The book and this website have been an enormous inspiration. More than anything it shows people that they can do it on their own. Mike in Marion, OH

Second Floor deck completed

Posted by Craig in Graeagle, CA on 11/12/2008

Ron and crew finished the 4" slab on the second floor yesterday.  We're so close to buttoning up for the winter!

The previous weekend was getting ready for this pour.  Activities included putting up the Hambro steel  and plywood forms above the utility shed and bridge linking it to the master bedroom.  I hired a laborer to help out and to ensure the work got done on time.  Money well spent. 

I spent Sunday placing the first row of Faswall blocks on the second floor.  These were notched to allow rebar on the top and on the side to allow the concrete floor to be fully integrated into the wall.  Before doing this I had to remove the protective tarps and the two inches of water that had accumulated on them.  It is so much fun working in the cold when your boots and pants are soaked with water. :). 

The final prep step was to plastic wrap the heavy beams supporting the second floor to protect them from cement spills.  These beams are 8x18 #1 Doug fir and will be visible when the house is complete.  They need to be really pretty to support the overall "Prairie Style" of architecture influencing this house.

Next steps will be to seal the structure for the snow to come.  That means putting clear vinyl sheeting over the windows, tarps over doors, and building a temporary roof over the living room.  I also want to install a temporary wood stove for heating the work area.

Photos

first floor slab protection	Insulation on slab looking from MBR	Second floor plumbing can-in
Radiant for second floor	River view from the second floor	Second floor from MBR to utility shed roof (insulated)