K & S Contracting specialize in foundation repair for homeowners across Saskatchewan, but they also offer general contracting services to Saskatoon and surrounding area including:

• Basement renovations
• Foundations for RTM, Residential and Light Commercial
• Decks, Fences & Landscaping 
• Custom Builds
• Roofing, Re-Roofs and Shingles
• Exteriors
• All Insurance work 

5 Common deck building mistakes

One of the worst mistakes to make when building a deck is to select the wrong building material. Often people buy the wrong wood or use nails where braces are needed, etc. Personally I have come across dozens of decks built with fencing material. What seems like a cost cutting method could add up to major costs in just a few years. Most fence material has square edges, which chip and break off under the slightest amount of foot pressure. This wood also tends to be knotty and often warps in any weather condition. 

Incorrect Riser Heights

One of the most confusing aspects of building a deck for an aspiring carpenter, is cutting the stringer. There is a little math involved that often causes first timers to make the mistake of cutting incorrect riser heights. All of the risers should be the same length except for the bottom riser. All of the other risers will lose the depth of the tread once it is put on so the bottom riser should be a tread depth smaller than the other risers. It’s an easy mistake to make when taking everything else into account.

Not Sealing Your Deck

When a deck is built with pressure treated wood, it is recommended to avoid sealing it for 6 months. For some homeowners, six months can turn into a couple of years before they know it. When a deck is not sealed, it will start rotting in a hurry. Make sure to properly clean and seal your deck and check it often to make sure it doesn’t need to be sealed again. To check your deck before you wreck your deck, pour a little water on it to see if it absorbs. If the water is absorbed, it is time to seal it again. A little maintenance goes a long way.

 Incorrect placement of Beam Splices

More often than not, beginning carpenters make the assumption that separating the distance of beam splices between the different plies is important. While it can help if done properly, It is more important to make sure your splices sit on top of posts. Some designs make it possible to stagger the splices and sit them atop separate posts but if this isn’t possible, make sure sit your splices on top of your posts, even if they are only inches apart between plies. If you avoid this warning, you could be rebuilding after inspection. 

Improper Drainage 

This mistake is actually a series of mistakes that many budding builders make. When building your deck, you want to make sure the water drains in an efficient manner. If the deck is attached directly to your house, it is important to use the proper flashing to make sure water doesn’t accumulate on the side of your house, rotting your structure. It is also important to leave a little space between your planks to allow for drainage. Last but not least, consider sloping your deck .25 inches for every 12 inches away from your house. Doing this will help keep water from accumulating on your deck. 

Building a deck can be a fun and rewarding experience as long as you plan ahead and avoid these and other costly mistakes. Happy Building!

READ MORE CLIENT REVIEWS HERE ON THEIR WEBSITE K & S Contracting are Saskatoon’s Trusted Contractor for ICF Foundations..."They will get you back on solid ground!"

K & S Contracting are Trusted Saskatoon General Contractors and foundation specialists

Reed Security believes when you become a client you will be entering into a relationship – one they want to grow and become long term...they work hard to meet all your Saskatoon Alarm & security needs from day one!

REED SECURITY are Trusted and they are recipients of 2 x 2012 SABEX AWARDS - these Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce awards recognize excellence in business.

Trusted Saskatoon Security expert from Reed Sucurity tip on Theft

from their Trusted Saskatoon Security Blog  

Can you outsmart a Thief?

All About Theft

• 66% of break-in's are forced entry and forced entry attempts
• 34% of break-in's are unlawful entry (without force)
• In 2014, Saskatchewan had 8506 break-in's (164/week)
• Break-in's occur in all areas of the City - not just the "bad areas"
• Most Home break-in's occur when you are at work or travelling (daytime)
• Most Business break-in's occur when you are at home (evening and weekends)
• Cabin's and Lake properties are especially attractive
• 98% of break-in's occur though main floor doors and windows (often unlocked)
• Thieves target the Master Bedroom
• Thieves steal:
• Cash and Credit Cards
• Jewelry Designer clothes and sunglasses
• Electronics such as TV's, Stereos, Computers, Video Game systems, Smartphones and Tablets
• Tools
• Sporting Goods
• Cars and Trucks or the contents in them
• Building Materials Alcohol and Prescription drugs
• Your Identity

How to Prevent Theft

• Use Common Sense
• If you lose a key, get the locks changed.
• Ask all strangers for identification.
• Never hide an extra key outdoor - especially underneath a mat or on top of a light fixture. This is the first place the bad guys look. Leave an extra house key with a friend or a neighbor.
• DO NOT advertise on Facebook or other social media that you are on vacation. If you want to post photos, then do it when you get home.
• For insurance purposes take photos of the contents of your home.
• Keep all receipts in a safe and easy to find location.
• Write down the model and serial number of all electronics. 
• Make it Difficult
• Door chains are easy to bypass.
• Install deadbolts. Install a stopper or stick on all sliding doors and windows.
• Install window bars on all basement windows.
• Make sure all doors and windows are properly locked.
• Keep your premises well lit at night.
• Install timers that turn lights on at different times. This gives the appearance that someone is home.
• Install a monitored Home Security system
• 400% less likely to have a break-in.
• up to 25% insurance discount.
• optional ALARM.COM with automatic lights.  
• In case you do have a break-in:
• If it looks like a door or window was forced open, DO NOT go inside. The Burglar may still be on site.
• Call the Police from your cellular phone or from a neighbor's house and wait.

Palliser Rooms EQ3 is an independent furniture store that has been operating in Saskatoon for ten years. The store specializes in offering a generous selection of contemporary furnishings (predominantly Canadian brands) and a personalized service that is forward-thinking and client-focused. Customer reviews describe Palliser Rooms as a "great shopping experience," "with exceptional sales staff," "best displays and best furniture in town," and the kicker: "great delivery service." The comments reflect the company's commitment to providing excellent customer service and speak to their impeccable taste and attention to detail.

They are your Trusted Saskatoon Furniture Experts!

Why Palliser - Power:

Find Palliser online at www.pallisereq3.com or go to their listing in SASKATOON FURNITURE here, or go and visit their massive showroom on Faithfull Ave, Saskatoon... they are on THE Saskatoon directory of excellence ..they are your Saskatoon Furniture experts!

Reed Security believes when you become a client you will be entering into a relationship – one they want to grow and become long term...they work hard to meet all your Saskatoon Alarm & security needs from day one!

REED SECURITY are Trusted and they are recipients of 2 x 2012 SABEX AWARDS - these Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce awards recognize excellence in business.

Trusted Saskatoon Security expert from Reed Sucurity tip on keyless entry system for Vendasta

from their Trusted Saskatoon Security Blog 

Project: Vendasta

With over 100 employees and growing, Vendasta partnered with Reed Security to install a key-less entry system.

A professionally installed access control system has the following benefits:

No More Keys

• staff and visitors use cards/keytags that are added/deleted in minutes
• no expensive re-keying when an employee quits or is terminated

Control Who Goes Where and When

• Doors
• Gates
• Elevators
• Schedules for Weekday, Weekends and Holidays

Time & Attendance reports

• print or email
• optional alarm integration arm/disarm your alarm by swiping your access card/keytag

PC, iPhone, iPad, Android apps

• Huge Time Savings
• Unlimited users
• Easy-to-use

Reed Security Support Desk

• Remote Troubleshooting
• Priority On-Site Service

J & S Picture Frame Warehouse- Saskatoon Framers simply offers the best selection of materials to preserve your treasures, keepsakes and works of art in Saskatoon . Quality is paramount at J & S - all work is completed with superb craftsmanship, expert advice and friendly service. Nationally acclaimed local artists trust J & S with their original artworks...why trust your memories to anyone else? J & S Are your Trusted SASKATOON FRAMING EXPERTS

Express Your Style & Creativity:

Nestled in one of Saskatoon’s oldest neighbourhoods, this locally-owned company creates conversation pieces that stand the test of time. It only takes one trip to understand the care and respect J&S Picture Frame Warehouse puts into their product. Whether you are a homeowner, artist or interior designer, they can help you express your style and creativity.

Owner Sherry Morris and her team deliver workmanship and customer service you can count on. From framing pictures, art, needlework and mirrors to photo restoration, the customer has always been Morris’ first priority.  J&S Picture Frame Warehouse is a turn-key operation where every piece of the puzzle is created in-shop. “We simply offer the best selection of materials to preserve your treasures, keepsakes and works of art,” Morris says.

Surrounded by an impeccably crafted showroom, Morris exudes knowledge as she explains the vast options available for quality custom picture framing and design. Fifteen years ago, the company expanded to include photo restoration and large format printing. Old photographs and documents are scanned in-house and restored with precision using a computer program. The dramatic enhancement in colour and quality allow customers to exhibit their piece with pride.

Gallery Wrap

Traditional techniques are gaining popularity in modern design. Canvas printing can include reproductions of an artist’s acrylic or oil painting or a cherished wedding photograph. A gallery wrap canvas gives clean lines to hang beautifully on your wall. Treated with a matte finish UV laminate and stretched onto a frame, canvases can also float in a frame for added detail.

Sports Memorabilia

You didn’t spend a lot of money on your collectable sports items to have them hang in the closet or be stuck in a drawer. J&S Picture Frame Warehouse creates impressive sports memorabilia displays. With a keen instinct for the craft, employees turn your beloved hockey or Rider gear into an intriguing collection you won’t want to hide.  Charming  shadow boxes frame- up anything from a treasured jersey to a prized signed hockey stick.

Giclee Printing

Gloria Parker’s fabulous landscape pastels express Saskatchewan’s beauty in breathtaking fashion. The talented Saskatoon artist captures her passion with incredible detail. Inspired by Mother Nature, her tranquil but vibrant pieces of art illustrate our exquisite surroundings. J&S Picture Frame Warehouse offers framed original work or prints by various artists, who can take advantage of giclee printing which is available on archival paper and canvas. It’s the perfect opportunity for creative minds to create a series of limited editions from their original artwork.

Family Photos

J&S Picture Frame Warehouse has a special knack for family photos. Offering the largest selection of framing and matting in the city, corners are never cut when creating a masterpiece to hang in your home. Vivid colours displayed on a stunning backdrop can be perfectly suited to your personal style. This black and white canvas photograph was recreated from a colour picture and updated with a red frame for a more modern look. Let your family photos come to life for everyone to see.

LED Lighting

Don’t let your family heirlooms or special travel keepsakes go unnoticed. Create a conversation piece –such as this incredible Aztec mask-with tasteful LED lighting. From showcasing important jewellery to accentuating a special gift, LED lighting transforms any item from lifeless to animate. The soft lights flatter intricate details and give spirit to your feature piece.

Find J & S Picture Frame Warehouse in Sutherland on Jessop, Fan them on Facebook Here for great Framing tips and updates.

You can find them on the Saskatoon Directory in the Trusted Photographers and Framing Category - they are your Trusted Saskatoon Framers!