When I tell people that I'm the landscaper who looks after our team's football field they are really impressed, and a little jealous. I don't think they know how much work it is though - it's definitely trickier than keeping your backyard looking green. Not only does my football field need to look lush, it also needs to be perfectly even so that the ball doesn't bounce at crazy angles, and not so soft that the players boots sink in. I need to keep up with all of the latest tricks that landscapers have, and I write these up here so that everyone can give them a try on their own fields.
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Football field maintenance
Building Supplies You Need for Your DIY Deck
Brad Craig
When it's time to add some outdoor space to your home, many people elect to build a deck onto their home or patio to create a space to host outdoor dinners and barbeques. There are plenty who decide to undertake this project themselves, but how do you know what building supplies you need to improve the landscape of your yard?
Permits
Before you start putting together your building materials and tools, it's time to head to your local governmental office and present your plans to obtain the necessary construction permits. It wouldn't do to have all of the necessary materials, and have to stop construction due to governmental red tape. Pro tip: Use an online deck designing program to present a professional plan to the zoning official, and you'll be much more likely to get the answer you want.
Tools
If you've got a ton of tools on hand, then you'll need to gather what you need together and make sure that everything is in good condition. Here's a list of the tools you will need: gloves and safety glasses, pry bar, saw, ratchet and sockets, caulk gun, chalk line, mason's cord, framing square, long level, ladder, posthole digger, shovel, wheelbarrow, handle, chisel, hammer, circular saw, and a miter saw. Make sure that you know how to use each of these pieces of equipment.
If you are hesitant to purchase the tools below, consult your hardware store about tool rentals
Materials
Now that you know you have the tools and permission you need, it's time to figure out what type of material you'd like to create your deck. While price is certainly a consideration, you'll also want to consider the aspects of your environment and how durable your material is. The latest trend in deck building materials, especially in rough climates as in Australia, is to use a composite material rather than natural wood. Composite decking material is also lower maintenance than natural wood decking. Still, you'll want to choose a building material that suits your lifestyle and the look you are creating for your yard.
Other building materials that you will need to have on hand to build your deck include J-bolts, post anchors, joist hangers, carriage bolts, lag screws, nails, galvanised deck screws, and caulk. You may need to install concrete supports for your deck to create the space that you want, which could require the use of rented heavy equipment. Be sure not to skimp on high quality building materials when you are putting your deck together. After all, you and your family will be walking and playing on the deck. Make sure that you are not creating a safety hazard in an attempt to save time or money.
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