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#1
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Backyard "Platform"
Our relatively new yard is in transition and we currently have no patio or
deck. I would like to assemble something semi-permanent that would be easy to do, as well as easy to disassemble when we upgrade to an outdoor "room". My idea was to use 2"x6"x12' pressure treated lumber laid flat at intervals directly on the ground and anchor them to the soil with either rebar or stakes to prevent movement. These boards would be leveled and with a slight pitch for any water runoff. Then construct the platform floor across these boards also using 2"x6"x12' pressure-treated boards, attaching them with either galvanized or stainless steel screws. We live in the desert, so there's no concern about ground movement due to winter heaving or damage from excessive moisture. This would give us a 12' x 12' platform roughly 4" above the ground, where we would place our grill and umbrella table and chairs. Does this sound feasible? TIA -- Wayne Boatwright ******************************************* Date: Friday, 08(VIII)/29(XXIX)/08(MMVIII) ******************************************* Countdown till Labor Day 2dys 7hrs 39mins ******************************************* Progress at best consists of replacing errors with more subtle errors. ******************************************* |
#2
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Backyard "Platform"
Wayne Boatwright wrote: Our relatively new yard is in transition and we currently have no patio or deck. I would like to assemble something semi-permanent that would be easy to do, as well as easy to disassemble when we upgrade to an outdoor "room". My idea was to use 2"x6"x12' pressure treated lumber laid flat at intervals directly on the ground and anchor them to the soil with either rebar or stakes to prevent movement. These boards would be leveled and with a slight pitch for any water runoff. Then construct the platform floor across these boards also using 2"x6"x12' pressure-treated boards, attaching them with either galvanized or stainless steel screws. We live in the desert, so there's no concern about ground movement due to winter heaving or damage from excessive moisture. This would give us a 12' x 12' platform roughly 4" above the ground, where we would place our grill and umbrella table and chairs. Does this sound feasible? Feasible, but expensive. I'd go with large square (18"+) concrete pavers with a minimal layer of sand for leveling. When you're through with them they can simply be stacked in a corner, or sold on Craigslist or similar since they will not degrade. |
#3
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Backyard "Platform"
On Fri 29 Aug 2008 04:36:07p, Pete C. told us...
Wayne Boatwright wrote: Our relatively new yard is in transition and we currently have no patio or deck. I would like to assemble something semi-permanent that would be easy to do, as well as easy to disassemble when we upgrade to an outdoor "room". My idea was to use 2"x6"x12' pressure treated lumber laid flat at intervals directly on the ground and anchor them to the soil with either rebar or stakes to prevent movement. These boards would be leveled and with a slight pitch for any water runoff. Then construct the platform floor across these boards also using 2"x6"x12' pressure-treated boards, attaching them with either galvanized or stainless steel screws. We live in the desert, so there's no concern about ground movement due to winter heaving or damage from excessive moisture. This would give us a 12' x 12' platform roughly 4" above the ground, where we would place our grill and umbrella table and chairs. Does this sound feasible? Feasible, but expensive. I'd go with large square (18"+) concrete pavers with a minimal layer of sand for leveling. When you're through with them they can simply be stacked in a corner, or sold on Craigslist or similar since they will not degrade. The pavers are seldom over 2" thick and I really do want about 4" height to avoid the feeling of "sitting right on the ground". The pavers also absorb and radiate heat far more than wood, which is a *big* issue in our area It's not a bad idea, for the very reasons you mentioned, but wouldn't really give me what I want. I haven't priced anything out yet, so perhaps that should be my first step. Thanks for your input, Pete. -- Wayne Boatwright ******************************************* Date: Friday, 08(VIII)/29(XXIX)/08(MMVIII) ******************************************* Countdown till Labor Day 2dys 7hrs 19mins ******************************************* Oxymoron: Final Version ******************************************* |
#4
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Backyard "Platform"
"Wayne Boatwright" wrote in message 5.250... Our relatively new yard is in transition and we currently have no patio or deck. I would like to assemble something semi-permanent that would be easy to do, as well as easy to disassemble when we upgrade to an outdoor "room". My idea was to use 2"x6"x12' pressure treated lumber laid flat at intervals directly on the ground and anchor them to the soil with either rebar or stakes to prevent movement. These boards would be leveled and with a slight pitch for any water runoff. Then construct the platform floor across these boards also using 2"x6"x12' pressure-treated boards, attaching them with either galvanized or stainless steel screws. We live in the desert, so there's no concern about ground movement due to winter heaving or damage from excessive moisture. This would give us a 12' x 12' platform roughly 4" above the ground, where we would place our grill and umbrella table and chairs. Does this sound feasible? I'm not a big fan of doing things twice. You'll be spending money on wood for something temporary. Is there anyway that you can build something that you can use now that will eventually be incorporated into the finished yard? |
#5
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Backyard "Platform"
Wayne Boatwright wrote:
Our relatively new yard is in transition and we currently have no patio or deck. I would like to assemble something semi-permanent that would be easy to do, as well as easy to disassemble when we upgrade to an outdoor "room". My idea was to use 2"x6"x12' pressure treated lumber laid flat at intervals directly on the ground and anchor them to the soil with either rebar or stakes to prevent movement. These boards would be leveled and with a slight pitch for any water runoff. Then construct the platform floor across these boards also using 2"x6"x12' pressure-treated boards, attaching them with either galvanized or stainless steel screws. We live in the desert, so there's no concern about ground movement due to winter heaving or damage from excessive moisture. This would give us a 12' x 12' platform roughly 4" above the ground, where we would place our grill and umbrella table and chairs. Does this sound feasible? TIA Wood laid flat on the ground would be tough to secure, it seems. How about landscape cloth with large pavers and river rock on top. We have that as an "extension" of our patio - patio has a balcony above so we can't use the grill under the balcony. Have about 8" space between pavers filled in with the rock. Easy to move the grill if we need to and plenty of flat area for chairs. The l.s. cloth and rock would be nice and tidy under a deck when you get around to it. Easy to clean with leaf blower, no other maint. Cheap. |
#6
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Backyard "Platform"
On Fri 29 Aug 2008 05:08:05p, John Grabowski told us...
"Wayne Boatwright" wrote in message 5.250... Our relatively new yard is in transition and we currently have no patio or deck. I would like to assemble something semi-permanent that would be easy to do, as well as easy to disassemble when we upgrade to an outdoor "room". My idea was to use 2"x6"x12' pressure treated lumber laid flat at intervals directly on the ground and anchor them to the soil with either rebar or stakes to prevent movement. These boards would be leveled and with a slight pitch for any water runoff. Then construct the platform floor across these boards also using 2"x6"x12' pressure-treated boards, attaching them with either galvanized or stainless steel screws. We live in the desert, so there's no concern about ground movement due to winter heaving or damage from excessive moisture. This would give us a 12' x 12' platform roughly 4" above the ground, where we would place our grill and umbrella table and chairs. Does this sound feasible? I'm not a big fan of doing things twice. You'll be spending money on wood for something temporary. Is there anyway that you can build something that you can use now that will eventually be incorporated into the finished yard? What I want to end up with is an "Arizona Room", and this wood would not be appropriate, plus we would have someone else build the room. Arizona Rooms are generally built of aluminum, screening, glass, and steel, on a concrete slab base. If I knew exactly what the future configuration of the concrete base would be in the future, I could have it put in place now,k but I really don't know at this point. However, the yard is large enough that this platform unit could be moved to another location for a 2nd "patio" type structure. Our entire yard is desert-scaped; there is no grass, only decomposed granite, sand and chunk granite. The landscaping is all cactii and succulents. I don't think we'd lose out on this wood. -- Wayne Boatwright ******************************************* Date: Friday, 08(VIII)/29(XXIX)/08(MMVIII) ******************************************* Countdown till Labor Day 2dys 5hrs 46mins ******************************************* For people who like peace and quiet: a phoneless cord. ******************************************* |
#7
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Backyard "Platform"
On Fri 29 Aug 2008 05:21:54p, Norminn told us...
Wayne Boatwright wrote: Our relatively new yard is in transition and we currently have no patio or deck. I would like to assemble something semi-permanent that would be easy to do, as well as easy to disassemble when we upgrade to an outdoor "room". My idea was to use 2"x6"x12' pressure treated lumber laid flat at intervals directly on the ground and anchor them to the soil with either rebar or stakes to prevent movement. These boards would be leveled and with a slight pitch for any water runoff. Then construct the platform floor across these boards also using 2"x6"x12' pressure-treated boards, attaching them with either galvanized or stainless steel screws. We live in the desert, so there's no concern about ground movement due to winter heaving or damage from excessive moisture. This would give us a 12' x 12' platform roughly 4" above the ground, where we would place our grill and umbrella table and chairs. Does this sound feasible? TIA Wood laid flat on the ground would be tough to secure, it seems. How about landscape cloth with large pavers and river rock on top. We have that as an "extension" of our patio - patio has a balcony above so we can't use the grill under the balcony. Have about 8" space between pavers filled in with the rock. Easy to move the grill if we need to and plenty of flat area for chairs. The l.s. cloth and rock would be nice and tidy under a deck when you get around to it. Easy to clean with leaf blower, no other maint. Cheap. Nice idea, but I really want an uninterrupted flat surface that is elevated about 4" off the ground. Your idea would certainly be more attractive than mine, but mine would be more functional for my needs. When we laid railroad ties back in Ohio, we secured them into the ground with rebar. Nothing ever moved. That was my plan with the boards that would be in contact with the ground. Either rebar or stakes. Once constructed, I donn't think it would have a chance of moving. -- Wayne Boatwright ******************************************* Date: Friday, 08(VIII)/29(XXIX)/08(MMVIII) ******************************************* Countdown till Labor Day 2dys 5hrs 40mins ******************************************* It doesn't work, but it looks pretty. ******************************************* |
#8
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Backyard "Platform"
On Aug 29, 7:32 pm, Wayne Boatwright
wrote: Our relatively new yard is in transition and we currently have no patio or deck. I would like to assemble something semi-permanent that would be easy to do, as well as easy to disassemble when we upgrade to an outdoor "room". My idea was to use 2"x6"x12' pressure treated lumber laid flat at intervals directly on the ground and anchor them to the soil with either rebar or stakes to prevent movement. These boards would be leveled and with a slight pitch for any water runoff. Then construct the platform floor across these boards also using 2"x6"x12' pressure-treated boards, attaching them with either galvanized or stainless steel screws. We live in the desert, so there's no concern about ground movement due to winter heaving or damage from excessive moisture. This would give us a 12' x 12' platform roughly 4" above the ground, where we would place our grill and umbrella table and chairs. Does this sound feasible? TIA -- Wayne Boatwright ******************************************* Date: Friday, 08(VIII)/29(XXIX)/08(MMVIII) ******************************************* Countdown till Labor Day 2dys 7hrs 39mins ******************************************* Progress at best consists of replacing errors with more subtle errors. ******************************************* Hmm. Interesting question to balance work, cost, and temporariness. 4" isn't too much. Why couldn't you bring in a truckload of sand, build it up to the right height, and compact it so it's flat, level, and solid. Then put on a top coat of wood chips or mulch or something to keep the sun off of it and to keep it from being a big heat sink. I'd just taper the edges and not use anything around the sides. It would last okay for a couple of years -- more with minor maintenance. When you're done, just spread it around your yard or whatever. You could do the whole think in topsoil, too, but it would cost more. Sand is cheap. |
#9
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Backyard "Platform"
Wayne Boatwright wrote: On Fri 29 Aug 2008 04:36:07p, Pete C. told us... Wayne Boatwright wrote: Our relatively new yard is in transition and we currently have no patio or deck. I would like to assemble something semi-permanent that would be easy to do, as well as easy to disassemble when we upgrade to an outdoor "room". My idea was to use 2"x6"x12' pressure treated lumber laid flat at intervals directly on the ground and anchor them to the soil with either rebar or stakes to prevent movement. These boards would be leveled and with a slight pitch for any water runoff. Then construct the platform floor across these boards also using 2"x6"x12' pressure-treated boards, attaching them with either galvanized or stainless steel screws. We live in the desert, so there's no concern about ground movement due to winter heaving or damage from excessive moisture. This would give us a 12' x 12' platform roughly 4" above the ground, where we would place our grill and umbrella table and chairs. Does this sound feasible? Feasible, but expensive. I'd go with large square (18"+) concrete pavers with a minimal layer of sand for leveling. When you're through with them they can simply be stacked in a corner, or sold on Craigslist or similar since they will not degrade. The pavers are seldom over 2" thick and I really do want about 4" height to avoid the feeling of "sitting right on the ground". The pavers also absorb and radiate heat far more than wood, which is a *big* issue in our area It's not a bad idea, for the very reasons you mentioned, but wouldn't really give me what I want. I haven't priced anything out yet, so perhaps that should be my first step. Thanks for your input, Pete. Having spent some time barefoot on a raised wooden deck (grayed PT) as well as normal gray-white concrete in Houston recently when it was 110 out, I can assure you there isn't much difference in heat absorption and radiation. If you want the height, Lay a perimeter ring of the pavers, then fill inside with the leveling sand tamped and leveled, and then place the top layer. You get your 4" height, using only a few more pavers and a little more sand. |
#10
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Backyard "Platform"
On Fri 29 Aug 2008 07:04:58p, Pat told us...
On Aug 29, 7:32 pm, Wayne Boatwright wrote: Our relatively new yard is in transition and we currently have no patio or deck. I would like to assemble something semi-permanent that would be easy to do, as well as easy to disassemble when we upgrade to an outdoor "room". My idea was to use 2"x6"x12' pressure treated lumber laid flat at intervals directly on the ground and anchor them to the soil with either rebar or stakes to prevent movement. These boards would be leveled and with a slight pitch for any water runoff. Then construct the platform floor across these boards also using 2"x6"x12' pressure-treated boards, attaching them with either galvanized or stainless steel screws. We live in the desert, so there's no concern about ground movement due to winter heaving or damage from excessive moisture. This would give us a 12' x 12' platform roughly 4" above the ground, where we would place our grill and umbrella table and chairs. Does this sound feasible? TIA -- Wayne Boatwright ******************************************* Date: Friday, 08(VIII)/29(XXIX)/08(MMVIII) ******************************************* Countdown till Labor Day 2dys 7hrs 39mins ******************************************* Progress at best consists of replacing errors with more subtle errors. ******************************************* Hmm. Interesting question to balance work, cost, and temporariness. 4" isn't too much. Why couldn't you bring in a truckload of sand, build it up to the right height, and compact it so it's flat, level, and solid. Then put on a top coat of wood chips or mulch or something to keep the sun off of it and to keep it from being a big heat sink. I'd just taper the edges and not use anything around the sides. It would last okay for a couple of years -- more with minor maintenance. When you're done, just spread it around your yard or whatever. You could do the whole think in topsoil, too, but it would cost more. Sand is cheap. A wood chip or mulch top surface would defeat my purpose. I need to be able easily move chairs with casters and a portable gas grill across the surface. The grill would probably be alright, but people sitting in chairs and trying to move them would probably mire down into the surface. Plus, I don't find the idea of sitting in the midst of wood chips or mulch very inviting. :-) I could probably re-use this unit in another area of the yard when our plans change the the initial area. Your idea is good and interesting, but probably better for a different application than mine. Thanks... -- Wayne Boatwright ******************************************* Date: Friday, 08(VIII)/29(XXIX)/08(MMVIII) ******************************************* Countdown till Labor Day 2dys 4hrs 43mins ******************************************* 'Twas Brillig, and the slithey toves did gyre and gimble in the wabe; all mimsy were the borogoves, and the mome |
#11
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Backyard "Platform"
Wayne Boatwright wrote: On Fri 29 Aug 2008 05:08:05p, John Grabowski told us... "Wayne Boatwright" wrote in message 5.250... Our relatively new yard is in transition and we currently have no patio or deck. I would like to assemble something semi-permanent that would be easy to do, as well as easy to disassemble when we upgrade to an outdoor "room". My idea was to use 2"x6"x12' pressure treated lumber laid flat at intervals directly on the ground and anchor them to the soil with either rebar or stakes to prevent movement. These boards would be leveled and with a slight pitch for any water runoff. Then construct the platform floor across these boards also using 2"x6"x12' pressure-treated boards, attaching them with either galvanized or stainless steel screws. We live in the desert, so there's no concern about ground movement due to winter heaving or damage from excessive moisture. This would give us a 12' x 12' platform roughly 4" above the ground, where we would place our grill and umbrella table and chairs. Does this sound feasible? I'm not a big fan of doing things twice. You'll be spending money on wood for something temporary. Is there anyway that you can build something that you can use now that will eventually be incorporated into the finished yard? What I want to end up with is an "Arizona Room", and this wood would not be appropriate, plus we would have someone else build the room. Arizona Rooms are generally built of aluminum, screening, glass, and steel, on a concrete slab base. If I knew exactly what the future configuration of the concrete base would be in the future, I could have it put in place now,k but I really don't know at this point. However, the yard is large enough that this platform unit could be moved to another location for a 2nd "patio" type structure. Our entire yard is desert-scaped; there is no grass, only decomposed granite, sand and chunk granite. The landscaping is all cactii and succulents. I don't think we'd lose out on this wood. You can look at those rooms now, see what the largest size you'd want is, and then pour a pad a bit larger. In the future excess concrete can be readily cut off with an appropriate saw, or you can fill the extra space with some planters and foliage. |
#12
Posted to alt.home.repair
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Backyard "Platform"
"Wayne Boatwright" wrote in message 5.250... Our relatively new yard is in transition and we currently have no patio or deck. I would like to assemble something semi-permanent that would be easy to do, as well as easy to disassemble when we upgrade to an outdoor "room". My idea was to use 2"x6"x12' pressure treated lumber laid flat at intervals directly on the ground and anchor them to the soil with either rebar or stakes to prevent movement. These boards would be leveled and with a slight pitch for any water runoff. Then construct the platform floor across these boards also using 2"x6"x12' pressure-treated boards, attaching them with either galvanized or stainless steel screws. We live in the desert, so there's no concern about ground movement due to winter heaving or damage from excessive moisture. This would give us a 12' x 12' platform roughly 4" above the ground, where we would place our grill and umbrella table and chairs. Does this sound feasible? Wayne, It certainly sounds like a waste of energy! By your replies to other posters, you appear to be looking for support on your idea, and not really open to other ideas. However, I will tell you what I would do. And, being you formally lived in Ohio, what many in Ohio do. Either have the concrete placed now....... OR Construct a permanent deck. Build it level, with no pitch. Say for instance, your proposed room would be a 10x12. I would build the deck as a 16x 20 (just an example). Positioning the deck, so it would be offset, not centered to the proposed room. This would leave me a deck on 2 sides of my room, after the room was built. It would be enough room to set your grill, a couple of chairs etc, on the outside of the room. Treated CDX Ply or similar could be used for the inside of the room once the room is built, or the layout could call for the CDX to be installed to room size, then the room built on it. Your initial layout would be critical so you don't build your deck to high initially. Those aluminum/glass rooms can be built to any size. Either way, wood or concrete base, I would definitely have a much larger base for my grill etc. Otherwise, it certainly will look silly with a grill sitting in the sand. |
#13
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Backyard "Platform"
On Fri 29 Aug 2008 07:21:23p, Pete C. told us...
Wayne Boatwright wrote: On Fri 29 Aug 2008 04:36:07p, Pete C. told us... Wayne Boatwright wrote: Our relatively new yard is in transition and we currently have no patio or deck. I would like to assemble something semi-permanent that would be easy to do, as well as easy to disassemble when we upgrade to an outdoor "room". My idea was to use 2"x6"x12' pressure treated lumber laid flat at intervals directly on the ground and anchor them to the soil with either rebar or stakes to prevent movement. These boards would be leveled and with a slight pitch for any water runoff. Then construct the platform floor across these boards also using 2"x6"x12' pressure-treated boards, attaching them with either galvanized or stainless steel screws. We live in the desert, so there's no concern about ground movement due to winter heaving or damage from excessive moisture. This would give us a 12' x 12' platform roughly 4" above the ground, where we would place our grill and umbrella table and chairs. Does this sound feasible? Feasible, but expensive. I'd go with large square (18"+) concrete pavers with a minimal layer of sand for leveling. When you're through with them they can simply be stacked in a corner, or sold on Craigslist or similar since they will not degrade. The pavers are seldom over 2" thick and I really do want about 4" height to avoid the feeling of "sitting right on the ground". The pavers also absorb and radiate heat far more than wood, which is a *big* issue in our area It's not a bad idea, for the very reasons you mentioned, but wouldn't really give me what I want. I haven't priced anything out yet, so perhaps that should be my first step. Thanks for your input, Pete. Having spent some time barefoot on a raised wooden deck (grayed PT) as well as normal gray-white concrete in Houston recently when it was 110 out, I can assure you there isn't much difference in heat absorption and radiation. If you want the height, Lay a perimeter ring of the pavers, then fill inside with the leveling sand tamped and leveled, and then place the top layer. You get your 4" height, using only a few more pavers and a little more sand. I'll be sure to give this some more thought before making a decision. Thanks! -- Wayne Boatwright ******************************************* Date: Friday, 08(VIII)/29(XXIX)/08(MMVIII) ******************************************* Countdown till Labor Day 2dys 3hrs 54mins ******************************************* Is it possible to be in love with a tongue. . . ? ******************************************* |
#14
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Backyard "Platform"
On Fri 29 Aug 2008 07:23:58p, Pete C. told us...
Wayne Boatwright wrote: On Fri 29 Aug 2008 05:08:05p, John Grabowski told us... "Wayne Boatwright" wrote in message 5.250... Our relatively new yard is in transition and we currently have no patio or deck. I would like to assemble something semi-permanent that would be easy to do, as well as easy to disassemble when we upgrade to an outdoor "room". My idea was to use 2"x6"x12' pressure treated lumber laid flat at intervals directly on the ground and anchor them to the soil with either rebar or stakes to prevent movement. These boards would be leveled and with a slight pitch for any water runoff. Then construct the platform floor across these boards also using 2"x6"x12' pressure-treated boards, attaching them with either galvanized or stainless steel screws. We live in the desert, so there's no concern about ground movement due to winter heaving or damage from excessive moisture. This would give us a 12' x 12' platform roughly 4" above the ground, where we would place our grill and umbrella table and chairs. Does this sound feasible? I'm not a big fan of doing things twice. You'll be spending money on wood for something temporary. Is there anyway that you can build something that you can use now that will eventually be incorporated into the finished yard? What I want to end up with is an "Arizona Room", and this wood would not be appropriate, plus we would have someone else build the room. Arizona Rooms are generally built of aluminum, screening, glass, and steel, on a concrete slab base. If I knew exactly what the future configuration of the concrete base would be in the future, I could have it put in place now,k but I really don't know at this point. However, the yard is large enough that this platform unit could be moved to another location for a 2nd "patio" type structure. Our entire yard is desert-scaped; there is no grass, only decomposed granite, sand and chunk granite. The landscaping is all cactii and succulents. I don't think we'd lose out on this wood. You can look at those rooms now, see what the largest size you'd want is, and then pour a pad a bit larger. In the future excess concrete can be readily cut off with an appropriate saw, or you can fill the extra space with some planters and foliage. One other factor at present is that concrete work is very costly right now in the Phoenix area. This was one thing I was trying to avoid. Still it's worth getting estimates. I would not be able to do the work myself, and I want a perfect concrete surface when it is done. -- Wayne Boatwright ******************************************* Date: Friday, 08(VIII)/29(XXIX)/08(MMVIII) ******************************************* Countdown till Labor Day 2dys 3hrs 52mins ******************************************* Don't draw fire. It irritates everyone around you. ******************************************* |
#15
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Backyard "Platform"
On Fri 29 Aug 2008 07:33:35p, Toffee Monday told us...
"Wayne Boatwright" wrote in message 5.250... Our relatively new yard is in transition and we currently have no patio or deck. I would like to assemble something semi-permanent that would be easy to do, as well as easy to disassemble when we upgrade to an outdoor "room". My idea was to use 2"x6"x12' pressure treated lumber laid flat at intervals directly on the ground and anchor them to the soil with either rebar or stakes to prevent movement. These boards would be leveled and with a slight pitch for any water runoff. Then construct the platform floor across these boards also using 2"x6"x12' pressure-treated boards, attaching them with either galvanized or stainless steel screws. We live in the desert, so there's no concern about ground movement due to winter heaving or damage from excessive moisture. This would give us a 12' x 12' platform roughly 4" above the ground, where we would place our grill and umbrella table and chairs. Does this sound feasible? Wayne, It certainly sounds like a waste of energy! By your replies to other posters, you appear to be looking for support on your idea, and not really open to other ideas. However, I will tell you what I would do. And, being you formally lived in Ohio, what many in Ohio do. Either have the concrete placed now....... OR Construct a permanent deck. Build it level, with no pitch. Say for instance, your proposed room would be a 10x12. I would build the deck as a 16x 20 (just an example). Positioning the deck, so it would be offset, not centered to the proposed room. This would leave me a deck on 2 sides of my room, after the room was built. It would be enough room to set your grill, a couple of chairs etc, on the outside of the room. Treated CDX Ply or similar could be used for the inside of the room once the room is built, or the layout could call for the CDX to be installed to room size, then the room built on it. Your initial layout would be critical so you don't build your deck to high initially. Those aluminum/glass rooms can be built to any size. Either way, wood or concrete base, I would definitely have a much larger base for my grill etc. Otherwise, it certainly will look silly with a grill sitting in the sand. This is the best alternative I've heard yet, and I'm open to it if I can afford it. The configuration is actually one I had already thought of for the future room. Someone else would probably hve to executde it, though, as I don't have all the equipment it might need. For several reasons, though, I don't know if I could handle the work myself, due to age and heath issues. I could envision the relative simplicity of my original idea, with all boards precut and just screwed together. Still, it's worth looking into having someone put the initial deck up and get estimates for it. Thanks for your ideas... -- Wayne Boatwright ******************************************* Date: Friday, 08(VIII)/29(XXIX)/08(MMVIII) ******************************************* Countdown till Labor Day 2dys 3hrs 49mins ******************************************* We are everywhere. ******************************************* |
#16
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Backyard "Platform"
Norminn told us...
How about landscape cloth with large pavers and river rock on top. How about large pavers on 8"x8"x16" hollow block piers with vertical holes? Make your own 4'x4' 100 lb glass-fiber concrete pavers averaging 1/2" thick with welded wire fence reinforcement and bumps below the corners that rest in pier holes on 4' centers? Nick |
#17
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Backyard "Platform"
On Aug 29, 4:32*pm, Wayne Boatwright
wrote: Our relatively new yard is in transition and we currently have no patio or deck. *I would like to assemble something semi-permanent that would be easy to do, as well as easy to disassemble when we upgrade to an outdoor "room". My idea was to use 2"x6"x12' pressure treated lumber laid flat at intervals directly on the ground and anchor them to the soil with either rebar or stakes to prevent movement. *These boards would be leveled and with a slight pitch for any water runoff. *Then construct the platform floor across these boards also using 2"x6"x12' pressure-treated boards, attaching them with either galvanized or stainless steel screws. We live in the desert, so there's no concern about ground movement due to winter heaving or damage from excessive moisture. This would give us a 12' x 12' platform roughly 4" above the ground, where we would place our grill and umbrella table and chairs. Does this sound feasible? If it was me doing this job,I would use four 12' = 4x4's for the base & nail my 2x6's to them. Then when your base settles into the sand ( which it will) you will still be at least 2" off the ground. Put it togeather with deck screws than you cake it apart. Get out there ,build it & enjoy * * * * JP |
#18
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Backyard "Platform"
On Sat 30 Aug 2008 07:47:55a, JP told us...
On Aug 29, 4:32*pm, Wayne Boatwright wrote: Our relatively new yard is in transition and we currently have no patio o r deck. *I would like to assemble something semi-permanent that would be easy to do, as well as easy to disassemble when we upgrade to an outdoor "room ". My idea was to use 2"x6"x12' pressure treated lumber laid flat at interva ls directly on the ground and anchor them to the soil with either rebar or stakes to prevent movement. *These boards would be leveled and with a slight pitch for any water runoff. *Then construct the platform floor across these boards also using 2"x6"x12' pressure-treated boards, attachi ng them with either galvanized or stainless steel screws. We live in the desert, so there's no concern about ground movement due to winter heaving or damage from excessive moisture. This would give us a 12' x 12' platform roughly 4" above the ground, wher e we would place our grill and umbrella table and chairs. Does this sound feasible? If it was me doing this job,I would use four 12' = 4x4's for the base & nail my 2x6's to them. Then when your base settles into the sand ( which it will) you will still be at least 2" off the ground. Put it togeather with deck screws than you cake it apart. Get out there ,build it & enjoy * * * * JP Thanks, JP... This was the type of advice I was looking for! I'll probably do it your way! -- Wayne Boatwright ******************************************* Date: Saturday, 08(VIII)/30(XXX)/08(MMVIII) ******************************************* Countdown till Labor Day 1dys 15hrs 21mins ******************************************* Can't? Can't? There's no such word as can't! ******************************************* |
#19
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Backyard "Platform"
On Sat 30 Aug 2008 07:16:50a, told us...
Norminn told us... How about landscape cloth with large pavers and river rock on top. How about large pavers on 8"x8"x16" hollow block piers with vertical holes? Make your own 4'x4' 100 lb glass-fiber concrete pavers averaging 1/2" thick with welded wire fence reinforcement and bumps below the corners that rest in pier holes on 4' centers? Nick A lot more heavy work for me and I really don't want concrete. But thanks for the suggestion. I think JP's post hit the nail on the head, so to speak. :-) -- Wayne Boatwright ******************************************* Date: Saturday, 08(VIII)/30(XXX)/08(MMVIII) ******************************************* Countdown till Labor Day 1dys 15hrs 20mins ******************************************* I've taken a vow of poverty. To annoy me, send money. ******************************************* |
#20
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Backyard "Platform"
On Fri, 29 Aug 2008 23:32:23 GMT, Wayne Boatwright
wrote: Our relatively new yard is in transition and we currently have no patio or deck. I would like to assemble something semi-permanent that would be easy to do, as well as easy to disassemble when we upgrade to an outdoor "room". My idea was to use 2"x6"x12' pressure treated lumber laid flat at intervals directly on the ground and anchor them to the soil with either rebar or stakes to prevent movement. These boards would be leveled and with a slight pitch for any water runoff. Then construct the platform floor across these boards also using 2"x6"x12' pressure-treated boards, attaching them with either galvanized or stainless steel screws. What about using those DekBlock concrete piers? We used those for our deck, and they worked great. You could do your wood frame floor very easily on these, with 2x6 joists and 5/4 planks. Ours has held up very well after 5 years in western New York and no doubt would do just fine in Arizona. |
#21
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Backyard "Platform"
On Sat 30 Aug 2008 10:31:15a, KLS told us...
On Fri, 29 Aug 2008 23:32:23 GMT, Wayne Boatwright wrote: Our relatively new yard is in transition and we currently have no patio or deck. I would like to assemble something semi-permanent that would be easy to do, as well as easy to disassemble when we upgrade to an outdoor "room". My idea was to use 2"x6"x12' pressure treated lumber laid flat at intervals directly on the ground and anchor them to the soil with either rebar or stakes to prevent movement. These boards would be leveled and with a slight pitch for any water runoff. Then construct the platform floor across these boards also using 2"x6"x12' pressure-treated boards, attaching them with either galvanized or stainless steel screws. What about using those DekBlock concrete piers? We used those for our deck, and they worked great. You could do your wood frame floor very easily on these, with 2x6 joists and 5/4 planks. Ours has held up very well after 5 years in western New York and no doubt would do just fine in Arizona. A good idea to consider. I'll look into it. Thanks! -- Wayne Boatwright ******************************************* Date: Saturday, 08(VIII)/30(XXX)/08(MMVIII) ******************************************* Countdown till Labor Day 1dys 13hrs 22mins ******************************************* I'm an absolute, off-the-wall fanatical moderate. ******************************************* |
#22
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Backyard "Platform"
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#23
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Backyard "Platform"
On Aug 29, 7:32 pm, Wayne Boatwright
wrote: Our relatively new yard is in transition and we currently have no patio or deck. I would like to assemble something semi-permanent that would be easy to do, as well as easy to disassemble when we upgrade to an outdoor "room". My idea was to use 2"x6"x12' pressure treated lumber laid flat at intervals directly on the ground and anchor them to the soil with either rebar or stakes to prevent movement. These boards would be leveled and with a slight pitch for any water runoff. Then construct the platform floor across these boards also using 2"x6"x12' pressure-treated boards, attaching them with either galvanized or stainless steel screws. We live in the desert, so there's no concern about ground movement due to winter heaving or damage from excessive moisture. This would give us a 12' x 12' platform roughly 4" above the ground, where we would place our grill and umbrella table and chairs. Does this sound feasible? TIA -- Wayne Boatwright ******************************************* Date: Friday, 08(VIII)/29(XXIX)/08(MMVIII) ******************************************* Countdown till Labor Day 2dys 7hrs 39mins ******************************************* Progress at best consists of replacing errors with more subtle errors. ******************************************* It's just 4", so why not just go "acquire" some discared pallets. Lay then down to cover the ground. Cover them with exterior plywood or any other surface you like. Paint or use indoor/outdoor carpet. Very cheap except for the plywood. It's temporary and dry, so it's work for a couple of years. If you look around, you might be able the scrounge up a free surface, too, instead of buying plywood. Get the right pallets and you might not even need a surface over them. Plus, it's way cool as "green" because it's "reuse". |
#25
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Backyard "Platform"
On Sat 30 Aug 2008 02:49:09p, Pat told us...
On Aug 29, 7:32 pm, Wayne Boatwright wrote: Our relatively new yard is in transition and we currently have no patio or deck. I would like to assemble something semi-permanent that would be easy to do, as well as easy to disassemble when we upgrade to an outdoor "room". My idea was to use 2"x6"x12' pressure treated lumber laid flat at intervals directly on the ground and anchor them to the soil with either rebar or stakes to prevent movement. These boards would be leveled and with a slight pitch for any water runoff. Then construct the platform floor across these boards also using 2"x6"x12' pressure-treated boards, attaching them with either galvanized or stainless steel screws. We live in the desert, so there's no concern about ground movement due to winter heaving or damage from excessive moisture. This would give us a 12' x 12' platform roughly 4" above the ground, where we would place our grill and umbrella table and chairs. Does this sound feasible? TIA -- Wayne Boatwright ******************************************* Date: Friday, 08(VIII)/29(XXIX)/08(MMVIII) ******************************************* Countdown till Labor Day 2dys 7hrs 39mins ******************************************* Progress at best consists of replacing errors with more subtle errors. ******************************************* It's just 4", so why not just go "acquire" some discared pallets. Lay then down to cover the ground. Cover them with exterior plywood or any other surface you like. Paint or use indoor/outdoor carpet. Very cheap except for the plywood. It's temporary and dry, so it's work for a couple of years. If you look around, you might be able the scrounge up a free surface, too, instead of buying plywood. Get the right pallets and you might not even need a surface over them. Plus, it's way cool as "green" because it's "reuse". That sounds like an excellent idea, Pat. Thanks! -- Wayne Boatwright ******************************************* Date: Saturday, 08(VIII)/30(XXX)/08(MMVIII) ******************************************* Countdown till Labor Day 1dys 7hrs 18mins ******************************************* Tactics: breathmints for dyslexics ******************************************* |
#26
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Backyard "Platform"
On Aug 30, 7:42 pm, Wayne Boatwright
wrote: On Sat 30 Aug 2008 02:49:09p, Pat told us... On Aug 29, 7:32 pm, Wayne Boatwright wrote: Our relatively new yard is in transition and we currently have no patio or deck. I would like to assemble something semi-permanent that would be easy to do, as well as easy to disassemble when we upgrade to an outdoor "room". My idea was to use 2"x6"x12' pressure treated lumber laid flat at intervals directly on the ground and anchor them to the soil with either rebar or stakes to prevent movement. These boards would be leveled and with a slight pitch for any water runoff. Then construct the platform floor across these boards also using 2"x6"x12' pressure-treated boards, attaching them with either galvanized or stainless steel screws. We live in the desert, so there's no concern about ground movement due to winter heaving or damage from excessive moisture. This would give us a 12' x 12' platform roughly 4" above the ground, where we would place our grill and umbrella table and chairs. Does this sound feasible? TIA -- Wayne Boatwright ******************************************* Date: Friday, 08(VIII)/29(XXIX)/08(MMVIII) ******************************************* Countdown till Labor Day 2dys 7hrs 39mins ******************************************* Progress at best consists of replacing errors with more subtle errors. ******************************************* It's just 4", so why not just go "acquire" some discared pallets. Lay then down to cover the ground. Cover them with exterior plywood or any other surface you like. Paint or use indoor/outdoor carpet. Very cheap except for the plywood. It's temporary and dry, so it's work for a couple of years. If you look around, you might be able the scrounge up a free surface, too, instead of buying plywood. Get the right pallets and you might not even need a surface over them. Plus, it's way cool as "green" because it's "reuse". That sounds like an excellent idea, Pat. Thanks! -- Wayne Boatwright ******************************************* Date: Saturday, 08(VIII)/30(XXX)/08(MMVIII) ******************************************* Countdown till Labor Day 1dys 7hrs 18mins ******************************************* Tactics: breathmints for dyslexics ******************************************* Two other thoughts: First off, go buy one of the really nice gazebos you see people selling. It'll cost a few bucks, but what the heck. Then, when (if) you get around to building the new roof, you can resell it. That'll make it relatively inexpensive, in the long run. Plus, as a nice gazebo, with romantic lighting, a sound system, and maybe a (relocatable spa !!!), you'll be the thoughtful husband and maybe you'll need that privacy screen. Okay, stop fantasizing, but it'll at least keep you out of the dog house for a week or two. The other option to is build a 12 x 12, square, plain sort-of-gazebo with a regular gable-end roof that your family hates. That'll encourage them to get going on the real project. Then you push this structure over to the corner of your land, enclose the sizes, and you have workshop when you can go and get away from the family. |
#27
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Backyard "Platform"
On Sun 31 Aug 2008 08:24:34a, Pat told us...
On Aug 30, 7:42 pm, Wayne Boatwright wrote: On Sat 30 Aug 2008 02:49:09p, Pat told us... On Aug 29, 7:32 pm, Wayne Boatwright wrote: Our relatively new yard is in transition and we currently have no patio or deck. I would like to assemble something semi-permanent that would be easy to do, as well as easy to disassemble when we upgrade to an outdoor "room". My idea was to use 2"x6"x12' pressure treated lumber laid flat at intervals directly on the ground and anchor them to the soil with either rebar or stakes to prevent movement. These boards would be leveled and with a slight pitch for any water runoff. Then construct the platform floor across these boards also using 2"x6"x12' pressure-treated boards, attaching them with either galvanized or stainless steel screws. We live in the desert, so there's no concern about ground movement due to winter heaving or damage from excessive moisture. This would give us a 12' x 12' platform roughly 4" above the ground, where we would place our grill and umbrella table and chairs. Does this sound feasible? TIA -- Wayne Boatwright ******************************************* Date: Friday, 08(VIII)/29(XXIX)/08(MMVIII) ******************************************* Countdown till Labor Day 2dys 7hrs 39mins ******************************************* Progress at best consists of replacing errors with more subtle errors. ******************************************* It's just 4", so why not just go "acquire" some discared pallets. Lay then down to cover the ground. Cover them with exterior plywood or any other surface you like. Paint or use indoor/outdoor carpet. Very cheap except for the plywood. It's temporary and dry, so it's work for a couple of years. If you look around, you might be able the scrounge up a free surface, too, instead of buying plywood. Get the right pallets and you might not even need a surface over them. Plus, it's way cool as "green" because it's "reuse". That sounds like an excellent idea, Pat. Thanks! -- Wayne Boatwright ******************************************* Date: Saturday, 08(VIII)/30(XXX)/08(MMVIII) ******************************************* Countdown till Labor Day 1dys 7hrs 18mins ******************************************* Tactics: breathmints for dyslexics ******************************************* Two other thoughts: First off, go buy one of the really nice gazebos you see people selling. It'll cost a few bucks, but what the heck. Then, when (if) you get around to building the new roof, you can resell it. That'll make it relatively inexpensive, in the long run. Plus, as a nice gazebo, with romantic lighting, a sound system, and maybe a (relocatable spa !!!), you'll be the thoughtful husband and maybe you'll need that privacy screen. Okay, stop fantasizing, but it'll at least keep you out of the dog house for a week or two. The other option to is build a 12 x 12, square, plain sort-of-gazebo with a regular gable-end roof that your family hates. That'll encourage them to get going on the real project. Then you push this structure over to the corner of your land, enclose the sizes, and you have workshop when you can go and get away from the family. Pat, these are great ideas! Unfortunately, none are practical for me financially at this point. Also, there are just the two us of, both in our 60's, so I need to minimize the effort we have to expend. I do plan to use your earlier suggesting of the 4x4's for the base and secure the floor surface to those. I love the idea of the gazebo, but with the high winds we get here, it would have to be built very substantially and very securely anchored. When we lived in OH, we had a beautiful redwood gazebo large enough to more than amply house our Jacuzzi. It could also be completely shuttered for privacy. We really enjoyed that. Perhaps we'll do a spa again someday, but right now the bucks just aren't there and there are other priorities. Thanks for your thoughfulness. -- Wayne Boatwright ******************************************* Date: Sunday, 08(VIII)/31(XXXI)/08(MMVIII) ******************************************* Countdown till Labor Day 15hrs 27mins ******************************************* Adding manpower to a late software project only makes it later. ******************************************* |
#28
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Backyard "Platform"
In article 0,
Wayne Boatwright wrote: Our relatively new yard is in transition and we currently have no patio or deck. I would like to assemble something semi-permanent that would be easy to do, as well as easy to disassemble when we upgrade to an outdoor "room". My idea was to use 2"x6"x12' pressure treated lumber laid flat at intervals directly on the ground and anchor them to the soil with either rebar or stakes to prevent movement. These boards would be leveled and with a slight pitch for any water runoff. Then construct the platform floor across these boards also using 2"x6"x12' pressure-treated boards, attaching them with either galvanized or stainless steel screws. We live in the desert, so there's no concern about ground movement due to winter heaving or damage from excessive moisture. This would give us a 12' x 12' platform roughly 4" above the ground, where we would place our grill and umbrella table and chairs. Does this sound feasible? TIA The most difficult part of this job is going to be leveling the dirt. You didn't make any mention of it, so maybe you hadn't considered it. It could be one monumental PIA. Once you get beyond that, the rest sounds pretty straight forward. I wouldn't think that securing it to the ground would be necessary, though, unless maybe you're in tornado or hurricane territory. |
#29
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Backyard "Platform"
On Mon 01 Sep 2008 09:16:38p, Smitty Two told us...
In article 0, Wayne Boatwright wrote: Our relatively new yard is in transition and we currently have no patio or deck. I would like to assemble something semi-permanent that would be easy to do, as well as easy to disassemble when we upgrade to an outdoor "room". My idea was to use 2"x6"x12' pressure treated lumber laid flat at intervals directly on the ground and anchor them to the soil with either rebar or stakes to prevent movement. These boards would be leveled and with a slight pitch for any water runoff. Then construct the platform floor across these boards also using 2"x6"x12' pressure-treated boards, attaching them with either galvanized or stainless steel screws. We live in the desert, so there's no concern about ground movement due to winter heaving or damage from excessive moisture. This would give us a 12' x 12' platform roughly 4" above the ground, where we would place our grill and umbrella table and chairs. Does this sound feasible? TIA The most difficult part of this job is going to be leveling the dirt. You didn't make any mention of it, so maybe you hadn't considered it. It could be one monumental PIA. I wasn't concerned about it, as it shouldn't be that hard. Our ground is mostly compacted granite and sand, and fairly easy to move in order to level the bottom boards. Once you get beyond that, the rest sounds pretty straight forward. I wouldn't think that securing it to the ground would be necessary, though, unless maybe you're in tornado or hurricane territory. I wasn't concerned it would blow away, but I was concerned with possible shifting. Maybe it won't be necessary. -- Wayne Boatwright ******************************************* Date: Monday, 09(IX)/01(I)/08(MMVIII) ******************************************* Today is: Labor Day Countdown till Labor Day -5hrs -42mins ******************************************* Illiterate? Write for FREE HELP! ******************************************* |
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