wrote in message

1.DRILLING: What is the optimal drill type for drilling & counterboring
for 3/8" plugs? My current ideas a
a. drilling two separate holes: 3/8" carbide forstner bit for the plugs
and 3/16" carbide brad tipped for the screws or

I use either a forstner or brad point for the plug hole, then use the
approriate sized drill for the screw. I'd also use stainless screws with
square drive from McFeelys.



2. My existing deck is 25 years old. The framing is 2x10 treated @ 16"
centers and upon inspection it looks very sound- no rot/soft spots.
I'm not sure how to evaluate how many years may be left in it. Of
course, I don't want to put a 40 year deck on a frame with 10-15 years
left on it.

I'm thinking of doing the same thing on my deck in a year or so. The
structure is very sound the deck boards are getting crappy looking. Yes,
I'm going to leave the structure as it. It is sound and will probably last
longer than me. It dos not get the abuse that the horizintal surfaces get
from sun, snow, etc. I like mahogany with Penofin oil finish but iwll
consider Ipe also. This year it is just getting a coat of stain to prolong
it.
--
Ed
http://pages.cthome.net/edhome/.