Building a Backyard Deck

Costs so far:

5/13/04

Today was  a big day! I went and picked up Mike (P.Dub) in Greeley @ 11:45. He wasn't feeling too hot but decided to help out even after I told him he didn't need to.

Today we bolted the ledger to the house. We began by using the water level to transfer the level of the deck from the door to the wall where the ledger was to be located. Water levels rock! We made numerous markings all along the north wall.

Next, we snapped a chalk line and  made sure it was level. Then I got the circular saw and made a plunge cut into the wood. I was careful not to set the blade too deep, so as not to cut through the 3/4" plywood underlayment.

After we had cut through the siding and removed it, I grabbed the flashing and we stuffed it up under the siding. At this point we re-measured the length of the ledger and then cut it the correct length. We held it up and made a test fit so I could mark where I had to notch it because of the bay window support.

Once the marks were made I transferred the measurements to the board and cut it with the jig saw. The pressure treated wood takes some time cutting...Once it was done, I tacked some nails into it and we put it back up against the house. Something didn't seem right, as the notch was too deep. Oh well, it fit under the flashing and it was level and at the right height.

Once it was tacked in place, I figured out where I would need to drill the holes for the 1/2" dia. -6" long bolts. On the first one, I place the holes right on top of each other. Whoops...not enough room inside to get a nut and washer on. I had to move the bottom hole over an inch and up a bit. Once the second set of holes lined up correctly, I began to get into i9t and really began drilling. I'm glad I had my 1/2" drill that I'd picked up at Loveland pawn for $15 bucks. If I hadn't had it, I couldn't have used the right bit. Oh, how I love tools from pawn shops :-)

Once the holes were drilled we began to get the bolts through the ledger....things were coming along nicely. Mike stayed inside (as it was raining) and I used my ratchet outside to tighten them. I put 2 bolts every 16" on-center. This should be plenty strong to hold up the 2x10 joists and decking.

After that was finished, we breathed a sigh of relief. It had taken more time than expected, but we were glad to get it done. We put the tools away. since the lumber was arriving today we both waited around until it arrived. I helped back the guy up and then he began to tilt the bed to drop the lumber. The 2x12x20' beam boards were the first to come off. Unfortunately, the decking slid off the side and smashed pretty hard into the neighbors fence. It didn't break the post, but came close. The post was definitely loose. The biggest problem was what the super-heavy decking  did once it slid backwards off the truck.

The decking smashed headlong into the garage door, bending the door, and breaking away one of the hinges and its supporting piece of wood. I'll have to see how it looks once the lumber is moved. I told the guy not to worry. I think he was relieved. He asked if he should tell his boss. I said no...not to worry about it. I don't think the damage is severe enough to require a chat with his boss. It looks like something I can fix myself. We haven't even opened that door in over a year....

After that fiasco, I took Mike home and felt relieved that one of the main things I'd wanted to get done before Saturday was done. End of story...time for bed.

 

Fiberglass Post hole digger (flea market)	$8.00
24" wood Stakes	$7.49
String	$2.59
Clear tubing (water level)	$3.00
more String (due to dog chewing)	$2.37
10" concrete tube  (6)	$35.88
8" concrete tube	$4.45
6x6 metal post bases (6)	$53.88
flashing (3)	$12.84
20'   2x4's  (2)	$19.88
50# bags of gravel (2)	$7.94
scrap lumber	$2.55
25 bags concrete 80#	$67.25
Concrete Mixer Rental	$42.13
P.T. 16' 2x10 (ledger)	$32.64
Subtotal as of : of 4/26/04	$302.89