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Season 5 Show Descriptions

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Episode #526
Building a Workbench and What Is It?… more
Episode #525
Lawn Mowing and Edging Basics, What is it?, Repairing and maintaining electric water heaters, Repairing a broken stair tread … more
Episode #524
Replacing a damaged mailbox post,Repointing Brickwork … more
Episode #523
Installing a new radiator/towel bar warmer, What is it?, Controlling crabgrass … more
Episode #522
Replacing a corroded shut-off valve with a "compression" fitting, What is it?, Selecting and planting "climbing" roses … more
Episode #521
Installing composite decking with hidden fasteners, Quieting a noisy steam radiator… more
Episode #520
Replacing a Shub, What is it?, Installing a roof-mounted attic fan… more
Episode #519
Refinishing cast-iron radiators, Installing a standby electric generator… more
Episode #518
Patching a damaged vinyl floor, What is it?, Repairing a leaking in-ground sprinkler system… more
Episode #517
Shopping for and installing wall-to-wall carpet, What is it?, Table saw safety… more
Episode #516
Removing an overgrown Juniper bush, Coiling an extension cord, Replacing a pop-up assembly in a pedestal sink … more
Episode #515
Clearing clogged drains, What is it?, Install Kitchen Cabinets… more
Episode #514
Prune a willow tree, fix a hot-water heater… more
Episode #513
Mulching, Sash Balancers … more
Episode #512
Shower Valve, Recycling Batteries … more
Episode #511
Cedar Clapboards, Chainsaw Etiquette … more
Episode #510
Kitchen Backsplash, Installing Sod … more
Episode #509
Child safety, What is It?, Installing a sump pump… more
Episode #508
Maintaining stone countertops, what is it?, Installing a chain link fence… more
Episode #507
Home Energy Audit, what is it?, Removing a toilet seat with corroded bolts… more
Episode #506


Original Air Date: Week of November 9, 2006

General contractor Tom Silva helps a homeowner with a large carpentry project: rebuilding a small exterior deck. They start by removing the existing deck, which has rotted and become unstable. Together, they build a new deck, including stairs and handrails, using pressure-treated lumber and composite deck boards.

Rebuilding a small exterior deck and stairs
Tom helps a homeowner rebuild a small exterior deck and stairs leading to a back door. The existing steps were very old and in disrepair and the railings did not have any balusters, making them unsafe for children. Tom began by removing the old deck using a reciprocating saw and prybars. Once the old deck was removed, Tom applied new flashing to the house where the new deck would be connected. He then cut and assembled the parts for the new deck using pressure treated wood and galvanized fasteners. Tom then attached the deck to the house using metal hangers and screws. He then attached the ledger board to the house using galvanized lag screws driven into the house's sill plate. He installed the 4x4 posts that support the railing and deck. Tom then cut and installed the stringers for the stairs. He then installed corner braces for the deck and risers. Tom then cut and installed the composite decking for the stair treads. He then installed the same type of decking on the deck itself, leaving a small gap in between each deck board to allow for expansion and contraction. Tom then assembled and installed the railings and the project was complete.

Where to Find It
Pressure treated lumber, galvanized fasteners, and flashing can be purchased at your local home center or lumberyard.

Tom used composite decking for the stair treads and deck.
Trex (Color: Winchester Gray)
800-289-8739

Tom used composite deck screws manufactured by:
FastenMaster
800-518-3569
Episode #505
Planting flower bulbs in fall, making straight rip cuts with a circular saw, what is it?… more
Episode #504
Installing garage storage cabinets, What is it?, Installing a ceiling fan… more
Episode #503
Installing a new shower base, Installing a rain barrel… more
Episode #502
Replacing a clogged faucet aerator, Selecting houseplants, Quieting a squeaky subfloor under carpet… more
Episode #501
Repairing a bathroom door, planting a bamboo privacy screen, what is it?… more