|
Cutout Deck Joists Around Tree
How To:
Not as
difficult as it may seem. It's not uncommon to build the
deck around the tree (figure A),
as well as a trellis above with the tree growing right up
through it.
The idea
is to build a collar around the tree. To do this you
will
need to provide more
support for the frame and joists that you will have to cut
out for the tree trunk. It's a matter of adding adjacent
joists of smaller lengths that accept the load of the area
in the back and front of the tree. All joists must be
supported. Just remember you are building up the frame
around the tree to support joists.
The size
of the frame is dictated by the size of the tree and it's
age. If it's a young tree, then allow for growth by
building a larger frame. A good rule of thumb is to give a
young tree at least 5 inches in diameter around it's
trunk, especially if you are building the deck near the
ground. For older fully grown, trees 2-3 inches around
the deck is good.
Another
consideration is if the tree you are framing will
also extend up through your second story deck,
obviously it too will need
to be framed. Think seriously
before proceeding because if a large gust of wind hits
that tree, it could force the tree to sway in the wind
and push the tree against the deck and possible pulling it
from the house..
© 1996-2005 American Floor
Coverings Inc. All rights reserved.
|