Missoula Home Remodel - Deck and Slider (part 4)
Last night (due to 100-degree heat) I started working on the decking. We chose cedar as we plan on some fencing and a gazebo using the same wood and the maintenance isn’t that difficult for our deck design. I worked late in the night until nearly 1AM and then needed sleep for my workday, but managed to get the flashing down, almost half the decking installed and stained the top of the joists and outer rim boards.
Beneath the slider I installed L-shaped flashing to allow water to run over the ledger and prevent any rotting or water collection behind the trim (when I install some).
My shipment of cedar decking arrived late in the afternoon and I stacked the pieces and prepared for installation that evening.
A trick I learned was to run some stain on top of all the joists to protect them from water damage over time. Water can collect under the decking on top of the joists and this will prevent rotting and improve wear. Also, if you apply the decking before completely drying, it acts as a partial glue and may help prevent creaking. Another trick is to gap the boards about 1/8 inch apart to allow for adequate air flow and a place to sweep off debris. Using a speed square, it makes it convenient as it will rest on the boards and you just slide it along for a nice consistent gap.
I managed to secure almost 1/2 of the decking the first night but it was getting late. I’ll secure the rest tonight and trim and stain tomorrow mid-morning (when no bugs are out) and the deck should be ready to use by Sunday.
In parallel, I hired a Bobcat operator to clear out the dirt and prepare the adjacent area for a concrete patio, extending our outdoor area another 30 feet. We’re also installing a new path and sidewalk from the garage and it all should be done by Tuesday.
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