My last update was in November and, as is typically the case, not much happened through the winter. But then just as it was getting a little warmer so work could continue, the COVID pandemic took over and changed everything. After a couple of months isolating in our NYC apartment, I’ve started getting up to the house to do some work.
The first two trips were pretty basic – mostly assessing the status, handing some issues with the utilities, cleaning up after the winter, and preparing for the projects ahead. I met with my contractor on what should be the final exterior project and we’re set for that to be completed shortly.
In the meantime, as it is getting warmer, and thus the bugs will be out in full force, I decided that completing the screened porch would be a terrific project as that is space that will be actively used once renovated. The porch needs a new floor, and for the windows to be cut from the siding, and, finally, screens installed.
The most daunting part of this project was simply moving all the wood that was being stored in the current space. It was a painful effort and took almost an hour, but once complete, the rest of the project was pretty straight forward. (Note to self: lumber is always heavier than it appears.)
After taking delivery of the 10′ long 2×6 planks, I measured and cut the first length to fit. Then the discarded piece from that cut became my measurement template for each of the remaining planks, saving a little time and effort with the tape measure. I was able to cut the planks using my miter saw.
After figuring out the best rhythm, I was soon following a regular pattern:
- Remove old plank
- Discard old plank
- Fetch new plank from driveway
- Measure and cut new plank on miter saw
- Position new plank with shims for consistent spacing
- Drive 10 decking screws to secure floor plank to 5 joists
- Repeat
I timed this pattern at one point and it was taking me 8-mis per blank, which would mean I’d finish the project around 5:30 PM, but I only had until about 4:00 PM, so I resolved that I might not finish today. At some point, however, I must have picked up the pace, because at 3:45 PM, I had completed the flooring!
It was really rewarding to finish this project in a single day! Next I’m hoping in about a 2-day span I can build out the screen frames, cut in the windows, and insert all the screens. If so, after my visit next week, the screened porch will be functionally complete and ready to use. That would be really nice with the buggy weather upon us!