A DIY Weekend Warrior Builds a Deck

Simpson Solid-Tie Vendor Income Representative Andrew Slezak expended his weekends for the previous five months performing on constructing the deck of his goals employing our Simpson Potent-Tie components. Discover what went into his Do-it-yourself deck establish and how he cannot hold out to expend far more time outdoor this summer season.  

It all commenced when my fiancée, Hannah, and I moved into our new home. The previous deck was aged and needed to go. As a semi-specialist Do it yourself weekend warrior with 1 far too a lot of projects at one time, I told Hannah, “Pff, babe, it’ll take like a weekend or two. 3 weekends at the most …” Properly, 5 months later, I can finally say the deck venture was concluded and Hannah is incredibly energized.  

I have been with Simpson Solid-Tie since March of 2020 and I can definitely say that I like getting element of a organization that has wonderful values, presents you a function/lifestyle balance and will make you come to feel like component of a group. I have learned so considerably since I have been in this article and have met a great deal of fantastic men and women. As a vendor product sales rep, I appreciate interacting with shoppers and educating men and women about our merchandise. So I was thrilled that I got the option to use a vast wide range of our goods for my individual deck establish.

For setting up this create, I utilized our totally free Deck Planner Software™ to just take the eyesight I had in my head and deliver it to daily life. I appreciated using the application it was uncomplicated to use, and it gave me a good strategy of what I desired my deck to glimpse like. I also had some exterior assistance as well from my uncle and Simpson Solid-Tie reps (many thanks, Jonathan).  

As for the make by itself, I fixed all of the deck boards on my deck with our Quik Drive® vehicle-feed screw driving process. I was ready to fasten down 140 sq. toes of deck boards although standing up within just two several hours in 1 weekend. Devoid of the Quik Drive, it would have been at minimum two weekends of intermittent operate (let’s be actual, likely a few).

For the compensated skilled whose time is income, making use of the Quik Generate is a no brainer. I used our Out of doors Accents® items, which includes the ornamental publish caps (APDPC), T strap (APT), L strap tie (APL), flat strap (APST), and 90° angle (APA), for some crucial connection factors. The connectors designed signing up for almost everything fast and quick. I also applied the deck pressure tie (DTT2Z) to protected my guardrail submit to the deck.

The Out of doors Accents put up bases (APB) are secured with the 5/8″ x 5″ 304SS Titen HD® bolts. Just one of the most typical failure factors on a deck is the guardrails, due to the fact they’re just lag-bolted collectively. On the other hand, my guardrails are extremely rigid with the deck stress tie link, and I absolutely adore it.  

Now that the deck is performed, we’re thrilled to have so much extra outside residing house to entertain with and to love. Created with Simpson Strong-Tie hardware, I know this deck is harmless, sturdy and designed to previous a extensive time. My dad jokes about how, if a tornado at any time strike the house, the dwelling would be long gone but the deck wouldn’t transfer. As for my subsequent job, I have a number of in the performs. I’m performing on constructing a retaining wall and parking pad. But what I’m most psyched about making is a sustainable butterfly back garden. So stay tuned!