Deck well and hatch cover
#1
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Deck well and hatch cover
I am building a deck that includes a well to provide access to a hose bib and provide garden hose storage. This well will be covered by a hatch. The well is framed by 2x6 Pressure Treated lumber. The hatch is constructed of 1" thick PVC Azek deck boards attached to a frame of 2x4 PT lumber. The hatch is flush to the rest of the deck. The hatch is about 18" x 30". I need to open the hatch on the long axis (30"). The hinges will attach to the PT lumber.
Since the hatch is flush with the rest of the deck, I need advice about how to design this and suggestions for the type of hinge i could use that will compensate for the 1" thick deck boards. The challenge is to raise the hatch without the deck boards of the hatch impinging on the adjacent deck boards because the hinge pivot point is below the surface grade of the deck. I plan to attach ball-mounted gas compression struts to the hatch to support it.
I'd appreciate anyone's ideas and suggestions. Thanks in advance.
Since the hatch is flush with the rest of the deck, I need advice about how to design this and suggestions for the type of hinge i could use that will compensate for the 1" thick deck boards. The challenge is to raise the hatch without the deck boards of the hatch impinging on the adjacent deck boards because the hinge pivot point is below the surface grade of the deck. I plan to attach ball-mounted gas compression struts to the hatch to support it.
I'd appreciate anyone's ideas and suggestions. Thanks in advance.
#2
I would not hinge it at all. Just drill a couple of finger holes in one end. Pick that end up and it will arc to an open position. I had that on my present deck as the bib was below deck level when it was built. I have since relocated the bib, but the hatch is still there. You will be treating it as a true hatch cover by not having hinges, and IMO it will look better.
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It sounds like you want the equivalent of hidden cabinet hinges (ie. where the hinges are inside the cabinet and don't show from the outside). I would look at those, and try to find an equivalent that is rated for the size / weight of the hatch, and for outdoor use.