Victorian Kitchen & Bath Remodel Project
Installing Western Red Cedar Decking
The concrete-block retaining wall for the deck and yard transition is complete. The walls curve as they flow into the yard and carry the steps from the deck to the yard and grill station below. Bob meets Tim Berky, the general contractor, who is attaching the western red cedar decking. Berky explains that he started with a solder board of cedar that is mitered to give a clean edge to the deck. The overhang is for the 1-by-12 cedar board that will face the pressure-treated front and sides of the deck. Berky shows Bob the stainless-steel, self-tapping square-head screws that he is using to attach the decking. Berky points out that stainless steel fasteners are recommended for use with cedar. Berky is driving the screws by hand rather than using a nailgun because he feels it gives a better, more solid installation. Berky uses his framing square rather than a 16-penny spike to space the deck boards and create an even reveal. Berky prefers the framing square to mark the spacing because it will not leave an indentation in the soft cedar boards.
