Front Deck Project

Over the last couple years, the concrete sidewalk and one step up to my front step have gradually been deteriorating.  Last winter the step started crumbling even more, and I casually remarked to one guy in my BS about it one time this summer that I'd probably need to do something about it sometime.  Either put a deck on or re-pour some concrete or something.  Below you can see its state before any work started.

The guy I talked to took that comment and ran with it and volunteered to help do some planning and to help with the manual labor.  I took some measurements, we discussed some options, he drew up a plan, we bought the material, and we picked a Saturday to get started.

We made really good progress that Saturday.  It was blazing hot, but we kept at it and got almost all the framing done and maybe one third of the deck boards put down.

After two more evenings after work that week, we had it finished!  I put almost all the screws in that deck.  He put in a few and did more of the mental work, post hole digging, board cutting, and finishing touches like routering the edges and sanding the screw holes.

I think it looks good if I do say so myself.  I'm thankful for helpful people who make time to help me with projects.  I'm also thankful they have lots of tools.  Some hostas were moved in this process, but very few were harmed.

Now I need to re-train my body about how far to expect to step down to the deck, how far out and up to stick my foot to catch the screen door, and how many steps it is from where I park my car to where I have to take the first step up.