November 12, 2009

Sunsetter Awning Sale

I know this pic is a bit tacky for the brownstone crowd but Sunsetter awnings are very high quality and they are running a pretty decent sale for awnings that's be great for a deck.

www.sunsetter.com

October 20, 2009

Pics of Metal Decks?

We're going to do a (legal) metal deck on the parlor floor of our brownstone with stairs down to the garden, but am looking to see what interesting solutions people have come up with, and what design choices are out there. Anyone have pictures of their beautiful decks? Or suggestions where to look?

October 1, 2009

II Floor Deck

Anyone done one of these (ie one floor above parlor, which has a deck already?) Advice? Very difficult?

There are two condo-ized brownstones down the street that have them, and the support steel looks awesome. Don't remember a crane tho' so must've been built in-place.

September 30, 2009

Rooftop Deck

If I'm getting an expediter to file a deck proposal with the DOB, do I need the design to be signed off on by an architect? Does the Expediter do this? I have an auto-cad design that was originally done by an architect who is no longer available, and we need to make some very simple alterations to the plan. I'm wondering if I can just have a non-architect make the changes and then have an expediter sign off on them. Anyone have any advice?

September 28, 2009

Ipe Deck seal

We had a deck installed last week. They coated it with Anchorseal
http://www.uccoatings.com/Home/Products/ANCHORSEAL
(I just found that out today).

It still hasnt dried and it also rained in the last two days and the Anchorseal has gone this white color.

Upon researching Anchorseal Ive realized that it should never have been used in the first place.

My question is when the contractor comes back tomorrow, what are my options?

Did they ruin the wood and do we have to rip it up.
Can it be cleaned off
Can it be sanded off.
Right now it has the same consistency as if they just painted Vaseline on it?

Any insight would be appreciated.

August 28, 2009

How to install this mosaic tile?

We are going to remodel our bathroom and would like to install this beautiful tile on the wall. I like the tiles very much and my husband and i have no idea how to install these tiles. Could anyone help?
Another question, we found the tiles on this website: http://www.builderelements.com/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=26&cat=Crystal+Glass+Mosaic&page=3#productpage

Anyone ever brought tiles from them? What about their service?

Thanks.

August 7, 2009

cleaning/waterproofing deck

I am cleaning wooden (pressure treated) deck.
I am new for this process so sorry for silly questions.

I use cleaner and power washer on Thursday morning to clear top sides of all boards. I plan to put waterproofer this Saturday.
Any particular recommendation of waterproofer?
Can I use spray gun to put it on? Should I put waterproofer on the top and sides? Should I put it on the bottom of the boards as well?

There is PM showers expected tomorrow. Should I cover deck with the tarp to protect new waterproofer from rain. I know it sounds desperate, but I really straggled to find five rein-less days this summer.

I rented the 2000PSI gas powered power washer from HomeDepot for $55/4 hours. I do not want to go though this rental drill again. Should I buy a cheap electric powerwasher (i.e. 1600PSI) for the future work like this?

thanks

July 24, 2009

Fence and Deck Recs

I have a truncated rectangular deck measuring 9'x15'which we're renovating. I'd like a wood platform and a 3'cable wire and post perimeter fence to replace the chainlink. Any recommendations? Ideas of cost? Thanks all.

July 22, 2009

Recommendation: Deck Builder

I had an ipe deck with a cedar fence built two years ago by Steve Rayboy, a Brooklynite who runs his own company, Urban Exteriors (www.urbanexteriors.biz). Steve is a masterful carpenter who is incredibly dedicated to precision and detail and the use of fine materials. (He's also a very intelligent and good guy--and reliable, fast, clean.) The deck is beautifully built, and my family and I continue to get a ton of pleasure from it. Steve's prices are not low but they are fair and honest, and he takes complete responsibility for doing a great job. Two years later, I'm convinced the deck was a great investment, both for my family's enjoyment and for the value of the property. (I liked his work so much I hired Steve to build bookshelves in my house in the off-season.) I can't recommend Steve too highly; I'd bet he's the best there is.

July 9, 2009

Roof Deck Materials?

We are finally ready to do our roof deck. But we are having trouble deciding on materials. Does anyone have recommendations for railings (that go with a traditional brownstone aesthetic) and decking material. We have already put in all the structural supports. We also like the idea of using planters as railings, but we aren't sure they will pass the BD inspections. Does anyone have some pictures they can share with us. And yes, we know it won't be cheap. Thanks

Forum: Decks