The objective of this project was twofold: 1) to winterize an area under the covered deck to store all the furniture in the backyard, including the BBQ, and 2) to provide an area (covered with fake grass) for my two small dogs to do their "business" when the winter weather gets too inclement.

Supplies

4- Clear Custom Tarps (20mm thick) made to specifications (from Covers&All)
6 - Treated 2"x4"x16'
10 - Treated 2"x4"x10'
8 - Simpson Strong Ties
6 - 4" Lag Bolts
6 - Lag Shields
L - Brackets
RampaTec M6 Threaded Inserts - approx 130
RampaTec Flathead Screws (20 mm) - approx 130
1/4 Fender Washers - approx 130
2 1/2" Deck Screws
1 1/2" Deck Screws
Scrap Plywood
Osmo Outdoor UV Protection Oil
Dog Door

Step 1: Attach 2"x4" to Brick Wall

2 2"x4"x10' were cut to height and attached like ledgers to the brick wall with 3 lag bolts for each piece. Holes were drilled and 3 lag shields were inserted in the brick (top, middle, and bottom) on each side. TIP: Drill a pilot hole with a smaller bit first , and then with the larger 3/8" drill bit. This will cut the drilling time down by about 65%.

Step 2: Attach Cross Pieces - Sides

2 2"x4"x16' top cross pieces were attached to the top of the 2"x4"s that were just mounted to the brick wall and the front 6"x6" posts that support the front of the deck with Simpson Strong Ties and 1 1/2" Deck Screws.

I started attaching the Tarps (Step3) and on this particular day it was quite windy; realizing the tarps basically acted like sails in the strong wind, causing the top cross piece to bow. I remedied the situation by installing 2 2"x4"x16' Mid cross pieces in the same fashion. This took the pressure off of the top braces.

I then installed 2 2"x4"x16' bottom cross pieces. These were attached with L-Brackets

Step 3: Attach Custom Clear Tarps

Attaching the Custom Clear Tarps is really easy, but time consuming. It will require a second person to hold up the tarp while you get the first few Rampatec inserts and Bolts attached for each tarp. The steps are:

Drill a hole for the Rampatec Insert
Insert the Rampatec insert with a drill and Rampatec drill bit
Attach the Rampatec Bolt with a washer using an Allen Key (the washer is required as the grommets on the tarp are slightly bigger than the head on the Rampatec Bolt)

For attaching the front tarps, 2"x4"x10's were attached to the fronts of the 3 Deck 6"x6" support posts and the front top 6"x8" support beam with 2 1/2" Deck Screws. The Rampatecs inserts were put in the 2"x4"s to avoid drilling all the holes in the support beam and posts.

Step 4: Installing Wood Panel and Dog Door

I constructed the wood panel to house the dog door out of 2"x4"s for the frame, and strips of scrap 3/4" sheathing plywood. I coated the exterior of the plywood with Osmo Outdoor UV Protection Oil to provide waterproofing to the wood panel. I then attached the dog door with magnetic strip in the opening.

I put in some artificial grass for the puppies to do their business during inclement weather. (I would not recommend this on a wood deck, however, this is a Trex deck which can be power-washed in the spring.)

Step 5: Testing It Out

We had a one day record snowfall in January 2022 in the Toronto area. All my yard furniture in nice and dry in the winterized enclosure, and the puppies have been making use of the artificial grass.