We've been putting off rebuilding our deck for some time now. But, after this past fall, we no longer had a choice. After living in the house 4 years, and having 4 different fire pits burning on it all fall long (and sometimes into winter), we had a mishap. No one was hurt, and our house is fine, but the bottom of the fire pit was so hot, it charred the deck, leaving behind a circle-shaped burn in the deck. Since John and I aren't exactly super handy, and not well versed in building things, we waited until Grandpa Eric was in town to help John rebuild the deck (just like we waited until Grandpa was in town to expand our closet. Thank you Grandpa!!)
It took 1 day of planning, 2 days of demolition, lots of lumber, a new electric saw, and 2 days of building to get the job done. While Austin, Grandma Cindy, Grandpa, and I were in South Carolina, John demolished the deck. Our battery powered saw just couldn't keep up with the job, so he had to buy a corded saw (which moved the job right along!). When we returned from South Carolina, John and Grandpa spent 1 day planning and measuring before buying supplies. When returning home from Home Depot, Grandpa shared the story of transporting lumber in his old van. He pushed the lumber in too far, and cracked the windshield. No sooner did he finish that story, John hit a bump in the road, the lumber jumped, and CRACK went John's windshield. A major bummer, but funny at the same time. Subsequent trips for lumber resulted in 2 people holding the wood, and driving slower down the roads to prevent further damage to the windshield.
2 days of construction later, in the sweltering heat, the deck was finished! It looks beautiful, and we couldn't be happier. John says he will be putting the fire pit back on the deck, but will elevate it on stones. Some day, Grandpa will hopefully be able to come to St. Louis and enjoy his trip, rather than being put to work!
It took 1 day of planning, 2 days of demolition, lots of lumber, a new electric saw, and 2 days of building to get the job done. While Austin, Grandma Cindy, Grandpa, and I were in South Carolina, John demolished the deck. Our battery powered saw just couldn't keep up with the job, so he had to buy a corded saw (which moved the job right along!). When we returned from South Carolina, John and Grandpa spent 1 day planning and measuring before buying supplies. When returning home from Home Depot, Grandpa shared the story of transporting lumber in his old van. He pushed the lumber in too far, and cracked the windshield. No sooner did he finish that story, John hit a bump in the road, the lumber jumped, and CRACK went John's windshield. A major bummer, but funny at the same time. Subsequent trips for lumber resulted in 2 people holding the wood, and driving slower down the roads to prevent further damage to the windshield.
2 days of construction later, in the sweltering heat, the deck was finished! It looks beautiful, and we couldn't be happier. John says he will be putting the fire pit back on the deck, but will elevate it on stones. Some day, Grandpa will hopefully be able to come to St. Louis and enjoy his trip, rather than being put to work!
Before
Notice the black ring under the umbrella stand?
There was a cement pad under the wood deck!
Setting up
What was left of the old deck
The windshield crack
Grandpa and his assistant
Grandpa did a good job teaching Daddy how to build a deck.
What a mess!
Framing is done!!
Time for the top boards
Thank goodness for power tools!!
The deck base is DONE!
A door to nowhere
The stairs were left for the second day
Time to build some stairs!!
Can we come out yet Grandpa??
Daddy building the railing for the stairs
Almost time dogs, wait just a little bit longer
Nearly finished!
Daddy prepping the spot for the steps down to the sidewalk.
The new deck!! We LOVE it!!!!
Grandpa, you should be proud, Daddy said he feels comfortable building a deck at our next house, should it not have one. You're such a great teacher!!!!
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