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Jamis' theater thread! - Page 29

post #841 of 957
7/21/10 at 8:32am
The other option is to build a simple pergola yourself and you can tie it down on the deck surface using some square metal brackets, like shown here: http://www.popularmechanics.com/home...ergola/3352816. Also, build a larger planter box so you can plan some vines, I always like grape plan, not only it provides shade, it grows grapes hanging under the pergola so you can just pick and eat while relaxing under the shade.
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post #842 of 957
7/21/10 at 9:09am
You got all the shade you need just inside that sliding door...
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post #843 of 957
7/21/10 at 9:36am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by theWalkinator View Post

The other option is to build a simple pergola yourself and you can tie it down on the deck surface using some square metal brackets, like shown here: http://www.popularmechanics.com/home...ergola/3352816. Also, build a larger planter box so you can plan some vines, I always like grape plan, not only it provides shade, it grows grapes hanging under the pergola so you can just pick and eat while relaxing under the shade.

Unfortunately the square metal brackets wont work for me on the paver patio. I was thinking about another option in which you mark the post spots and drill a hole through paver at that spot. You then drive a long steel rod into the hole, leaving about 13" exposed. You then drill into the bottom of the post and slip it over the rod.

Kind of like this: http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/how...mns/index.html


As for tying it into the deck, I would basically use the exposed joist of the deck and attach the pergola rafters to it with joist hangers OR a custom wood ledger board with a 2x4 along the bottom and notching the rafters to fit over and end up flush with the top of the ledger. I'd then secure it from the top using T-brackets and from the bottom with long screws.

I think having it attached would make it look more permanent/tied in with the house. The gap between the side of the pergola and the side of the house would be the only possibly strange looking part but I think I could make it look decent.

The main problems/issues I have with a freestanding pergola are;
  • Making sure the post near the stairs doesn't interfere with traffic. I want the post within the patio and preferably not right on the edge.
  • I would have to leave enough space around the pergola to allow for the 'overhang' on all sides. This might look odd on the house and deck sides.
  • Four posts within the patio would take up more space and possibly get in the way more than just two on the side of the patio.
  • To look right, I think the pergola would have to be smaller overall.
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post #844 of 957
7/21/10 at 8:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by smakovits View Post

sounds expensive

mmm... correct.

You sound like your are leaning toward attaching to the deck but I will beat the dead horse here. If you separate it, it stands on its own visually.

I am worthless with photo editing but here is a paint version.



This leaves room on the patio to walk around the funiture under the pergola rather than having to walk through it.

I would come 30-36" off the back of the house and the same off the deck. If necessary for size, expand the patio out slightly to the right.
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post #845 of 957
7/21/10 at 9:15pm
I thought you were to find a way to cover the deck but actually you are talking about the patio. So I don't know what is your budget, for pre-made pergola kits from HD, it costs you anywhere from 2k to 3k+, so with that amount of money, why not just extend the deck to cover the patio area and then install water proof deck ceiling so even on a raining day, you can sit out there and you also gain a larger raise deck? Something like this:http://www.drysnap.com/
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post #846 of 957
7/22/10 at 4:18am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by theWalkinator View Post

I thought you were to find a way to cover the deck but actually you are talking about the patio. So I don't know what is your budget, for pre-made pergola kits from HD, it costs you anywhere from 2k to 3k+, so with that amount of money, why not just extend the deck to cover the patio area and then install water proof deck ceiling so even on a raining day, you can sit out there and you also gain a larger raise deck? Something like this:http://www.drysnap.com/

I found a kit for under 2K (if I decided to go the kit route)... I'd also prefer partial sun and not a completely blocked view of the sky so I think that rules the deck out. I'd also have to dig real footers which I really don't want to do.

After looking at the space last night, and RPh Drew's mad photoshop skillz... the stand alone idea is definitely growing on me more... though expanding the patio isn't really an option.
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post #847 of 957
7/22/10 at 4:41am
I would consider putting some screening from deck level down to ground level so that from the patio you aren't looking under the deck at the A/C, etc. Maybe something solid with doors so that it end up appearing like part of the house? Would give you space for outdoor junk that's semi-protected from the weather.

I like it as a separate structure, but it would be important to have something green between the two spaces. Tall and skinny trees made for tight spaces would do the trick. To my eye without it it starts feeling a bit industrial with sooo much lumber and vinyl. On that note, I would consider removing a few feet of pavers against the house to allow for some green to break up that wall a bit.
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post #848 of 957
7/22/10 at 5:38am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by tony123 View Post

I would consider putting some screening from deck level down to ground level so that from the patio you aren't looking under the deck at the A/C, etc. Maybe something solid with doors so that it end up appearing like part of the house? Would give you space for outdoor junk that's semi-protected from the weather.

I like it as a separate structure, but it would be important to have something green between the two spaces. Tall and skinny trees made for tight spaces would do the trick. To my eye without it it starts feeling a bit industrial with sooo much lumber and vinyl. On that note, I would consider removing a few feet of pavers against the house to allow for some green to break up that wall a bit.

That is actually a storage box, not an A/C unit. I can move that easy enough.

I had actually put up lattice and some climbing hydrangeas on the other side of the deck for privacy. I was actually thinking about adding some outdoor lighting and actually trying to make the under-deck space more finished/cozy rather than block it off... though some planters between the pergola and deck might be an idea...
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post #849 of 957
7/22/10 at 12:49pm
My landscaping project is finally about to start. I was going to suggest trees for shade, but to be honest it looks like you have a ton beyond that fence anyways.

Since that isn't an AC unit, along the lines of your past post, why not go the other way, and expand your patio under the deck?
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post #850 of 957
7/23/10 at 5:53am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by dc_pilgrim View Post

My landscaping project is finally about to start. I was going to suggest trees for shade, but to be honest it looks like you have a ton beyond that fence anyways.

Since that isn't an AC unit, along the lines of your past post, why not go the other way, and expand your patio under the deck?

I've given that idea some thought as well and my knees hurt just thinking about it. It is also a possibility, though I think I still want to try and come up with a shady solution for the existing patio first.

Another side project I was considering was a retaining wall along the side of the patio where the lawn slopes down so I may look into extending the patio when I get around to that project.
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post #851 of 957
7/31/10 at 9:52am
Thread Starter 
A few updates:

1. We had Rock Band night in the HT last night... over 20 people! Times like these make me glad I opted for a more open theater space. Still have no regrets on leaving the back of the room open to the kitchenette. The HVAC was even able to keep up (though it was running constantly).

2. I think we've settled on the pergola. I found a reasonably priced free standing pressure treated kit. It is very simple and almost exactly what I was looking for. It will be 10x12 and I will put it in the far corner of the patio. This is what it looks like:



We would then add some curtains (with rods between the headers) for additional shade and privacy, build up the bottom of the posts a bit with some PT trim/lumber for some added interest, and maybe add some christmas/rope lights and/or a chandelier with candles.
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post #852 of 957
7/31/10 at 11:13am
Great find on the kit! Very nice. If I would have had a truly clean slate I too would have opted for a more open type of space. I would be hard pressed to fit 20 people in my space and it is not even finished yet! A buddy of mine built a 2500-2600 sq. ft. ranch with a full basement with 9 or 10 ft ceilings. I kept thinking at the time about how I would use such a huge basement space. Oh well we work with what we got.

Regards,

RTROSE
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post #853 of 957
7/31/10 at 11:20am
ah... that looks much better than my "paint" version.

For added sun protection from straight above I have seen some weave strips of some type of fabric/material in the openings. It would be something that would go up in the Spring and probably come down in the Fall but this way you could get some variety from year to year if you wanted to swap them out.
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post #854 of 957
7/31/10 at 11:32am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by RPh Drew View Post

ah... that looks much better than my "paint" version.

For added sun protection from straight above I have seen some weave strips of some type of fabric/material in the openings. It would be something that would go up in the Spring and probably come down in the Fall but this way you could get some variety from year to year if you wanted to swap them out.

Yeah... I had considered this as well. Another option is to install additional lattice on the top. We'll see how it goes if/when it arrives.
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post #855 of 957
7/31/10 at 7:07pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jamis View Post

Another option is to install additional lattice on the top.

I only mention the fabric/material because in your sample picture the sun appears to be nearly straight up and it didn't seem to be blocking much sun at all. The lattice would probably not only work well but would be easy to install and would last much longer than fabric/material. I have seen some sweet fabric installs where they let the material hang down the sides. It looks very relaxing swaying in the breeze.
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post #856 of 957
8/19/10 at 10:22am
Thread Starter 
Welp... sad to say that we chickened out and ended up going for one of these instead of the pergola (10' Coolaroo Cantilevered umbrella):



It was on sale (late in the season) at Amazon and qualified for free shipping (it arrives Saturday). The wife was not convinced that the pergola would look right and didn't want to risk it given the price. This was cheap enough that I think we can risk it. It can also be moved much easier than a pergola if we don't need it.

The base is made to accept 4 large pavers for weighing the whole structure down. I'll pick a few up at Lowes or stack up some of the leftovers from the patio for a more matched look.
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post #857 of 957
8/19/10 at 3:06pm
Holy crap did you cheap out.

I have two of those I bought on clearance and the slightest wind blows it all over the place.

Here is one in action keeping sun off my saw. Most of the time I attempt to hold it in place with 2 or more full cinder blocks and the wind will still occasionally blow it over.



I will bet you will end up with a different solution in the future. It isn't that relaxing to sit under something you think is going to fall on you any time the wind blows. Sorry I don't bring better news.

But really... with a name like "Coolaroo"... how could it go right???
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post #858 of 957
8/19/10 at 3:21pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by RPh Drew View Post

Holy crap did you cheap out.

I have two of those I bought on clearance and the slightest wind blows it all over the place.

Here is one in action keeping sun off my saw. Most of the time I attempt to hold it in place with 2 or more full cinder blocks and the wind will still occasionally blow it over.



I will bet you will end up with a different solution in the future. It isn't that relaxing to sit under something you think is going to fall on you any time the wind blows. Sorry I don't bring better news.

But really... with a name like "Coolaroo"... how could it go right???



I may also invest in a base weight (empty plastic box that you can fill with water or sand) if the pavers don't work out. This is about 10 times less expensive (literally) than the pergola kit would have been (with shipping)... and that was one of the cheapest kits we found.

It is definitely not as elegant as the pergola, but we'll see how it goes.
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post #859 of 957
8/19/10 at 6:25pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jamis View Post

... and that was one of the cheapest kits we found.

Since when do we build with "kits" in here...... Come on... Grab a bar napkin and get to it...

I just had to run up to the attic to see if the price tag was still on the second one I bought (it wasn't by the way). It has never been opened. I only bought two as they were practically giving them away when I bought it. It was like 75% off then I got 25% off the remainder. When I realized I wouldn't be using them on my deck (due to the wind issues) isn't literally wasn't worth taking it back. My first one has hit the deck more than once and is getting a bit beat up. When it croaks, I will probably pull out the other.

Quote:
Originally Posted by jamis View Post

.. but we'll see how it goes.

No, you'll see how it flies...
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post #860 of 957
8/19/10 at 6:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by RPh Drew View Post

No, you'll see how it flies...

It is true entertainment to watch my neighbor wrestle with his any time the wind kicks up. No wind, no problems. But never forget and leave it up...
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post #861 of 957
8/22/10 at 8:38am
Thread Starter 
The umbrella has at least met my expectations for the price. I figure we'll get 2-3 years out of it before we decide what we really want to do back there. I also have some plans formulating for a small retaining wall, so we'll see.

A few bad pics... We have not yet settled on the final placement and this is just where I happened to set it up first:

Closed position.


Four concrete pavers... they are a decent match to the patio. Not bad for $5 each. They are more than adequate for keeping the umbrella stable. I should have no problems so long as I remember to keep in the closed position while not in use.


Open.
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post #862 of 957
8/22/10 at 9:23am
Good idea with the pavers.

Here's another idea that will prevent that umbrella from tipping over, even if you leave it open: Install some 1/4" plywood spanning each of the 4 corners underneath the pavers (screwed into the umbrella's 4 legs) so that if the umbrella starts to tip, it will have to lift the weight of at least 2 pavers in any given direction instead of just having the 1-inch wide flats on the umbrella legs slip out from underneath them.

That should make it much more stable and solid.
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post #863 of 957
8/22/10 at 9:44am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Drew_V View Post

Good idea with the pavers.

Here's another idea that will prevent that umbrella from tipping over, even if you leave it open: Install some 1/4" plywood spanning each of the 4 corners underneath the pavers (screwed into the umbrella's 4 legs) so that if the umbrella starts to tip, it will have to lift the weight of at least 2 pavers in any given direction instead of just having the 1-inch wide flats on the umbrella legs slip out from underneath them.

That should make it much more stable and solid.

I actually thought about that. I'll see how it fares as is. If I did anything, I might buy a sheet of aluminum or something that will hold up better to the elements instead of ply. We shall see.

The umbrella instructions actually require the pavers (minimum 14x14 up to 20x20) or to screw the base down to the decking (if wood).
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post #864 of 957
8/22/10 at 10:22am
Yeah, some 25 gauge sheet metal would be a better idea. Either way, I think it's a fine solution for now.
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post #865 of 957
11/5/10 at 6:16am
Thread Starter 
Keg update - after nursing the Newcastle for near 7 months (it was still good at the end), we finally called it quits and replaced it with one from a local brewery that we enjoy. Wachusett Country Ale is now on tap.

We also have a big Rockband3 event tomorrow night. Expecting 20+ people. Times like this I really love the more open space of the HT.
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post #866 of 957
11/6/10 at 8:04am
Hey, Jamis lives! You fell off the face of the Earth my friend. Glad to hear that at least your updating KEG tappings.

Have fun with with Rock Band event. I (we) expect to see some photos of you in action!

Regards,

RTROSE
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post #867 of 957
11/27/10 at 6:07am
Thread Starter 
Small HT update...

Our old Harmony 680 started getting flaky (some buttons no longer working) so we finally replaced it after 4 wonderful years of service.

We opted for the Harmony One, this time around. The conversion was fairly painless, though I did have to reconfigure all of the soft buttons. It seems to be working pretty well, though it isn't quite as powerful (signal-wise) as the old 680.

A memorial service will be held for the 680 on Sunday.
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post #868 of 957
11/27/10 at 6:10am
Sorry to hear about "old trusty" passing on. What about the pics of your RockBand event? How did it go?

Regards,

RTROSE
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post #869 of 957
11/27/10 at 6:13am
Mine's a 6xx something series and is on roughly it's 8th year! I may have to put it in a shadow box on the wall in the theater. It just wouldn't be right to drop it in a trash can. Sorry for your loss.
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post #870 of 957
11/27/10 at 6:30am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by RTROSE View Post
Sorry to hear about "old trusty" passing on. What about the pics of your RockBand event? How did it go?

Regards,

RTROSE
No pics from Rockband Night, but we did have around 20 people. It went well.
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