Custom Deck Builder

Design Scales is a Custom Deck Builder in Shoreline, Washington.  We did the design, permitting, and construction work for this deck and french door addition.  We started with the design and drafting, then incorporated structural engineering details and construction notes for the permit set of drawings.

Below are some of the drawings from the design and permitting phase.  We created the as-built or “existing” location plan, site plan, floor plan, and building elevations, as well as the proposed versions of each drawing.  We then sent them to the engineer in order to get a stamp, the structural details, the framing plans, and the structural notes.

It was an “over-the-counter” permit, so we got it that day once the fee’s were paid.

Deck Addition – Permit Set

 

The engineering required shear wall upgrades on the main floor, since the picture windows and the new door didn’t leave much solid wall area.  We had to reinforce the wall that remained with plywood, and then bolt that main floor wall to the concrete stem wall in the basement, just below the new doors.  We used threaded rod, epoxy, and special brackets to secure that connection.

Here are some finished pictures of the deck and french door.

Deck Addition – After

Below are some of the pictures from the construction phase.

The footings had to be 18″ x 18″ x 10″ with 10″ of concrete above grade.  Given the slope of the yard, we had some pretty tall plinths.  The trickiest one was the upper corner, since it was closest to the deck height.  The height of that plinth determined the level of the deck, since we couldn’t go lower per the specifications.  The stairs were all framed from that height.

To make the concrete work a little easier, we brought in a concrete truck with three yards already mixed.  We used wheelbarrows to transport it into place and fill the footings and plinths.

For this project, we put threaded rod into the wet concrete, and then eventually used the Simpson Post Base, SIMABU44.

The brick was easy enough to remove with a concrete blade on the skill saw.  We just cut the grout lines, and the bricks pry right out.

Deck Addition – During

If you are considering a custom deck builder for your project, let us know.  We can take a look and get you a bid based on the features and materials you like most.

 

Design Scales, LLC

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