01-19-2006, 06:19 PM
In response to HADave's concerns about building in the rain. I'm a carpenter currently living in the Seattle-Tacoma area, and we get alot of rain here as well. If we couldn't build in the rain, we wouldn't be building anything. If you are using the proper subfloor/decking adhesive it will set up wet or not, just get a good bead on there and make sure your nailing is good(I like to go 4-6" on the perimeter and 12' in the field). If you have doubts about that method you can always screw your deck off(more time and expense, and not really worth it in my opinion). As long as you are not allowing standing water to stay on your deck for months, it will be fine.
When it comes to the best foudation/deck method, it's my opinion that concrete columns with subgrade footings with a slightly above grade slab, and a raised concrete deck to build off of is the way to go. At least that's how I'm going to do mine. You have a rock solid raised deck to build on, and depending on how much you want to raise the deck(8' for instance) you can have a garage/shop underneath your house. This is by no means a cheap foundation, but if built right will outlast you, your children, and their children, ect...
On top of that go metal studs for framing(termites have a hard time with these), and either metal or hardi plank siding (with wood trim to warm it up), and metal roof.
A house built this way will last many generations (unless of course Madam Pele decides she wants it).
Only 16 more days!!
Aloha,
Mark
When it comes to the best foudation/deck method, it's my opinion that concrete columns with subgrade footings with a slightly above grade slab, and a raised concrete deck to build off of is the way to go. At least that's how I'm going to do mine. You have a rock solid raised deck to build on, and depending on how much you want to raise the deck(8' for instance) you can have a garage/shop underneath your house. This is by no means a cheap foundation, but if built right will outlast you, your children, and their children, ect...
On top of that go metal studs for framing(termites have a hard time with these), and either metal or hardi plank siding (with wood trim to warm it up), and metal roof.
A house built this way will last many generations (unless of course Madam Pele decides she wants it).
Only 16 more days!!
Aloha,
Mark