Windsor, California Deck and Patio Cover (Sonoma County)
Filed Under Yard Decks · Tagged: backyard deck, hidden brackets, patio cover, sonoma deck builder, windsor california deck builder
This Sonoma County back yard was HOT!!! It literally cried out for a deck and patio cover. The western exposure meant that summer afternoon sun reflected off the wall of the house like a solar oven. The owner had to keep the shades drawn on the windows inside to keep the sun from overheating the house. The solution was to build this elegant patio cover which is architecturally pleasing and transforms the back yard into a comfortable and inviting living area.
The Design Challenge
One design challenge was that the house has a low eve in one area that we had to go under and a high attachment in another area. How were we to have two levels of roof with a graceful transition and a minimum of posts? We solved it by doubling the rafters and hanging a beam (using long bolts} and then hanging the rafters from the hanging beam. The whole patio cover only required three posts.
Because of the high attachment we decided to use large timbers. The beams are 6×10 and the rafters are 4×8 with nice custom corbels on the ends. We spaced the 2×4 slats close together so they let in light but not the excessive heat from the sun. The white color matched the house trim and gives the structure a light and airy feeling.
Decking Material and Construction With No Nails or Screws on Surface
The deck below was built with Evergrain Cherrywood decking. This is a very rich looking composite that wears like iron. Of course we installed the decking with Deckmaster Hidden Brackets so there are no nails or screws to mar the deck surface. The owner can use her soft hot tub without worrying about stubbing her toes on protruding nail heads. We added 12” fascia around the perimeter to hide the understructure and give the deck a finely finished appearance.
This was a very rewarding project because it completely transformed the backyard environment from being unusable on hot summer days to an inviting outdoor living area.
Miguel Flores – Foreman
Alberto Curcio – Head Carpenter
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Freestanding Arbors and Pergolas
Filed Under Arbors · Tagged: Arbors, backyard deck, landscaping, pergolas, rafters, timber
This beautiful backyard was designed by David Reed, ASLA and it is an impeccable example of inspired landscape design. All the elements from masonry to wood to plants work together in seamless harmony. We were excited to mount our overhead structures on massive masonry columns. The bulk of the columns required the use of heavy timber construction.
Free of Heart Center
The pergolas in the pictures were built with 6×12 beams and 4×8 rafters with custom designed curved corbels decorating the ends. Whenever we build with timbers we specify Appearance Grade, #1, FOHC (Free of Heart Center).
Not many people (even builders) are aware of the meaning of FOHC and why it is so important when building with exterior timbers. The easiest way to find a 6×12 timber is right from the center of a tree.
Unfortunately, if the timber contains the heart of the tree it will develop huge splits and will twist with enough force to pull out or break fasteners. The solution is to find a bigger tree and mill the whole timber from wood that is farther from the heart of the tree. This gives the timber nice even straight grain and much greater stability.
Notched Rafters
The standard easy way to install rafters onto a beam is to simply put them in place and hold them with toe nails or toe screws. We added strength and stability by notching our beams and rafters, then fitting them together. This is a time consuming method that tests the skill of the carpenter. One wrong cut and a very expensive timber can be ruined. However, the resulting look is very satisfying and much stronger over the long haul.
This landscape project was one of the best we have ever been involved with and we were proud to be selected to build the pergolas. As you can see from the night shot, we could not have asked for a more stunning showcase for our craftsmanship.
Tags: Arbors, backyard deck, landscaping, pergolas, rafters, timber
Weston Leavens and Master Deck Builder are synonymous. He brings decades of inventiveness and award winning perfection in design and construction to the deck building craft. If you're seeking eye appeal and lasting quality, you've come to the right place. Just looking at a few of the illustrations of Weston's work throughout this site cannot help but convince you.