This project started last spring when I had my neighbor cut this Silver Maple down.  In August of 1999 I build this 10x12 building with a 10x11 deck.  In the middle of the deck was a tree.  And I thought hey that will look great and be so cool. 

 

Fast forward to 18 years more of growth and the tree is winning the battle against the deck.  Roots pushing on posts, circumference of the tree is now 26 inches and I have cut rafters underneath 7 times to accommodate the tree.

 

Frankly my great idea had a limited lifetime.  So I took the deck apart, posts and all and down the tree came.

 

 

 

Waited till spring this year and started on getting rid of the stump.

 

 

 

Got that stump and some pesky roots out of the way.  Now all the mistakes I made in the first build attempt come to light.  Under that building I had poured concrete between the posts.  Great idea and that has been nice when getting under it for repairs and such.  BUT I only closed in three sides.  The cats have been getting underneath the building through the hole under the deck.  So my first order of business was to fix this mistake.  I laid a concrete foundation and then added some blocks.  Even remembered to put two conduits for the power.

 

    

 

 

 

With that done I laid the post again.  This time I sunk them 2 feet down. Don't even want to talk about how deep they were previously.  To keep weeds out and make it easier to do the yard I laid a concrete foundation 1 inch under the deck level.  Trying to keep that pesky water issue at bay.

 

 

I saved a good portion of the previous deck boards so only a few new ones had to be bought.  Someone gave me 2 gallons of deck stain so I gave everything 2 coats before, and sometimes right after assembly.

 

 

Also added some more post to support the ramp to the deck.  Over 52 inches I had to come up about 3 inches up to meet level with deck.  Too small for a step, unless I wanted to kill myself so a ramp seemed better.

 

 

Still working on this, I get about 2 hours a night, and two t-shirts soaked through in the current hot and humid Ga summer.

Edited July 9, 20196 yr by Woodbutcherbynight

Looks like it’s gonna be a great place to have some cold ones, when you are finished.

That is quite a project you have going on there Gunny.  Quite the "10x12 building" also; is it mother-in-law quarters or something?

How are the boys doing at their respective academies?  A salute out to both of them.

 

Too bad about that tree. Bet it supplied nice shade.

 

New deck lookin' good!

14 hours ago, Cal said:

Quite the "10x12 building" also; is it mother-in-law quarters or something?

It's where I hide the hot tub.

 

14 hours ago, Cal said:

How are the boys doing at their respective academies? 

Both have started mini boot camp experience.  I don't expect to hear from them for a week.  They have to use old fashioned mail.

But I do have there addresses so I will be sending some stuff out end of week.

14 hours ago, Cal said:

A salute out to both of them

Thanks, they can take up the torch from here, did my time for King and Country so to speak.

 

16 hours ago, Artie said:

when you are finished.

Sometime this century I am hoping

 

12 hours ago, lew said:

Too bad about that tree. Bet it supplied nice shade.

It was nice while it lasted, hated to do it but it posed a threat to the house and the deck.  

Really too bad about that tree.  That should have been wonderful shade.  And, now cut down, should be milled and sticked in that great shed.  It would make some really good lumber.  Coat the ends with Anchor Seal or multiple coats of latex paint.  

 

Great job on the new deck.  That appears that it will be sturdy.

 

You'll also greatly appreciate that ramp as you age.  Just in the event you may need some help with mobility, that ramp will be the ticket.  Or, if you want to move heavy items in or out of your shop, that ramp will make a real difference.  As I have aged, I am adapting to making it easier for me.  

23 minutes ago, FlGatorwood said:

Or, if you want to move heavy items in or out of your shop, that ramp will make a real difference. 

Already reaping the rewards.  My plastic cart with tools makes a nice smooth transition as I bring it out each evening to work.

 

24 minutes ago, FlGatorwood said:

And, now cut down, should be milled and sticked in that great shed.

It got milled, guy needed it for a project he wanted to do.  We bartered a deal for it, both sides walked away happy. 

Further progress in this project.  Got the deck assembled.  Then began working on the 3ftx6ft storage closet.

 

 

 

   

 

 

What is the small building going to be ? Out House?

29 minutes ago, Gerald said:

What is the small building going to be ?

Storage for deck chairs and a small folding table.

 

30 minutes ago, Gerald said:

Out House?

Now I had not thought of that but maybe half can redesigned to accommodate.

Roof installed, despite the rain.

 

I'm looking for something to protect that chip board.  All that I've ever had rotted in 10 years or less.  They roofed my garage with it because it was code to withstand 140 mph winds.  Before 10 years were up, I had rotten decking that could be easily seen from inside.  Called a roofer and had everything removed and decking is now 3/4" roofing decking plywood.  Inspector failed it, but it will be there when both of us are looking at the underside of the grass.  

Are you going to install doors?  I like that you have some electricity to it and the one emergency rest room idea is great and convenient.  

23 hours ago, FlGatorwood said:

I'm looking for something to protect that chip board.  All that I've ever had rotted in 10 years or less.

The building the deck is attached to is made of same stuff. Built in August 1999.  Here is what steps I took to keep that issue at bay.

Caulked every edge of OSB before installation, and let cure for 2 days.  Then caulked again when installing.  Painted all outside edges before install with oil based Kilz.  Then painted with latex 2 coats after install.  Used something like Tyvek on the corners and the windows.  Put 10" tin splash guard up at the bottom before installing Styrofoam for vinyl siding.

 

So far when inspected no rot issues except a trim board around door I seem to have forgotten to seal up at the bottom.  Minor issue, fixed on this refurb, correctly this time.

 

This closet gets same treatment.  I have the time and patience to do it now rather than burn more time later.

23 hours ago, FlGatorwood said:

Are you going to install doors? 

  Yes should be two 30 inch or little less doors.  They will be at 6 ft tall so custom doors are in order.

 

23 hours ago, FlGatorwood said:

They roofed my garage with it because it was code to withstand 140 mph winds.

Did they install drip edge all around the plywood edges?  I picked this up some time ago and have been using it since.

No progress today.  Had to stop and clean the mess up some so work can continue and not look like a disaster area everywhere else.  Was 90F today easily, went through 4 t-shirts and two pairs of pants, soaked through completely.  Drank gallons of water to stay hydrated.  

 

I do miss having one of the boys around.  Had to haul 14 wheel barrow loads of dirt to the back yard mulch pile.  I ain't 20 anymore...

Finally finished before dark and can get some updates done.

 

Ran the power wire as I built the deck so power is already available and run from one side to the other.  At the moment I just needed a light so I ran an outlet in the ceiling which will stay.  It is switched, and will be like my shop lights. Install lights with a plug and you can fix or change anytime you want because no hard wiring, just an outlet. @Artie  I even used 12 gauge wire.  Still have outlets to run and a power wire to a light pole I will be adding once done with the doors.  I intend to light up the backyard with three  20watt LED floodlights mounted at the top of a 14 ft pole.  Haven't gotten around to welding up the 2 inch square pipe and brackets yet.  But I did put braces in the wall between the studs, used 2 x 6's that should hold.  

 

 

Next I sealed the OSB with paint I had extra, oddly it matched the siding color so a bonus not that it mattered.

 

 

 

 

Had to get a roll of trim coil, I needed 8 feet, had to buy the entire 50 ft roll.  Okay so now I have extra, a lot of it.  Borrowed a friends metal brake and made the pieces then installed.  The siding I got from a house that was condemned by the county.  Guy let me tear as much as I wanted off and it was light blue.  Certainly not an exact match but close enough for me.  Had to buy a couple of corner pieces and despite my best efforts I still have to get some "J" channel for around both doors. 

 

 

   

 

 

So on now to the doorways.  Managed to get them installed and all sealed up but no paint.  Only so much time in a day.

 

 

Looking Good!!!!! 

Looking really Good!!!!

Edited July 29, 20196 yr by LarryS

Re: OSB roofing--my boards rotted in the middle of the sheet.  Yes, the put the metal flashing around the roof according to code, but if the roof leaked in the middle anywhere, the first indication was black mold and in a couple of months, it began to sag.  

 

Back to thread:  Really nice plan and excellently executed.  Love it, totally.

Great job.  Looking forward to seeing the doors installed.  

2 hours ago, FlGatorwood said:

OSB roofing--my boards rotted in the middle of the sheet.  Yes, the put the metal flashing around the roof according to code, but if the roof leaked in the middle anywhere, the first indication was black mold and in a couple of months, it began to sag.

Interesting problem you had.  That it happened so fast makes me believe installation issue but who knows right?  In any event I built access panels in the eves to check the roofs for leaks or run wiring to add lights.  I will keep an eye on it.

 

3 hours ago, FlGatorwood said:

Looking forward to seeing the doors installed. 

Me too, I am still considering a few options for method of build.  Typically for a shed I use 1 1/2" square stock and sheath it with 1/4 plywood on both sides.  But being that this is close to the nice door on the building I am thinking a bit more fancy.  Don't need windows but perhaps some faux windows?

Hey Gunny, sure wish we were closer... I sent a small batch of very similar siding - even in color - to the landfill over the past month.  And it was in good shape  I had listed it on Craigslist for free but had no takers.  And, I also had to buy a roll of trim coil for about 10' - doesn't it always go like that?  I spent last week at Lake Lanier and Flowery Branch, I "could" have dropped it off for you on my way by...

 

The whole deck project is coming along nicely.  Well thought out and executed

Curiosity question--I see a hole under the shed in the support beam.  Or, is that an optical illusion?  It appears to be perfect for raccoons or opossums or some such creators.  I hope that I am not seeing correctly.  I do need to have my vision checked.  It's been a couple of years and I can tell I need some correction.  Anyway, back to the thread, no judgment intended, just trying to figure it out.