Kelly Smith's Blog
Posted by Kelly Smith
Well, I just had my second Thanksgiving dinner last night (with some family that was out of town for Turkey day), and this morning I woke up to find that the calendar says December 1! Where has the year gone? This means Christmas is upon us. All too soon. Again.
How Will Christmas Sales do This Holiday Season?
That's the big question. With most of the global economy in the tank, merchants are scrambling to re-introduce that old favorite - layaway shopping.
Another issue that brick and mortar store keepers are having to deal with is increased Internet shopping. Why? With virtual inventory stock, the selection available for buying, say, hand tool Christmas gifts, is incredible. Stores just can't warehouse such a big selection.
Many Internet sellers are also discounting shipping or offering it for free as an incentive. Now that's hard to beat!
What do I Want for My Christmas Gift?
Believe it or not, nothing having to do with tools, materials for remodeling, or even a tie. I really want a fish finder to mount on my fishing kayak. The fishing in the Gulf has been a bit spotty lately because Hurricane Ike altered the bottom so much.
The fish are just confused for now, but soon they will find new structure to hide in, and find out where the bait is schooling. Bottom line, I need all the help I can get!
I'd be out there right now, but I've got too much writing to do!
Posted by Kelly Smith
- Deck Design Fundamentals - Building a backyard deck is an easy DIY project when the right planning goes into it. Design the deck, research building codes and zoning, and sketch the deck design.
- Deck Design and Framing Concepts - Part 2 of the deck building series, Deck Design and Framing Concepts focuses on deck construction, using pressure treated wood, and framing the deck understructure.
- Deck Lumber Sizes & Spacing - When making a deck design, plan the deck understructure. Consider ledger boards, floor joists, beam spans, concrete post settings, max post height, and deck load area.
- Deck Design Post Hole Layout - This article is Part 4 of the deck design and building series. It explains laying out post hole locations and the ledger board: the same methods used by deck contractors.
- Deck Building - Setting the Posts - The fifth in a series of deck building articles covers installing the ledger board, digging footings, setting the posts in fast setting concrete and leveling.
- Deck Building - Beams and Joists - Next in importance after deck design is the understructure - posts, beams, joists, and ledger boards. Learn how to build a sturdy one. No need to hire a contractor!
- Trex and Hardwood Decking Material - Options for decking material include Trex, Ipe, Redwood, Mahogany, Teak and pressure treated lumber. The choice is determined by durability, price, and green building.
- Installing Composite and Wood Decking - Trex composite and wood decking may be installed with clips, deck screws or nails in several patterns. The most popular are plain, diagonal, or picture frame.
- Wood Deck Refinishing - To get ready for summer activities, you need to protect your investment by refinishing your backyard deck or your pool deck. Heres how.
