Since I was excited, I made a mistake of doing the predrilled holes exactly in line with the screws I used for the frame. I'm using 65mm decking screws, and visually, it will hit the screw.. See below:
So then, I decided to move up the screws... but then, while drilling the 2nd hole, the drill bit snapped!
So now, the questions I have are:
- How do I cover "fix" this mistake? Is there a way to cover he predrilled holes near the edge?
- How will I fasten the opposite side (with remains of drill bit there?)
- Am I "screwed" and do I just buy a new 86mm board?
Thank you in advance for your advise!
Hi @yeahboo,
I have made this mistake many times before. Don't stress; it happens.
Step 1 is to remove the first screw and lift the board so you can get the snapped drill bit out. If there is any part of the drill bit exposed on the bottom, then you can use a pair of pliers to pull it out. If not, then use a Nail Punch to tap it out from the top.
Now that the drill bit is out, as long as the holes line up with the joists, then you could use this board elsewhere. If not and you have to use it here, then you can just angle your pilot hole ever so slightly so that the shaft of the screw passes beside the screw in the frame.
You will notice the slight angle of the screw head, but if you bore a slightly deeper countersink, then it will be almost imperceptible.
Another option is to use a Plug Cutter in a size larger than the countersink hole to cut a plug from elsewhere, then glue that plug in to cover the hole in your decking board.
Let me know what you think and if you require further assistance, please don't hesitate to ask.
Jacob
