Frontal Additions - Part I

5 July 2009

Project number two started off with the installation of this:-

Foreign object identified

Postbox, handmade and handpainted by Malaysian for the Australian weather. The postbox was completed months ago prior to the completion of the house. All that was needed to be done now was to dig a hole, pour mixed concrete, stick the post box in, spirit-level it and wait for the concrete to set. Almost like baking a pie. Technically.

I agree that the post box seems to be sticking out of nowhere and another addition was soon 'encouraged' into place. We needed a connection and I felt that the post box looks pretty foreign in the context.

A timber deck was to be carried out. Firstly, we levelled the front area and cleared away the soil surrounding the porch. This is to ensure that we do not wreck the termite barrier which was surrounding the concrete apron. I am pretty pleased to say that the old dog has learnt a new trick called "Dig!" and contributed to the clearing of the soils.

Starters

Base

Next, a frame was set up using 90 x 45 studs. It was loosely constructed in the garage, screwed together where it matters, then carefully transferred over to the porch area.

Transfer complete

At this point, the structure is still quite flexible. D designed the frame to be made up of a series of joists, spanning 450 centres horizontally as indicated. After making sure that the frame fits the porch snugly, D began side-screwing the joists unto the frames. D is doing all the work, because I have more important things to do.

Like, digging holes

Luckily for me, D purchased a hole digger. Nothing fanciful except for the fact that it works better than a shovel. It is more focused, so you don't spend all your energy digging a huge hole when all you need is a 250mm hole. And if the texture / technique is right, the soil will be compressed as you dig so you can transfer the soil elsewhere without hassle. which was not the case for me.

More holes

Holes are created on each corner for the supporting posts. They are to house 100 x 100 solid timber posts that are approximately 500mm high. It is a bit of a structural overkill, but when you don't have an engineer at hand, it is best to just presume the worst.

Anyway, I stopped digging at 3 holes. Because I have more important things to do.

Like making lamb shanks for tea

Really cute, but good to eat, unfortunately