Building a cedar terrace - global village style

This cedar terrace measures 14 feet by 16 feet. Built and resting directly on the ground, it is quick and easy to put together. Dedicated planting areas are incorporated for plants and flowers, which helps the deck blend in beautifully with its surroundings. The following points describe the main steps to follow. Refer to the plan for exact measurements and assembly instructions.

Though this structure is simple to assemble, care must be taken to ensure that the foundations are stable, to prevent the patio from moving. We suggest using concrete blocks to support the structure.
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Tools
Materials
Cutting plan
Elevations
Steps to follow
Important

Tools

  • Circular or Table saw
  • Driver drill
  • Hammer
  • Level
  • Measuring tape
  • Pencil
  • Rake
  • Shovel
  • Square
  • Vibrating plate or mechanical compactor

    • Materials

  • Concrete blocks 4" x 8" x 16"
  • 9 – 2" x 8" x 16’ cedar beams for the joists
  • 10 – 2" x 3" x 16’ treated wood for support beams
  • 6 – 2" x 3" x 8’ treated wood for support beams
  • 28 – 1 ¼" x 6" x 14’ cedar boards
  • 3", 2 ¼" and 1 ½" treated-wood screws
  • ¾" gravel
  • Geotextile membrane
  • String and stakes

    • Cutting plan

    Mark each piece clearly with the corresponding letter before assembling.
    null
    PARTSQUANTITYMATERIALDIMENSIONS (L)
    A - Joist42 X 8"189"
    B - Joist22X8"169 1/2"
    C - Joist32X8"165"
    D - Joist12X8"94 1/2"
    E - Joist12X8"68 1/2"
    F - Joist12X8"72"
    G - Joist22X8"24"
    H - Joist22X8"22 1/2"
    I - Joist12X8"46 1/2"
    J - Support beam25/4" X 6"2 3/4" X 189"
    K - Support beam65/4" X 6"2 3/4" X 165"
    L - Support beam25/4" X 6"2 3/4" X 141"
    M- Support beam25/4" X 6"2 3/4" X 94 1/2"
    N- Support beam45/4" X 6"2 3/4" X 68 1/2"
    O - Deck board1955/4" X 6"22 1/2"

    Elevations

    Steps to follow

    1. Mark out the perimeter of the terrace with a string and stakes, and excavate inside the perimeter to a depth of 5". Since the concrete blocks are 4" high, this means that the finished patio will be 1" below ground and 6 ½" above ground.
    2. Lay the parts on the ground in their final positions, but do not screw them together yet.
    3. Mark the location of the blocks with gravel, stones or a hole. Place one block at each corner and one every 5 feet. Remove the parts.
    4. Dig holes 24" x 24" wide and 12" deep for the blocks.
    5. Fill the holes with ¾" gravel in three successive layers of 4". Compact each layer with a vibrating plate or mechanical compactor.
    6. Spread a geotextile membrane over the entire exposed surface.
    7. Lay the blocks in the holes.
    8. Assemble the frame using 3" screws to secure the 2" x 8" x 169 ½" front and back joists to both ends of the 2" x 8" x 189" lateral joists (left and right sides). Lay on top of the concrete corner blocks.
    9. Screw the centre joists inside the frame 22 ½" apart using 3" screws, as indicated in the plan. Some must rest on concrete blocks for support.
    10. On both sides of the 2" x 8" centre joists, attach 2" x 3" support beams 1" from the top with 2 ¼" screws.
    11. Backfill the entire perimeter with gravel.
    12. Lay geotextile membranes inside the flower beds so that they cover the ground and go up the sides of the joists, then staple the membrane to the joists.
    13. Fasten the 1 ¼" x 6" x 22 ½" deck boards with 1 ½" screws. The boards must rest on the support beams and be level with the joists.


    Now all that remains to do is to fill the flower beds with earth and plants. If you want to install an electric lighting system in the flower beds, lay the wiring before fixing the patio floor boards. Another option is to use solar-powered garden lamps.

    Important

    The National Building Code of Canada establishes guidelines for the construction of buildings and various structures, including decks. However, these standards can vary depending on the local building requirements in effect in a particular province or municipality.

    For instance, in the case of a deck, the height of the deck’s surface above the ground determines the requirement for the railing height:
    Height of deck or patioHeight of railing
    Under 24"Optional or decorative railing
    24" to 5’10"36"
    Over 5’10"42"
    Also note that the maximum distance between the balusters and under the bottom rail is 4". For a stairway, the treads should be no less than 9 ¼" deep and the risers no more than 8" high.

    Always check the local building requirements for your area before beginning any such construction project.
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