: About Me

I just turned 50 on 1/26/07. My life has been very full to say the least. My work is my ongoing practice as a Carpenter/General Contractor. I hope to write articles that can possibly help the do-it-yourselfer's. I grew up in western Michigan on the shores of Lake Michigan, but I reside in upstate New York near Lake George in the pristine Adirondack Mts. where I have lived since 1978. I am married with both grown and younger kids and have some grandkids ta-boot. I was an amature competition water skier for years as well as a downhill racer. I am a very big NASCAR fan and have been all of my life. I love my wife and family very much and my wife Patty is my best friend. We both have years of "Happy Hours" behind us but now we choose to be sober... these things are all relative to what I can write about... because I love to write and if I can help someone along the way than I am truly blessed.

My passion is ...

NASCAR

I know too much about ...

NOTHING

My parents always told me ...

TOO MUCH

My childhood ambition ...

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

My favorite memory ...

BEING AT TALLADEGA

Why I write ...

TO HELP OTHERS

My first job ...

DISHWASHING AT MY DADS RESTAURANT

Home & Garden > Home Repair (Other) How to build a simple deck

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I'll start by saying that planning is the most important step. The more time spent planning the easier the project will go. It's always best to have a drawing first and most building codes require one for the permit. A basic drawing done on 1/4" scale is acceptable and you'll need a top view, side view and front view. The latter two are called "elevations" because they show how high the structure will be off grade. The drawings also help to determine an accurate material list. To begin the building process we need to locate the footing placements. There are several methods to obtain this b...

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