Finished XLM Deck

 
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Old 04-28-2008, 10:01 PM   #1
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Finished XLM Deck


Existing Cedar deck, removed the decking, added joists, adjusted the layout, and added a level. Then did the stone columns with the lights.

It's tough to get a good night shot, but this should get the idea across.

We were there putting in the diffusers & tweaking the lights when the HO's came out. They are a reserved older couple, and just totally thrilled.
It was wonderful. Not every project goes well, but when the client is happy, it's all worth it.

~Matt
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Old 04-28-2008, 10:07 PM   #2
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Re: Finished XLM Deck


Looks great!

How big are those lights on the risers? I have a 4" step that I'd like to light up, will that fit?
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Old 04-29-2008, 06:45 AM   #3
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Re: Finished XLM Deck


Those lights are from De-Kor.com, and are about the size of a quarter.
Nice and easy to install!

~Matt
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Old 04-29-2008, 06:56 PM   #4
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Re: Finished XLM Deck


sweet!
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Old 04-29-2008, 07:02 PM   #5
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Re: Finished XLM Deck


I am so big on lighting. Well done!
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Old 04-29-2008, 07:08 PM   #6
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Re: Finished XLM Deck


Matt,
Awesome job. Did a local dealer have the dekor in stock?
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Old 04-29-2008, 07:53 PM   #7
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Re: Finished XLM Deck


Real nice! Would like to see some daytime photos, especially of them piers.
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Old 04-29-2008, 08:06 PM   #8
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Re: Finished XLM Deck


No local dealer, I've been buying direct.
I'd honestly love to either buy local or get a decent discount for direct, but so far, no dice.

Tom,
I've got 1/2 finished pix on this computer, I'll try to get a finished pic tomorrow & post it.
The posts were tough to look good, with this stone on this size post... you've only got so many options.
Although, I'm sure there's someone who could have schooled me! (There always is.)

Thanks for the kind words guys,
~Matt
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Old 04-29-2008, 09:41 PM   #9
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Re: Finished XLM Deck


I tip my hat to a great job
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Old 04-30-2008, 09:29 PM   #10
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Re: Finished XLM Deck


Beautiful job. The stone columns & lighting set it off.
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Old 04-30-2008, 09:38 PM   #11
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Re: Finished XLM Deck


Matt,

Nice job!

Are those stone columns stick framed and veneered or are the structural masonry with a footing?
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Old 04-30-2008, 10:09 PM   #12
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Re: Finished XLM Deck


Greg,

Those columns are 6x6 posts sitting on concrete footers, then packed out by picture framing 2x6's around the posts every 2' or so, then facing with 1/2 plywood, paper, wire, stucco, and the stone.

I'm sure there's better ways of doing things... I charged around $900 per post, and I think it should have been closer to $1300-1500 per post. It slows up the railing and lighting, and it takes forever to lay stone when it's almost all corners!

Ah, well. Lesson learned.

~Matt
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Old 04-30-2008, 10:22 PM   #13
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Re: Finished XLM Deck


Quote:
Originally Posted by BreyerConstruct View Post
Greg,

Those columns are 6x6 posts sitting on concrete footers, then packed out by picture framing 2x6's around the posts every 2' or so, then facing with 1/2 plywood, paper, wire, stucco, and the stone.

I'm sure there's better ways of doing things... I charged around $900 per post, and I think it should have been closer to $1300-1500 per post. It slows up the railing and lighting, and it takes forever to lay stone when it's almost all corners!

Ah, well. Lesson learned.

~Matt
Well, at least you have a great portfolio shot!

How did you terminate the railings into the stone mechanically? I had a weird natural stone pier to die into last summer and it was a major PITA involving pocketing. I couldn't figure a way to do it without pocketing into the stone.
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Old 04-30-2008, 10:27 PM   #14
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Re: Finished XLM Deck


We packed it out roughly flush with the stone using PT lumber & extra XLM board pieces, then mortared around the rail end to help blend it together (after the wires were threaded thru the rails).

If it were my choice, I'd want a full-length XLM board, from the deck height to the top of railing, and I'd pack that out with a PT 2x6 if needed. The blocks we used are OK, but not as strong as I'd prefer- still better than a Trex designer railing w/ the clip system & finish nailed balusters, but not our #1 preference.
(The HO voted us down on the full length board).

I always chalk up a $$ loss to either an advertising expense,or an educational one; it helps me cope! LOL

~Matt
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Old 04-30-2008, 10:29 PM   #15
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Re: Finished XLM Deck


Here's a pic:
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Old 04-30-2008, 11:05 PM   #16
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Re: Finished XLM Deck


Quote:
Originally Posted by BreyerConstruct View Post
Here's a pic:
Aha. Much as I suspected.

Did you sub out the stone work or do it in-house? Most masons won't touch lick and stick by me. The only guys that seem to do it no hablan Inglés y no tienen seguro if you know what I mean.

I am intrigued by this design a lot. Did the HO's approach you with the idea or did you bring it up? Reason I ask is that it's not common and is a big expense (extra). People practically pass out when they see my prices for basic stuff even in my area. They don't realize what the material costs and how long it takes to install it correctly. The last reskin I did, the husband asked as we were signing the contract if the whole job would be completed in one day!
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Old 05-01-2008, 08:11 AM   #17
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Re: Finished XLM Deck


Matt, great work. Stone work, Electrical - all great.

but

How was it working with XLM?. It looks like you used hidden fasteners. What would you recommend now. Face or hidden?

Thanks for any information.

Joe
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Old 05-01-2008, 09:07 AM   #18
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Re: Finished XLM Deck


XLM is decent to work with, 2 notes:
First, the edges do chip up, so use the right blades to cut it.
Second, it's one of the few TT products where a 45 degree pattern must use 12" o.c.

Greg,
It was the HO's design, we just tweaked it a bit to fit- it was an existing deck, with a small stair landing, it was deepened 2', added the 7x12 lower landing, and adjusted the grill B/U a bit.

As for the stone, that's mostly my work (gotta get the office hands dirty every now & then).
We only pull subs in for HVAC, Plumbing, and Electrical (line volt).

Thanks again for the kind words. I'm OK with that, and I'm OK with constructive criticism as well, if anyone's holding back!

~Matt
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Old 05-01-2008, 09:10 AM   #19
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Re: Finished XLM Deck


Noticed on a previous thread that you need a special blade for cutting XLM. Did you have any problems w/ cutting? Did you need anything special for cutting the holes for the lights? Also am installing 4 flared steps off one side and 3 straight steps from one deck to another and wonder if one of the De-Kor lights on each riser would be enough light. Thanks for any info.
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Old 05-01-2008, 09:58 AM   #20
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Re: Finished XLM Deck


Quote:
Originally Posted by BreyerConstruct View Post
Thanks again for the kind words. I'm OK with that, and I'm OK with constructive criticism as well, if anyone's holding back!
Bwa Ha Ha! As if anyone here "holds back" on their constructive criticism!!! You and your guys did a nice job, man, simple as that.

Educational projects are tough on the wallet but great for the portfolio...I try to do only one pro-bono job a year. Any more than that and it gets too expensive!!

Mac
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