Prospecter
Well-known member
My shop mini-split, installed, was about 6k. Easily handles the 24x30 space, summer and winter. I think the AC only ones are less.
Below 265 SQ/FT DRIVESITFAR IS GETTING ORGANIZED in his 9x15 portion of 2 car garage. DIY’s & COOL VI
- Thread starter drivesitfar
- Start date
All workspaces below 265 squarefeet.
OP
drivesitfar
Well-known member
P: Thanks for the info!!
Here’s another idea or question. Since I have this old unused bbq area in my living room with about a 2x2 foot opening I’m wondering if it might be possible for me to install a small AC unit in this space and drill a venting hole out the back to the outside of my house? (Instead of going up and out which is about 8-10 foot)
Then we’d have one room with AC available during the hot days we’d like to stay home.
It’s been drizzling rain the last few days so I’m doing a lot of thinking about how to install railings and the two big steps off upper deck to main deck. Anybody installed timbertech aluminum railing and have some tips I’m all ears. I did pick up this cool little jig for installing the railing that looks like it works great. Not cheap at $34 but all my railing should end up at exactly the same height and keep my OCD satisfied.
Hope you all enjoy your weekend!!
Here’s another idea or question. Since I have this old unused bbq area in my living room with about a 2x2 foot opening I’m wondering if it might be possible for me to install a small AC unit in this space and drill a venting hole out the back to the outside of my house? (Instead of going up and out which is about 8-10 foot)
Then we’d have one room with AC available during the hot days we’d like to stay home.
It’s been drizzling rain the last few days so I’m doing a lot of thinking about how to install railings and the two big steps off upper deck to main deck. Anybody installed timbertech aluminum railing and have some tips I’m all ears. I did pick up this cool little jig for installing the railing that looks like it works great. Not cheap at $34 but all my railing should end up at exactly the same height and keep my OCD satisfied.
Hope you all enjoy your weekend!!
OP
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Here’s the bbq hole in case any of you handy smart HVAC guys might have some suggestions. The back wall is concrete block about 8 inches thick to the south side of my house about 6 foot off the ground.
The forecast has it being 90 degrees here in about 10 days.
The forecast has it being 90 degrees here in about 10 days.
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I guess you could core drill for a vent and use a portable unit
OP
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Also if any of you know of a good AC small unit that I can research please mention the brand and or model number please do.
Any good Small Air Conditioning threads I could and or should look at to learn more please mention them and or include the link.
Or I’ll start one as I research this myself cause I’m sure I’m not the only person that doesn’t think window AC units are safe and good security for your home. And as much as I’d love to spend all my time in our bedroom I think having the living room, dining room and kitchen cool makes more sense.
Thanks again everyone in advance for your tips and for following along
Any good Small Air Conditioning threads I could and or should look at to learn more please mention them and or include the link.
Or I’ll start one as I research this myself cause I’m sure I’m not the only person that doesn’t think window AC units are safe and good security for your home. And as much as I’d love to spend all my time in our bedroom I think having the living room, dining room and kitchen cool makes more sense.
Thanks again everyone in advance for your tips and for following along
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Windows are too easy to break for me to worry about the security from a window a/c
OP
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Kinda like a master lock padlock isn’t it? If someone wants to get in they will but I like to think the idiots like to take the easier path so anything a person can do to cause a delay or a problem for them can help.
I did an initial search for small AC units and have yet to find a good one so I might start a new thread and see what I can find or maybe find an hvac expert with some ideas.
Funny talking about AC when it’s pouring rain and mid 50’s at the minute but it’s going to warm this summer here
I did an initial search for small AC units and have yet to find a good one so I might start a new thread and see what I can find or maybe find an hvac expert with some ideas.
Funny talking about AC when it’s pouring rain and mid 50’s at the minute but it’s going to warm this summer here
OP
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Hot weather is coming to the PNW so still looking for a great solution to our lack of AC but I’m sure we will be ok with the 3 big fans for another year or so if no AC solution found.
I want to give a big shout out to the guys making YouTube videos about installing cause with the purchase of this $35 jig (tools and trade decks snd carpentry invented and showed how to use) and some very good tips from Dr Decks and several others my bride and I were able to install all the timbertech black aluminum railing in a day. It also comes in white but my bride thought black would look much better and I think she’s right again.
The lawn could use another layer of good top soil and compost with more seed and the use of my new $50 leveling tool but it’s starting to look like a lawn again. This leveling tool was a lucky buy cause I just bought the most popular one on Amazon that was also on sale and it’s built like we’d expect from tools 50+ years ago. Thick gauge, nice paint and adjustable 6 foot handle with a nice grip on it.
Here’s to another good day above dirt.
I want to give a big shout out to the guys making YouTube videos about installing cause with the purchase of this $35 jig (tools and trade decks snd carpentry invented and showed how to use) and some very good tips from Dr Decks and several others my bride and I were able to install all the timbertech black aluminum railing in a day. It also comes in white but my bride thought black would look much better and I think she’s right again.
The lawn could use another layer of good top soil and compost with more seed and the use of my new $50 leveling tool but it’s starting to look like a lawn again. This leveling tool was a lucky buy cause I just bought the most popular one on Amazon that was also on sale and it’s built like we’d expect from tools 50+ years ago. Thick gauge, nice paint and adjustable 6 foot handle with a nice grip on it.
Here’s to another good day above dirt.
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Jayman17
Well-known member
Drives, that railing really finishes off your deck nicely! Well done. Do the posts tie into the framing below or just attach to the decking?
OP
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Jay: thank you and I totally agree that the extra money to buy a pre constructed aluminum railing is well worth it.
As you can see in pics before timbertech decking was installed that I planned for mounting the posts in 4x8’s or 2 2x8’s that were then taped with 12 inch g tape.
One thing to mention when we ordered the railing we had a choice if buying 5 6 foot sections and hoping it would be enough for our 30 foot 9 inch deck or buying 4 8 foot sections or 4 6 foot and one 8 footer. We took a chance and bought 5 6 footers and it’s a couple inches more from the end on south side than north but I didn’t have to cut any railing. We also put the railing together in 2-3 sections at a time before bolting the posts to the deck. It’s not perfection but not bad for a couple that build a deck every 30+ years.
For some of you that think it rains all the time in the PNW you can be correct some years but May was amazing with temps in the 60’s mostly and less than about 10 days of rain. June is maybe even better so far and no rain and nice temps for the next couple weeks.
As you can see in pics before timbertech decking was installed that I planned for mounting the posts in 4x8’s or 2 2x8’s that were then taped with 12 inch g tape.
One thing to mention when we ordered the railing we had a choice if buying 5 6 foot sections and hoping it would be enough for our 30 foot 9 inch deck or buying 4 8 foot sections or 4 6 foot and one 8 footer. We took a chance and bought 5 6 footers and it’s a couple inches more from the end on south side than north but I didn’t have to cut any railing. We also put the railing together in 2-3 sections at a time before bolting the posts to the deck. It’s not perfection but not bad for a couple that build a deck every 30+ years.
For some of you that think it rains all the time in the PNW you can be correct some years but May was amazing with temps in the 60’s mostly and less than about 10 days of rain. June is maybe even better so far and no rain and nice temps for the next couple weeks.
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mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Those temps are perfect. And fantastic work on the deck!
OP
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Thanks Mike for taking the time to post a few good words!!
Hey guys (and gals if any are following my thread) I’d like to give a huge shout out to our local hardware lumber company (Dunn Lumber) because they not only provide superior products their customer service is a big notch above any others in our area.
Anyway we had a couple damaged parts of the railing sections and they were replaced immediately and we finished our railing section and it looks amazing now.
I’m in the process of building two big steps 6.5 inches high and 16.75 deep so we can finish installing the timbertech on our small upper deck.
Since TV and movies have been so so lately with not much on we’ve been doing a puzzle or two a week that I’ve been picking up here and there on Craigslist and offerup. I honestly think puzzling helps keep the stress of remodeling at a manageable level and I think it helps keep your brain sharp while solving problems.
Hope you all have a grand evening!!
Hey guys (and gals if any are following my thread) I’d like to give a huge shout out to our local hardware lumber company (Dunn Lumber) because they not only provide superior products their customer service is a big notch above any others in our area.
Anyway we had a couple damaged parts of the railing sections and they were replaced immediately and we finished our railing section and it looks amazing now.
I’m in the process of building two big steps 6.5 inches high and 16.75 deep so we can finish installing the timbertech on our small upper deck.
Since TV and movies have been so so lately with not much on we’ve been doing a puzzle or two a week that I’ve been picking up here and there on Craigslist and offerup. I honestly think puzzling helps keep the stress of remodeling at a manageable level and I think it helps keep your brain sharp while solving problems.
Hope you all have a grand evening!!
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OP
drivesitfar
Well-known member
I spent more than a few hours figuring out the big two steps with my bride. We used to have 3 steps cause when we built it originally over 30 years ago we had a 3 year old and 6 month old twins along with a couple teenage boys.
I’m hoping to end up with 2 steps that are 3 Timbertech boards wide so 16.75 each with a 6.5 inch rise. We also used to have steps that went to both walls but now my bride wants a 5 foot area for a workbench so to speak where she can have her garden stuff and a working area for harvest time. So I’ll square off the north end about 5+ feet short of the wall and redo the hardie plank on both sides.
To make the angles and lengths of step boxes easier to calculate we put down some painters tape for the first step and we’ll probably do that again for the second one.
It’s slow progress but it’s progress so thanks for following along.
Another great 80 degree day here so hope you all enjoyed yours as much.
I’m hoping to end up with 2 steps that are 3 Timbertech boards wide so 16.75 each with a 6.5 inch rise. We also used to have steps that went to both walls but now my bride wants a 5 foot area for a workbench so to speak where she can have her garden stuff and a working area for harvest time. So I’ll square off the north end about 5+ feet short of the wall and redo the hardie plank on both sides.
To make the angles and lengths of step boxes easier to calculate we put down some painters tape for the first step and we’ll probably do that again for the second one.
It’s slow progress but it’s progress so thanks for following along.
Another great 80 degree day here so hope you all enjoyed yours as much.
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sawduststeve
Well-known member
Hi Drives.
Just caught up on your ongoing endeavours and your front lawn looks perfect. Not easy work but definitely good work.
Black railings always look the part, good choice, and the decking looks like a great space to be, very nice.
There’s a ton of stuff on the tv right now, just the
World Cup.
Steve
Just caught up on your ongoing endeavours and your front lawn looks perfect. Not easy work but definitely good work.
Black railings always look the part, good choice, and the decking looks like a great space to be, very nice.
There’s a ton of stuff on the tv right now, just the
World Cup.
Steve
OP
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Steve: I wish you could beam your skills into my body for a couple weeks. You sir are a wood artist and I’m more of a wood butcher but I keep trying to improve my skills. I have learned how to grow grass from seed or sod and my little 70 year old craftsman push mower does a nice job and it sure is quiet.
I used the tape to get the precise measurements and make one side’s lower step today and I’m hoping the other side goes equally as smoothly. This portion is dead flat and level so hoping the other side is as well as I get the connection the middle to look ok.
Since we’ve got pretty active older kids and very active grandkids I decided to make the joists or blocking 8 inches on center. I recall after we built the original deck 30+ years ago that not only does the deck get a ton of use but my son and his friends used to skateboard off and onto the old steps that were still pretty solid when removed.
It was another cloudy morning and a terrific sunny afternoon in the low 80’s here today.
I used the tape to get the precise measurements and make one side’s lower step today and I’m hoping the other side goes equally as smoothly. This portion is dead flat and level so hoping the other side is as well as I get the connection the middle to look ok.
Since we’ve got pretty active older kids and very active grandkids I decided to make the joists or blocking 8 inches on center. I recall after we built the original deck 30+ years ago that not only does the deck get a ton of use but my son and his friends used to skateboard off and onto the old steps that were still pretty solid when removed.
It was another cloudy morning and a terrific sunny afternoon in the low 80’s here today.
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OP
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Ollie: I didn’t see a post. It I did see you had time to catch up on my doings so thanks for stopping by. I need to make more time to catch up with your thread catch you do awesome quality work with the best tools.
I couldn’t figure out an easy way to make a frame with blocking in it for the other side of our first steps cause angles and not plumb in spots made it even tougher. So I built it in place and still have a few boards and some screws to add before I can build the second step.
I was shooting for 32.5 inches in the framing but with the angles and bit perfectly straight treated wood I ended up at 33 so 1/4 inch extra for each step I can live with. We put 3 timbertech boards on the first step that is done and we are very excited.
Happy Father’s Day (and grandfathers and great grandfathers day to some of you). And a big shout out to all the moms cause you surely deserve more than a day each year.
I couldn’t figure out an easy way to make a frame with blocking in it for the other side of our first steps cause angles and not plumb in spots made it even tougher. So I built it in place and still have a few boards and some screws to add before I can build the second step.
I was shooting for 32.5 inches in the framing but with the angles and bit perfectly straight treated wood I ended up at 33 so 1/4 inch extra for each step I can live with. We put 3 timbertech boards on the first step that is done and we are very excited.
Happy Father’s Day (and grandfathers and great grandfathers day to some of you). And a big shout out to all the moms cause you surely deserve more than a day each year.
OP
drivesitfar
Well-known member
I might have mentioned this before but my bride of 40 years now rarely questions me when I buy new tools to work on our home and this Makita track saw purchase was just another example.
I wasn’t sure if I wanted to start an 18 volt Makita tool collection and buy the 36 volt track saw or the really expensive 40v Makita tools so I bought the corded one. It came with a 39 inch track and Rockler had a sale on 2 55 inch tracks with connectors so I can now cut a 12 foot board in one cut. Since I was cutting the 30 foot edge of our timbertech decking before we installed the railing I’d already gave it a good test and it performed amazingly.
I needed to rip 2x8’s rough treated wood today to 6.5 inch for second step and I’d bought a 6.5 inch Diablo rough cut lumber blade that I replaced the original 60 tooth (48 tooth cause 60 tooth was on 40v I don’t own) blade in about 2 minutes. I decided to only use one 55 inch track and move it along cause eventually I’ll use these tracks and saw to make kitchen cabinets and didn’t want to damage all the tracks rubber gripping material. Hardly any damage to it thankfully on the one 55 inch track and I cut 3 12 footers to 6.5 inch like it was butter. For maybe 50 years I’ve rip cut with a skill or jig saw so the upgrade to me was unbelievable.
My bride started taping the bottom step with more g tape and I just need a couple more nailers installed then I’ll build the top step tomorrow.
If you’re thinking about buying a track saw I’d recommend Makita and since I’ve always loved their tools when I’ve used one I might start upgrading to their 18v tools (and sell or pass on my Ryobi and dewalt) cause I don’t think I need the 40volt power. Of course as Tim Allen used to say I could wire up a V8 to my tools and really make sure I had enough power.
I also used my old fien multi tool with a wood blade to cut out the old decking support that wasn’t needed anymore so I won’t have to work around it on the second step.
I wasn’t sure if I wanted to start an 18 volt Makita tool collection and buy the 36 volt track saw or the really expensive 40v Makita tools so I bought the corded one. It came with a 39 inch track and Rockler had a sale on 2 55 inch tracks with connectors so I can now cut a 12 foot board in one cut. Since I was cutting the 30 foot edge of our timbertech decking before we installed the railing I’d already gave it a good test and it performed amazingly.
I needed to rip 2x8’s rough treated wood today to 6.5 inch for second step and I’d bought a 6.5 inch Diablo rough cut lumber blade that I replaced the original 60 tooth (48 tooth cause 60 tooth was on 40v I don’t own) blade in about 2 minutes. I decided to only use one 55 inch track and move it along cause eventually I’ll use these tracks and saw to make kitchen cabinets and didn’t want to damage all the tracks rubber gripping material. Hardly any damage to it thankfully on the one 55 inch track and I cut 3 12 footers to 6.5 inch like it was butter. For maybe 50 years I’ve rip cut with a skill or jig saw so the upgrade to me was unbelievable.
My bride started taping the bottom step with more g tape and I just need a couple more nailers installed then I’ll build the top step tomorrow.
If you’re thinking about buying a track saw I’d recommend Makita and since I’ve always loved their tools when I’ve used one I might start upgrading to their 18v tools (and sell or pass on my Ryobi and dewalt) cause I don’t think I need the 40volt power. Of course as Tim Allen used to say I could wire up a V8 to my tools and really make sure I had enough power.
I also used my old fien multi tool with a wood blade to cut out the old decking support that wasn’t needed anymore so I won’t have to work around it on the second step.
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OP
drivesitfar
Well-known member
By the way I did mention to my bride that I will be selling some of my extra tools and doing plenty of ORGANIZING after we finish the deck project. I usually never tried to buy new tools or stuff if funds were tight which they were for years hence me not buying a new Tablesaw or track saw years ago.
Also for you younger people just getting into DIY new tools are great but like new or even used tools off the many different websites and apps is a great way to get started.
For instance the old Ryobi blue 18v tools are still great and since the old batteries were **** they sell cheap and just buy new batteries at big box stores when on sale.
It’s going to get close to 90 today so I wish we had AC but fans are ok and cold showers after working outside all day are great.
Also for you younger people just getting into DIY new tools are great but like new or even used tools off the many different websites and apps is a great way to get started.
For instance the old Ryobi blue 18v tools are still great and since the old batteries were **** they sell cheap and just buy new batteries at big box stores when on sale.
It’s going to get close to 90 today so I wish we had AC but fans are ok and cold showers after working outside all day are great.
Prospecter
Well-known member
Right there with you. New tools is a relatively recent luxury. I got by for a long time on what I had, and purchases needed to be paid for out of savings on a project.
90 is much too hot for me. We've only had the heat pump for a few years now, but I am spoiled. Nice to sit in 70d. when outside temps are hot and muggy. Also really nice when air quality is bad.
90 is much too hot for me. We've only had the heat pump for a few years now, but I am spoiled. Nice to sit in 70d. when outside temps are hot and muggy. Also really nice when air quality is bad.
M.Brane
ALLIANCE MEMBER
You work with what you have. Upgrading tools over time as you can afford to have better quality, and learn what is more valuable. Plus less energy to deal with cheap junk.
Warming up here too. Low to mid 90s tomorrow. Fortunately cooling off a bit for the weekend since I have lots to catch up on after being gone last weekend.
Warming up here too. Low to mid 90s tomorrow. Fortunately cooling off a bit for the weekend since I have lots to catch up on after being gone last weekend.
OP
drivesitfar
Well-known member
I worked most of the day cutting and fitting in the second step and finished one side. Since I’m screwing everything together it’s taking more than a little more time (and money) but at 70 I’m not wanting to rebuild this old deck again.
Pics later of framed steps and hopefully with some timbertech boards on them.
Have a great day and do something fun or learn something (or pick a to do and do it).
Pics later of framed steps and hopefully with some timbertech boards on them.
Have a great day and do something fun or learn something (or pick a to do and do it).
Prospecter
Well-known member
So amazing how much time the fiddly bits take at the end of a project. The deck looks great, and I am sure you will finish strong.
OP
drivesitfar
Well-known member
P: you are so right on about that. I knew the steps would be a bit of a challenge but I think I have them ready to put timbertech on them after my bride tapes and our wet drizzly weather passes. Funny it’s about 90 today and over 100 out on the deck and the next few days will be mid 60’s and drizzling.
The second step is built and screwed in place and it’s ready to be taped and then timbertech installed. One thing I’m not a fan of is working in the rain when I have a choice. so while it’s drizzling I’ll do another project or a couple puzzles.
Here’s to hoping that you all had a nice weekend.
The second step is built and screwed in place and it’s ready to be taped and then timbertech installed. One thing I’m not a fan of is working in the rain when I have a choice. so while it’s drizzling I’ll do another project or a couple puzzles.
Here’s to hoping that you all had a nice weekend.
Nobody-named-Olli
Well-known member
Your deck is coming together nicely, drives! The steps are a whole project on their own, I really like the looks/placement, that’s gonna be killer looking once finished.
Kind regards,
Olli
Kind regards,
Olli