Nutek

Sort of thing I had in mind...




Or even...

tom169

If I was in the area i'd help out. Framing is pretty fun.

BenK91

Yeah I really enjoy framing! Surprisingly, everything is actually pretty straight so there shouldn't be too much difference in cut sizes.

Also just treated myself to a new Ramset tool so I'm excited

Nutmegger

And this is what happens at my house!

Nutek

great pic.

tom169

Haha yes!

ddsrph

You may want to double check on that. I think the only pressure treated required is for the bottom plate and any other pieces that is attached to concrete or cement block. There is a toxicity from pressure treated and it also corrodes fasteners unless they are rated to be used with PT lumber. Your codes could be different but ours are as I described.

lansbury

I have about 200ft of fencing so I was thinking more a line of large rocks along the bottom of the fence, rather than pavers. Less work to put down and a more natural look. But thanks for the idea.

zzrmark

Similar in this part of FL but we only need PT at ground level, if building on an above ground concrete pad PT not necessary BUT everything else needs to be Borate treated, 'cos bugs innit! Anything contacting Aluminium (roofs) needs to be Deal (is untreated framing lumber called Deal in the US? - s'pose I really should know as I do a fair bit of framing in my work!!) because of the metal rot issues you mentioned.

ddsrph

I have never heard of Deal but I know pressure treated will eat thru aluminum fairly quickly. When I built my house two years ago, which is all block and brick. The interior framing inside is all non structural, just to support insulation and sheet rock. I used Pressured treated on everything that contacted concrete or block. Even with good water proofing, some moisture could get to the wood that is in contact.

zzrmark

It's what you ask for at a UK timber/builders merchant when you want the cheapest untreated pine ( it's usually Scot's pine in the UK).

Maste

I hope this doesn't sound stupid, because I know nothing about this kind of thing with regards to USA gardens and homes. I've not come across it when working with my dad back home in the UK...

But I am working on drawing some designs for the garden work to be done.. My girlfriend and I want to try and transform the garden as much as possible as it is terrible and in bad shape.

My question. Can this concrete in the photo be broken up and removed so we can put grass there instead? Or is that concrete important to the house/structure etc?

tom169

Looks like it can be gone.

Assuming you're on a slab, the important concrete is that under your foundation - typically the bricks at the bottom of the house.

If in doubt consult a structural engineer.

steveq

Take a look at the pads under the deck. DJ they go through the slab, or sit on it ?

Do you have a basement ?

ddsrph

If you decide to take it up you can rent an electric jack hammer at the local rental place and have it up very quickly. Get the largest hand held one they have.