![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLySM8LQckbZB9cAn1q8DeHTSzsI3CvIZSjUbzG1Li8MCWqTmBJEHd33PVUh3bHMnGzunnAq-juzJ-70qpXfKpgzDfstXbsrCgtYelngnevXi3OW1628iSmg1fSduJ-YRGPe0DvQxLn0TW/s320/DSC00259.JPG) |
Ipe shining in the sun |
If you are in the construction trades there are projects and there are PROJECTS. For a few reasons I have to say I am pretty happy that this project came along when it did. It broke the bland of the last few projects. Commercial work is great for consistency but leaves some things lacking. I started this project in march of 2017 and one thing grew to another, before we knew it the deck was added to the list. This home has a spectacular view, and immaculate landscaping. The home owner wanted to finish off the last piece of the puzzle and have a worry free area to entertain.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDg7382cJa1hkV3gM9mBvBW7DPR77Y4EFJTn_D0USkd7Qt3ekrpNIoBP_UTyqA4KWhWepg_J2dQ5Y6hRWmq49MC-quZPfY6cNC2_3ajb8Zdq8PolSRipegArcRS8cuOyWyj8gMNvYHKvah/s320/DSC00218.JPG) |
before old pt |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxc6tIQ6lVW79EBV2cjNd214t2q7s34FwsFoFDsDcF_CKd2fVGj9kfG571D6CX6KSsuoQdg2kjKCrXPcK7_nihsdlsPY4K65TY4-fKpF-csv00t9dLVI1xR_cghF3RE1CpW__SqFKn9-ta/s320/DSC00223.JPG) |
before old pt |
The deck was pressure treated with the normal railing for the area and it was at the end of its usable life span, splintering was becoming an issue, between smaller children and pets this was going to start to become unacceptable. Several materials were purposed, from trex to thermally modified ash, some long discussions were had, pros and cons weighted in the end Ipe was chosen,
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG47M-4IQtJoUK7d1Y3nQrdahLwVUYECcSh5xB6_prZEzK4msfgl9wJofTGeq-9ywZay656szfgXyHgRzH-mRQzpzktFUk2Klb4PrBf0KVbtZfLK18VzKRVJLFDThxVmIvPK3GQay6VGON/s320/DSC00295.JPG) |
newly rebuilt stairs |
Ipe is tropical hardwood, extremely dense and incredibly hard it noticeably wears down sharp tools and bits. With a crisp sharp blade the cut edge will cut slice skin and the splinters are rather annoying. but its absolutely stunning. I said earlier this couldn't have come along at a better time for me. I was a bit burnt out to be honest. I had just wrapped up a over a year at a chemical company redoing labs and spaces for them. It was a great environment the people we worked hand in hand with were awesome but it was an hour and half drive each way. And trying to balance that and still have a live when you you leave at 6am and dont see your house till 7pm can wear you down easily. I was fried, tired and burnt out, there was so no drive or inspiration. This project was one that reminding me what I enjoy about this job, there is always a joy to updating a space, but when you get to use some amazing materials and the clients have some amazing vision its a great thing. the outdoor space that they envisioned and we were able to bring to life was great. and hearing that its better than imagined is damn nice as well.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTHv0oJXJGozksc4d__RxM8U4jJbc_QML7wPkbdWtEWQx0hZJVV2QZvLXgMGeqGdaVqHWDyU7K8TAc2uouaaSBvuUyEFJap13t9n2LRWrDSlYSJXJb8l8vIqQ6R5zPryszli_LQdQvS46/s1600/20707937_1424027527634250_5357144394018135376_n.jpg) |
you can see we tried to keep any pattern out of the cuts and keep them spaced apart as much as possible |
So lets talk shop a bit on this deck. Total 4 sets of steps, 2 smaller, 1 circular and 1 decent run. we preoiled all the boards and I pulled the more interesting ones for the stairs, any with heavy figure or really interesting grain, these would have gotten lost in the deck field so i wanted to highlight them. these were all full 16' so minimizing waste as well as spacing cuts to break up the look was important I cant stand when it looks like a roofer installed things. looks great for shingles not so much for anything else. Every place two boards butted together I cut a slight 45s on the edge to make sure that as the deck aged splinters and edges would be minimized it also cleaned the look up nicely. The deck was pretty simple hidden clips in the side screwed down to each joist. all the joists taped with gtape protective flashing since the framing was original and the ipe has a long lifespan.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYeKuIDJjylUkT4UwtoZqFyMWuw806FZQT3dEAVMViw8EV6QMAuQAZumqk7I9frd6GII-a4uAQ6qOn_VcGpwFn5XPp1VdcScuYohDTxWQQogubEh6Gf75zw_oGLtuQIno5VGMxCxZhQ96q/s400/DSC00283.JPG) |
lighting doing it thing, the leds really throw a nice light |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCUndIVsp_SOvFJCnGaGJfAO3YtdePoRBd1bWAyiXNCTGwC_lABeyQfTdTBgsT_fzEsb0mYuG6a9BrLJ0DAcsoqaiBl5Vp_p2XQPTGTELeWK1U7v3ayUx1MJ17pWizaIz_yV-v8vjeJ9d/s1600/DSC00292.JPG) |
the pavillion area starting to take shape in the back ground |
Next post We get into the pavillion area I might have to take a trip out to the property and get some pictures seems like im missing a few of the ones I thought I had.
Comments
Post a Comment