ASK This Old House | All Hands On Deck (S19 E1) FULL EPISODE

Tom Silva helps two homeowners build a two-level deck from start to finish.
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Ask This Old House’s Tom Silva takes you through how to add a deck to your home by helping two homeowners build the deck of their dreams.
After setting string lines and batter boards to mark the locations for the concrete footings, Tom digs 4-foot deep holes for the footings using a power auger.
Next, they set cardboard tubes into the holes and filled them with concrete.
They then frame the deck using pressure treated lumber and galvanized steel hardware. After setting the posts on the footings and attaching the ledger board to the house, Tom installs joist hangers to the ledger and beams to support the ends of the joists furthest from the house.
With all of the framing completed, Tom installed the deck boards and railings using a very dense wood called ipe.
Where to find it?
All of the ipe decking, 4x4 posts, and balusters for this project were provided by Anderson & McQuaid Millwork
Tom used a pneumatic hidden fastening system to secure the decking to the framing. It is manufactured by HidFast Deck Fastening System
The end-grain sealer is manufactured by Anchor Seal (U-C Coatings Corp.)
The plastic biscuit-type fasteners are manufactured by Eb-Ty
The software that Tom used to create the deck plans is Home & Landscape Design Punch! Software
Tom and the homeowners used a Toro Dingo compact skid-steer loader with an 18-inch diameter auger to dig the holes for the footings. It is manufactured by The Toro Company
The Toro Dingo is available for rent at many locations nationwide, including Richey & Clapper, Inc.
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Products and Services from this Episode
Ipe decking, 4x4 posts, and balusters:
Anderson & McQuaid Millwork
Hidden fastening system:
HidFast Deck Fastening System
End-grain sealer:
Anchor Seal
Plastic fasteners:
Eb-Ty
Design software:
Punch! Software
Skid-steer loader:
The Toro Company
Tool rentals:
Richey & Clapper, Inc.
About Ask This Old House TV: From the makers of This Old House, America’s first and most trusted home improvement show, Ask This Old House answers the steady stream of home improvement questions asked by viewers across the United States. Covering topics from landscaping to electrical to HVAC and plumbing to painting and more. Ask This Old House features the experts from This Old House, including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor. ASK This Old House helps you protect and preserve your greatest investment-your home.
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ASK This Old House | All Hands On Deck (S19 E1) FULL EPISODE
/ thisoldhouse

[@thevics123]

Ive spent many Sunday afternoons as a child falling asleep to this TV show. Something about the vibes of the show is just so relaxing to me.

[@johnnycasteel7]

Tommy is by far the best Boston American to ever exist hands down.

[@saintmichael1874]

This training is worth 10 yrs of Christmas Gifts. Thank you Tom, You are The Man baby.

[@papabash]

Retired union carpenter here 42 years in the trade for instructional, commercial and residential work. Tom Silva is golden ! best of the best

[@trashpanda314]

Man Tom is one hell of a craftsman. I know it’s just a simple deck, but it was done beautifully and will last a lifetime. Love those banisters, and the Brazilian Ipe turned out great with the stain.

[@lokirip2372]

Anyone taking on this project themselves should add flashing that goes behind the siding and over you ledger board. The way they showed you here has all of the water from the siding shedding directly on the ledger. You don't want that to be the first board that rots.

[@vladyerus]

Yeah my inspector just noted that on my presale. Wish I would have known originally

[@kristopherbuchanan974]

I literally came on here to say the same thing about the flashing. American wood council recommends flashing past the joist hangers as well. And the lag bolts attaching the ledger should be 1/2”. I’m not a professional or anything i’ve just been reading haha

[@RobbieSongwriter]

Even after 40 years of doing this, Tommy ALWAYS teaches me something NEW. Gorgeous deck, both in design and execution. Thank you for this video.

[@jaymomo7462]

I been watching Tom for awhile now. He makes the most complicated project seem easy. When he explained things very simple and straight forward!

[@svgardens4u]

Tom is a pleasure to watch every time. He is that uncle I wish I had!!

[@donaldmendes184]

It took a Portuguese guy , Tom Silva to show how a true professional and experienced carptender can build a deck. Well done Tom.

[@anantdeshkulkarni6373]

It is great pleasure to watch ASK THIS OLD HOUSE and TOM SILVA.

[@Paul-q3m7k]

A master at work. Beautiful work.

[@stevejensen3471]

What a privilege and cherished memory of a lifetime to have the old guard TOH legend Tom Silva helping you with building your deck. I've always admired his seemingly boundless expertise that comes from 50-some years of practical know-how and applied fieldwork. He makes it all look easy but it surely isn't. You're the man Tommy!

[@sangoir]

Is it important to have gravel under the deck?

[@salvadorsepulveda6415]

A classic plumbers lament, lol, brings a smile every time I hear it 😄

[@salvadorsepulveda6415]

@Ben Jones What can go wrong will go wrong

[@westcoastsyndrome]

Guy just built an unbelievable deck, incredibly skilled

[@Conada1002]

Tommy Silva is the man

[@Victor-Manuel-P.R]

Mr.Silva best contractor ever 👍🙏

[@paulsmith9341]

Silva does great work! 👍👍👍

[@Guardducks]

Kevin taught him all he knows. Lol or was it the little kids who learn quickly ?

[@paulsmith9341]

@@Guardducksthat should have taken a day or two. I remember when Kevin came on. I was thinking wtf this guy was doing among giants but he grew on me.

[@haroldwonder446]

With respect and my comment is based on my experience as a business person involved with building decks for residential homes. I found that if one mounts the final, what I call a fascia board to finish off the steps or face edge of a deck that that facia board should be overlapped on top by the last top deck board. not as you have applied. And most often you can buy that last board with a smooth edge or without a grove to complete this part of the project. Biggest or main reason is that after a year or so dirt, sand, tree seeds, organic material in general gets in between this final exposed edge. It is even worse for composite material which under the sun will flex outward most times leaving an edge again susceptible to gathering dirt or sand, etc. Then seeds start to grow in that grove leaving a yearly task of cleaning out that exposed grove. Once experienced I changed my application to measure the top board requirement and cutting the first board at the house edge to accommodate a 1/2 inch overlap at the fascia end. Just saying.

[@courgettee]

very logical

[@piotr803]

That only works on the long edge of the last board. What about covering the mounting grooves that are visible on the short edges of all boards. How would you cover those if not with one long plank ?

[@piotr803]

ie how do you cover the end cut that has visible grooves for mounting clips? People either connect a fascia or do a picture frame and the overhang. Any other alternatives ?

[@andrewlm5677]

Ironwood on the deck - pretty awesome That’s a very handsome design as well

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

Not readiy available in California.

[@JaxsonKelly-j9x]

Always loved watching this old house, always does a class A job.. Beautiful job on the new deck..

[@plutopluto6699]

Excellent show. Thank You

[@Animusapertus]

Man Tom is incredible. I wouldn't want levels in the deck but, to each their own

[@tonyantoine5823]

Tom Silva, nuff said! I used to watch him as a teen, 54 now and still admire his problem solving gift.

[@craigkeller]

The young lady is fearless! Good to see.

[@AaronWhite-s1i]

Love Tommy and his work. My one critique would be: there should be sealing tape on top of every joist. Beautiful deck.

[@mikemike8087]

The watch the art of perfection

[@mcgannpster]

There’s something very satisfying about watching this guy work. Great pro

[@realtor411]

That was awesome to see the homeowners teaming up with Tommy to get it built! Great job!!

[@ernestcashion4462]

Looked like the home owners hadn't done a lot of wood work, but they were game to try. Great workmanship .

[@justinballard7242]

7:19 don't do that Tommy knows better. Pressure treated lumber varies as much as 5/8 of an inch in height. Each hanger needs to be set to account for that. The best practice is to toe nail each joist then install the hangers after

[@running_rich]

Yes I learned that the hard way and never did it again!

[@scotttovey]

When you run a snap line that is level all the way across as Tommy did, and you position the top of the board to that snap line, the top of the board is level all the way across.

[@dosadoodle]

@@scotttovey My read of Justin's comment is that the joist hanger bottoms need to be adjusted to reflect the specific board being placed, so the single cutoff block used won't be a good gauge of where the joist hangers should be placed. Am I misunderstanding?

[@scotttovey]

@@dosadoodle If he had been that specific and clear, neither of us would have commented.

[@scotttovey]

@@dosadoodle I went to the time he posted, you are correct.

[@ThisIsNotAVideo]

Ipe is rainforest wood. Buy thermally modified decking instead - it's more sustainable. Otherwise, I love the care these homeowners put into the design... and it's priceless to have the This Old House help bring the idea to life.

[@law35penn]

Wow, ipei boards. Those are so expensive and beautiful. Amazing work

[@nojithan]

Mmmmm, Brazilian hardwood. Super sustainable.

[@Straw65]

No.2 Also Use G-Tape on the top of your joists and your framing it will help with no rotting. It's been out for 5 years or so. It works Great.

[@BandasPalette]

Tom is the goat. Great video y'all!

[@The_Brew_Dog]

My dad was a can do guy, but he was burned badly when I was very young so he couldn’t really use his hands, he was in bad shape. I mention this to say like many out there I didn’t have a dad that would teach me things, but I was lucky enough to have a dad until I was in my early 20s which was a miracle being he was burned over 85%. Now look, I’m not saying Tom Silva was like a father to me, I’m not nuts, but Tom often did fill in the gap my own dad could not via the marvels of modern tech. My dad and I spent many Sunday mornings watching This Old House Together, found memories. Rip to my Pops and shout out Tom Silva.

[@Pdpawlak]

Man, they have great soil there. That dirt looked like top soil that I have to pay for

[@stevehamman4465]

Haaaaa,, right,,, thinking the same thing! Need to box it up and sell it on line!

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

In East Sacramento, the soil is about 12" deep, then you hit hardpan. Basically sandstone. A bear to get through. Some places 100' thick. I used that the my advantage though, under the house. Just dug post holes 2 foot down to the 5' thick hardpan, jacked up beams, and leveled the house. House now sits on stone.

[@gerasssss]

Tom is who you call a pro!

[@brandonhorwath6351]

Backfill around the concrete forms with limestone and use the removed soil for a raised garden bed or compost pile.

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

Ayyyye, full episodes. Let's go 💪🏽👍

[@Gh0stdawg70]

LFG!!! 💪🦅

[@roccoconte2960]

Wow great job Tommy.

[@614x2]

Tom. Get yourself a ratchet and socket. 😂 Just busting chops. Love This Old House

[@bdog0720]

👍🏼 Nice! I wouldn’t have split the deck with a step tho.

[@626m96sh]

thank you. I have a question, wasn't the expandable bolt that was inside the concrete short?

[@dyates6380]

Outstanding video.

[@bibialladin9026]

We are in the process of building a new home,and you guys give me so many ideas.I love your programs. Do you have any ideas on front doors,l am thinking of having some glass. I will be happy,and thanks to all of you,great program ❤❤❤

[@carlosfrostygreen6855]

Favorite episode guys.

[@joeschlotthauer840]

I wish 2:35 was better explained, to show us how to get and ensure square.

[@2nickles647]

It's called the 3-4-5 method.

[@bibialladin9026]

Thanks lots of on-site Bl

[@bibialladin9026]

❤❤❤❤my favorite program on TV

[@JohnFrench-qd4nm]

I like this show. PBS introduced a lot of quality ideas and shows to my life over the years. Thank you

[@davep1856]

We have a 28 year old ipe deck which I have let age. It is structurally as sound today as it was 28 years ago. If it had been a covered deck I’m convinced it would have maintained the natural wood staining. I used deck hangers eliminating all fasteners on the walking surface.

[@ITSMIKEYLIBBY724]

Old time new englanders reminds me of my pops great trades man

[@namkebanyanklariti]

Great video. Would have liked to see the stringers done step by step.

[@qiyuef]

Now days no one can build with this high quality especially at south states.

[@running_rich]

If you don't already know it, you need to use specialized joist hanger nails. They are beefy but not long, since they only have to hold to the 2x material. Might not have been obvious when they were going in. Hand nail or use powered nailer as shown.

[@calicoasting]

Tito's......

[@Guardducks]

Would 16 penny nails be too long?

[@customrenovations4363]

I’m surprised they never even used hurricane ties. Standard for all my decks no matter the size. Also never saw any sealing of the pressure treated ends.

[@running_rich]

@@Guardducks No problem if nails are longer (16d=3 1/2" long, 0.148" dia. shank), and stick out past framing member, unless for some reason they would be visible past the finished deck and would be a hazard for tripping, cutting someone, or catching on something moving.

[@driveman6490]

@@customrenovations4363 no lateral tension ties to secure the deck joist in and through to the house floor joists as well.

[@Romans_116]

Such a great a video. Absolutely one of the best.

[@justincredibletours4175]

If I could be half the craftsman of Tommy!

[@davidrankin9874]

A more recent practice I’m seeing is using zip tape or flashing tape on top of the joist and beams to prevent them from rotting on the top.

[@FoolCrzy]

Deck worth more than the house. Love it!

[@TainoRaider16]

I really wanted to see what type and method Tom used for ledger board flashing, but didn't see it in the video.

[@jsmith2489]

Shouldn’t there have been some ledger flashing or z flashing installed to keep any water from getting behind the ledger board? I know the house had flashing, but seems like most would still put something to keep water from getting back there and rotting the ledger or seeping in the nail and anchor holes.

[@bobwhelk2118]

I have 3 questions: 1: shouldn’t the ledger have a head flashing - so water doesn’t go between ledger and house? 2: aren’t notched posts for railings no longer allowed? 3: don’t deck builders start away from the house so that ripped boards don’t end up near the outside edge (in this case it looks like it worked doing from the house out)

[@Bigbacon]

i also thought notched posts were also not allowed. When I redid my railing a few years ago, they couldn't be notched as per 2015 guides or whatever it was called.

[@driveman6490]

1: Yes. "Z" flashing should be used in a fashion to sit under the siding (which they had yet to re-install), lay over the top of the ledger board and the drip portion hanging over the edge. 2: Notched post may still be allowed in some areas, but in my opinion, any elevated deck that requires a railing (30 plus inches above grade), should have the posts mounted inside the outer joists and rim joist, blocked properly and even secured with lateral tension ties. You'll have to notch a few deck boards and you'll lose a tiny bit of deck area, but way more solid than any exterior mounted posts. 3: You can eliminate the need to rip a deck board (at the house or at the outer edge) by simply leaving your joists uncut. Prep your frame minus the outer rim joist, begin decking at the house, and when you're within 3 boards of the edge, measure out the width of 3 boards, subtract 1.5" for the width thickness of your rim joist, and subtract whatever amount necessary for fascia and overhang (if browing out slightly over the edge). Snap a line, cut your joists, add your rim joist and you'll have a perfect edge without any ripped deck boards.

[@jbhcrazyskills9508]

@@driveman6490 Nice tips, but you forgot to mention that tip #3 only works when you're building a cantilevered deck.

[@jmodified]

@@driveman6490 You can go 30 inches above grade without a railing? Here it is 18 inches.

[@driveman6490]

@@jmodified International Residential Code states 30". Although some states, cities, and municipalities may have alterations to the code, but that's the standard rule.

[@JDBolt1958]

Awesome layout procedure. Great consulting the local Code enforcement official. The ledger nailing was sketchy. Recommend consulting a professional here. Structural screws are recommended. The direction perpendicular to the ledger is important as well. This requires a look at the house floor framing to insure it is sufficiently connected providing a load path into the deck diaphragms.

[@bobcougar77]

Tommy's kept that festool drill working longer than a cicada sleeps.

[@ronevans852]

I don’t see how he does that it’s amazing. Good job.

[@Guardducks]

Sperience Sony sperience.😉

[@erikgarcia6537]

Great Work!!!

[@jgerardolopez1175]

Amazing video!

[@joietan7983]

do we need screening under deck ? to prevent things fall into the gap?

[@kceros]

9:12 My grampa taught me to do this with a transparent hose filled with water. the water level does the trick.

[@dmac7403]

Old Tommy still at it!

[@canocano5480]

How would one attach the rail post id deck was off the second floor? How to make it firm hold and strong attachment?

[@jmodified]

I like to lay out all the deck boards convex-side (or future convex side) up and jigsaw-puzzle the order and orientation to get minimal gaps. That way you're not fighting the natural curves (and shapes - some will vary slightly in width along the length) when you install them.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

When I built my 14 x 16 deck, I put the 4 x 6 beams right on top of the posts. Deck is now 39 years old, and still works great. The ratchet to straighten the railing post was clever.

[@jc51373]

clearly on the Cape based on the soil...Go about 50 miles east and you can't use that auger machine. All by hand with a spud bar. Tommy is a master though.

[@bobjoye4195]

How do you cover a cement floor slab floor house? What do you do to make it more of a house? Floor

[@mikebadilla9187]

Great Job

[@conniedrumjr275]

Nice fit no kidding I only wished I could get something that close

[@Macron87]

Looks like their deck will be worth more than their house, with all that ipe

[@michaelcarroll991]

I was thinking the same thing. Also all those dove tails. That's deck all in all probably cost around 50 to 70 thousand $

[@WoogieboogieOG]

“If we were gonna do that in the field that’s a lotta work, so we had the manufacturer do it” for 178$ a board….

[@corssecurity]

@@WoogieboogieOG labour costs. The manufacturer can dip dozens of boards, or spray them in a rotating drum in seconds. And if out in the field it should rain?

[@sethholston6128]

Ipe?

[@allentoyokawa9068]

@@corssecurity labor*

[@EllaBella-76]

Ours is on the river a summer house so leaves get trapped underneath has to be treated yearly (It's large it was for my brother and his now wife built when I was 17 I am now 48 !!That summer house is still going strong needs some treatment next year and base boards replacing sanding and weather coating but you can sleep out there it has electricity given how much my Mum paid the summer house is great it's an extra room I think for entire thing concrete etc and being assembled she paid far less we have a local company we where ahead of our time !!

[@SashaXXY]

Why do they need the vertical 6x6 posts? They have a truck coming in to pour the concrete for footers and the forms are tall enough to just fill them a bit higher and make concrete columns. The deck is low enough that it wouldn't be using unreasonable amounts of concrete to do it that way. 3 ft below the ground and 3-4 ft above and that's all you need. Some shims to level the beams and you've just saved a ton of labor. Probably saved a bunch of cash too. Is it against code or something?

[@awaara24]

the man is a living legend

[@corssecurity]

Master carpenter

[@benjaminniemczyk]

As usual, amazing and infuriating. Tommy has a tool and solution for everything! Incredible. Great episode, I learned a lot.

[@willschultz5452]

LMAO 🤣. What building inspector! After you get a permit you never see them again 😆

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

Depends. In Sacramento, a roof permit is just a way to make money. Same with a water heater permit.

[@FranciscoJimenez-bb7fk]

ask this old house show cases the true master tradesman/craftsman!

[@watchthe1369]

If you are in a wildfire area, you want to make sure that nothing like leaves accumulates under the deck to burn and take your house. Maybe some screens behind the skirting they put in.

[@canocano5480]

Which type of screws did you use to fasten the boards

[@LarrySavoie-q7t]

Code requires hurricane hangers to secure joists to beams.

[@jamesmcnaughton5092]

Smart move staggering the lag bolts so the wood doesn't split !!!

[@georgew7405]

It's beautiful, but why make a step in the the deck and not flat all the way to make it look bigger?

[@hu5tle-]

I would have covered the PT beams with the same Grace Tape that was used on the house and the same with all the joists. I know they're PT, but it really saves the top of that lumber.

[@johnlevis2084]

That is absolutely correct. Anyone who has demoed a deck will see the rot at the nails or screws. Tommy, Tommy--Can't pre mount joist hangers since the lumber always vary in size up to 1/4 inch

[@DowntownMotoBrown]

Great to see Tommy doing his thing! Great LOOKING deck, but man that angled step, what a hazard. Not to mention the loss of usable space.

[@billymacktexasdetective5827]

How is that step dangerous? I'm interested to hear your theory...

[@MrDfurlong]

fantastic design and build proces.

[@adrianmihulet810]

thats a beautiful job, i wish to to that in romania too, but here is all concrete....wood is beautiful

[@samrugtiv3839]

Dam good job Tom Sam

[@dosadoodle]

I've recently seen suggestions to use waterproof tape along the top of deck beams to increase their longevity by preventing water from sitting directly on the top of the joists. I think the consideration is also that the water isn't then held tightly by the decking against the beams, which would accelerate rot.

[@jesseyoung9654]

We use a product called "protectadeck" in Australia. Basically a rubber strip that runs along the top of a joist.

[@AStanton1966]

I've got a 25-year-old cedar deck built on PT framing without that waterproof tape. Deck is still standing and doing well.

[@billymacktexasdetective5827]

I just took a look at the PT frame of my 30 year old deck, the joists have zero evidence of any rot whatsoever. Not an inch of waterproof tape in sight...

[@Wallace5th]

A lot of people use G-tape I believe it’s called. It seems overkill, but it helps maintain your deck

[@jesseyoung9654]

@@billymacktexasdetective5827 Some decks might be just fine - there are many factors involved. In my case, working for a new home builder, the extra few dollars to add Protectadeck is insurance against future warranty claims. I also live in an extremely rainy area (last year we had about 120 inches), so prolonged weather exposure is an ongoing risk.

[@tonyg6103]

Great video! But staining Ipe??? For gawds sake WHY? Looks great as it is.

[@belindawoodson8981]

DoubleDeck :Would you recommend Sherwin Williams Paint Stain ?

[@johnyeary6695]

13:09 why is there a gap under that joist?

[@deanmohamed7575]

I hope Tommy will be around when i build my home.