wouldn't be that big. about 20'x25' and only about 2' off the ground for a deck. i have a very talented friend when it comes to stone and brick work, maybe a patio with his help would be easier. i want my yard to be a showplace, but can't spend a million. is it worth it to pay a pro or can i get some good info on building it with my friend. thanks for your time
2006-09-21 18:32:08 · 14 answers · asked by disco 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
There are books you can borrow from local library but when spending for material, dont be cheap and spend less than needed for neccessary equipment and tools. Also, some equipment you need to rent (like digging deep holes for the columns.
Get permission from your Zoning and Housing office of your town or else they may take it down. In CT, if you build a deck above 2 ft, you need their permission.
2006-09-21 18:35:27 · answer #1 · answered by leikevy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can read all the books you want to read on pouring concrete and building decks. When you get out there to do it you will say to your buddy " this was not in the book". I will tell you the same thing I tell anyone who has ever ask me the question you have ask. Go to where they are building new homes in your area. Drive around till you see them doing what it is you want to learn and watch them. If you have read the books you will understand what they are doing then you can go back and read the books once more and you will ( or should) understand a whole lot more than before seeing them do the job.Either one should be a good project for you and your mason buddy.I would make a suggestion that if you choose the patio, being as you are not experienced in pouring concrete and it can get away from you rather quickly. I would split the patio in half and do it one half at a time.Maybe even in quarters. Half of that is a whole lot of concrete for two people who know what they are doing let alone two who have never done it afore.
2006-09-21 20:00:31 · answer #2 · answered by windyy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was just at homedepot.com (click on knowhow), and they had instructions on building a deck. You want to print it out because the website will change projects. Building a deck is a rather easy construction project if you have the enthusiam. Bolts are usually used on the main supports and main railing supports, but the rest is nailed in except maybe the railings which can use the firmness that a screw provides. Also, I've seen some pretty big concrete footings used in some decks.
doityourself.com is a good site also
2006-09-21 18:45:27 · answer #3 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only way you will learn is to do it yourself, their are many areas where to get help and pamphlets mainly your local home depot or Lowe's or whatever is close. You will make some mistakes but the cost will still out way hiring someone to do it.Also if you can't decide maybe a deck with a stone or block patio would do the trick its yours you have many options Good Luck.
2006-09-21 21:46:15 · answer #4 · answered by Tonyf. 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. You aren't crazy and this is a great way to gain some experience while helping improve your surroundings.
Check out the magazines and the help guides at your Lowe's or Home Depot for some good plans and take your time. You can probably rent most of the tools you'll need if you don't have them.
Definitely not crazy.
2006-09-21 18:41:23 · answer #5 · answered by Warren D 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want your yard to be show place hire somebody good. I have no doubt that you can do it yourself, But I also know that when I built deck # 15 it was much much better than deck # 1.
Have fun.
BTW if you change the 25' to 24' you will save a lot of money.
2006-09-22 04:49:13 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Based off of your question.. I would say pour the slab.. the sentence of we are not the best handy persons concerns me for the technical side of building a deck sturdy enough to hold a hot tub. Slabs are not very technical, a lot of back breaking work yes but technical no. Also there are many stains and stamps for concrete now that are very stylish and look really good. Concrete... long lasting, can be very stylish, will def hold the weight. Seems to me that's the way to go! P.S. four inches thick
2016-03-17 23:54:45 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not at all. Depending on how elabaorate you plan to build, decks and patios can be a good DIY project. Do your homework; plan. Check your plans over well. Go for it!
2006-09-22 01:05:11 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might be able to get advice from a big box hardware store like Home Depot. It's kind of a daunting task if you're not familiar with everything involved.
And be sure to get permission from the city to do the build.
2006-09-21 18:40:33 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you can do it and it is a good learning experience. You only learn by doing. Home Depot, Menards or Lowes will help you with the plans. A man down the street provided the beer and he had all kinds of help, he did them from and back and they all look great. I would buy a good chop saw though, it sure helps to keep the ends straight.
2006-09-22 00:05:13 · answer #10 · answered by Thomas S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋