Met a retired carpenter at a bus stop, ended up saving my deck

Three weeks ago I was waiting for the 42 bus on Grand Ave, typical rainy Tuesday. This older guy asks if the bus is running late, we get to talking. Turns out he built decks for 30 years. I mentioned I was about to build one myself, he pulled a napkin out and sketched the whole thing. Told me exactly why not to use galvanized screws on pressure treated wood, said they'd snap in 2 years. I followed his plan to the letter. Frame is solid, no squeaks, and the thing cost me $400 less than I estimated. Who gives this kind of advice for free to a stranger? I got his number, gonna buy him a beer this weekend if I can find him. Has anyone else had an old pro just hand you the answer out of nowhere like that?

2 comments

2 Comments

rosebarnes4d ago

Galvanized screws work fine with pressure treated wood if they're triple coated.

the_susan3d ago

Isn't it funny how the "good enough" option usually holds up better than the premium one, @rosebarnes?