The deck is officially done. Sound the celebratory cowbells! I actually finished it on Friday and we’ve spent the last few days crossing all appendages and waiting for an inspection (I couldn’t bear to share my triumph until I was actually sure it was a to-code triumph). The inspection finally happened yesterday afternoon, and – ta-da! – we passed. Relief flooded over me like all the sweat that I put into building this thing (lesson learned: build decks in the spring or fall). Here she is in all of her wood-riddled, approved-by-the-county glory:
It’s definitely an upgrade from the tiny rotting balcony that we started with:
We thought it’d be great to have it done when Sherry’s mom came to visit from NY today, so I put my head down, powered ahead, and sweated through my belt for one last leg of this deck building marathon.
Admittedly it was a bit more of a marathon than I expected. We originally thought this deck would take us three or four weeks of on and off work to complete, but between the heat, thunderstorms, inspections, equipment rentals, material deliveries, summer travel (we ended up being gone more than half of the weekends since starting) and generally being a one-man show who has never built a deck before… it took ten weeks instead. But that doesn’t make the victory any less sweet to me.
I actually kind of enjoyed having an excuse to go outside (despite the extreme weather) and tinker around with something during the occasional Clara nap or Saturday morning. It was weirdly peaceful – getting to ignore emails and diapers for a few hours and just saw stuff. And of course having my dad’s help with the auger when it came to digging those post holes was the best. Nothing like a father/son project to get the serotonin pumping.
So if you’re wondering how long a deck project could take, I think an experienced team could knock something like this out in a week (you’d need a few days to pause for inspections in our area, so a weekend wouldn’t do it). But if you’re doing it almost entirely alone as a first-timer, and can’t work all day every day (maybe you can devote a few afternoons or evenings during the week and a day or two every other weekend like I did) it might realistically take you a month or two – depending how inspections go, if it’s raining for two weeks straight, etc. But I can promise you one thing: there’s an insane amount of satisfaction when you sink that last screw.
Now let’s rewind for a moment and I’ll try to breeze through how I got the stairs and the railing done. Once all of the decking was laid down, I cut and attached the remainder of my four posts (you can read more on how I did that in this post).
Even though the stairs were next on my list, getting the railing posts up was important to help me plan the stair stringers – which are the diagonal boards that run down the side of the staircase, where the steps actually rest.
You can buy pre-cut stringers, but I tackled cutting my own (to save money and time since that’s the lumber they provided in our delivery). Figuring out the lengths and angles of everything was kinda scary until I found this website that did most of the math for you. Thank goodness for the world wide web.
Once I had my rise (the height of each step) and run (the width of each step) calculated, I learned a cool trick from this video for marking your 2 x 12″ board for cutting. I basically clamped a straight edge (in my case, a piece of scrap wood) to a framing square (the L-shaped ruler) so it intersected at my measured rise and run. Then I could hold the scrap wood flush against my board and the framing square would create a perfect guide for marking my cuts:
With the length of my board marked, I broke out my circular saw and carefully cut along the lines.
You’ll notice above that despite looking cut from above in that last picture, the triangular pieces weren’t falling away. That’s because the circular-shape of a circular saw doesn’t always allow you to reach those deep corners all the way through. So I went back with my reciprocating saw to finish the cuts all the way.
Once one stringer had been cut (and tested in place to make sure it fit) I used it as a guide to mark and cut two more 2 x 12 boards, since I’d need 3 total stringers for my 48″ wide steps.
So here are my three cut stringers in place. You’ll notice the one in the middle has a weird extra piece in its center. That’s because a not-so-conveniently located knot in the wood caused the tip of one step to break off. Rather than go buy (and re-cut another whole board) I just patched it by cutting and screwing a short piece of wood to patch it (making sure it would be to code first).
To attach the stringers to the deck I used these angled hangers that I snagged at Home Depot.
Oh yeah, and I was sure to check that the steps were level the whole way down. Don’t want wonky steps now, do we?
Speaking of wonky, I did install some blocking between the stringers. They weren’t perfectly level themselves, but they’ll be completely hidden, so that’s okay. The point was that by using equal sized scrap boards the blocks still served their purpose of keeping the steps an equal width the whole way down (we didn’t want the steps getting subtly narrower or wider on the way down).
Next came setting the posts that would support the staircase in the middle and the bottom (using the footing holes that I dug back when I started the deck). To attach these posts, I decided to use these anchors I found at Home Depot this time around.
I basically set them in some wet concrete (after carefully marking where they needed to go to line up with my steps – which admittedly was a somewhat maddening process). Then I let them dry.
Since my concrete needed 4 hours to cure, I filled some of that time by beginning to cut the wood for the steps. We wanted the steps to match the decking, so we used two 2 x 6″ boards for the base of each step (which included a small overhang) and a 2 x 8″ board for the back of each step.
Once my concrete was dry and my post anchors were solidly in place, I set my posts, checked that they were level, and nailed them into place. You can see this anchor was not 100% exact in its placement – but that’s part of the reason they’re open on one end. That wiggle room was a lifesaver.
So here are all of my posts set (but not cut to size yet) and a random assortment of step boards just loosely laid in place. Looks kinda like a staircase. Looks kinda like a hot mess too.
Oh yeah, and I bolted the posts to my stringers the same way I bolted the railings to the end of the deck.
Then came the task of screwing all of the step boards into place. This task took surprisingly long and a surprising amount of screws.
With all of the stair boards in place, I turned my attention to the guardrail. The first two parts of the guardrail were the 2 x 4″ rail boards that would span between the posts on the top and bottom. Our county requires no more than 4″ gap between the deck and the rail (it’s also known as a sweep space, so you can easily sweep debris off the deck). I saw someone use a 4 x 4″ post as a guide for this since it’s an easy way to keep the rail level so I did the same thing. Worked like a charm.
Attaching the railings to the stairs was a bit more involved since I had to make sure I was meeting several standards for how much of a gap was at the bottom and how high it had to be compared to the nose of each tread. Once I had figured all of that out, just cutting the angles and keeping things in place while I screwed it all together made my brain hurt a little. But eventually I got all of the railing pieces in place.
Oh, and you may notice that the four posts attached to the deck got significantly taller. I had to replace my original posts because I realized too late that I had cut them too short to satisfy the railing height requirements on the steps. It’s a long story so I’ll just leave it this: it kinda sucked and that’s why it’s nighttime when this photo was taken. Oh well live and learn. They weren’t going to be staying that tall, but after replacing them once I decided this next time that I’d cut them in place once I was certain my railing height would pass inspection – just to avoid any more surprise do-overs.
The next day I could finally start putting the balusters in. Those are the vertical pieces on a standard deck railing. We debated doing something more intricate or modern (like all horizontal rails or a built in planter) but opted for the traditional look because that’s what we have out on the patio side of the house (there’s a fence and a railing out there). Both that railing and this one are visible from the living room (out various sliding doors) so we wanted them to match. I’m also glad we went the traditional route because it was super easy to do (since I could use my post as a guide to meet the spacing requirements again).
The last part of the guardrail is the rail cap, which is the flat ledge on the top. It’s made from a 5/4 x 6″ decking board. Cutting those angles and notches around the posts was an adventure too, but I won’t bother you with the details. In short: I lived to tell the tale!
Oh yeah, and you can see now that I eventually cut all of my posts down to size when I was sure they all met code. Thank you reciprocating saw for that.
When it came to attaching the balusters to the stair railing, I didn’t even attempt to pre-cut them to size like I did on the other railing. Instead I temporarily removed the rail cap I had cut and screwed the balusters into place with the excess length extending out the top. Then I used my reciprocating saw to cut them down so the rail cap would sit flush again on top of them for a finished edge.
With the balusters in and rail cap back on, I started putting the finishing touches into place – like this handrail that we’re required to add since our stairs have more than three steps.
And we added these decorative wood caps ($8 at Home Depot) to the posts at the top and bottom of the stairs. They attached with just a little bit of caulk and definitely make things look nice and finished.
And with that, the railings – and therefore the steps – and therefore the entire deck itself… was finally done!
I have to admit, I’m still kind of impressed that I made this.
And what do you do when you’re proud of the deck you just built? Naturally, you text your mom.
Well, your mom and your bro-friend.
Although being totally built and county approved doesn’t mean it’s totally done. We still need to seal it (we’ll be tackling that as soon as we catch our breath and research the right product for the job) and of course we need to furnish it. As for the budget breakdown, once we seal it we’ll share the full rundown. Until then, you can find me sitting out on the deck, sans furniture, drinking a nice cold soda. Or telling Sherry that I’m not building another deck for at least ten years. Yes sireee, I’m glad to have this done. Although to anyone wondering, I still think demoing our first house’s bathroom and rebuilding that from the studs was the hardest project I’ve ever done. But the deck is hanging in there at second place. Anyone else finishing a deck or some other project that took longer than you expected but is still intensely satisfying to have checked off the ol’ list?
Psst- Want all the deck details? Here’s where we shared our vision for the space, removed the plantings and the old balcony, selected our materials and documented our first day of building. Then we dug our post holes, failed our first inspection, revised our plan/dug more holes, and set posts. Then we installed our joists, did some last minute prep for deck boards, started laying decking boards, whipped up a mood board and finished laying deck boards.
Brenda says
It looks so fantastic! What an accomplishment! And I love that you texted Jeremy. Gotta brag to your friends, right? :)
Laura says
So impressive, John!
Tara says
Looks amazing! I have deck envy! :)
Shelly says
Great job, John! Love all the codes, UGH! A grippable handrail is a must.
Anele @ Success Along the Weigh says
That is so great! I’m really proud of you for sticking with it because I guarantee I wouldn’t have. I bow to you sir!
Stacey says
It’s beautiful, John. Well done!
Staci @ My Friend Staci says
Wow, John… I am in awe! You definitely didn’t pick a “beginner” deck (ie, one foot off the ground, square shape) so you had a lot of learning curves to figure out! It looks absolutely fantastic! And you will look so cool and intimidating bragging about it to Clara’s future boyfriends ;)
Vanessa Gasca says
What a GREAT job, you should be so proud of yourself John. Its so amazing that so much of your house has your sweat and tears in it. Its makes it so much better. You and Sherry need to just go out there one night and enjoy a well deserved dinner!
Lauren says
Amazing job!!
Karen Lee says
It looks fantastic! Congratulations!
Hannah says
I must admit, this is the first project I’ve seen here that is 100% intimidating. You guys are getting into the big time now!
Jessica G says
shut. up. (in a disbelief way, not a stop-talking way)
that is the most amazing thing ever. and 10 weeks sounds about right. new floors are supposed to take days…ours are taking…a month and a half? sometimes life (and weather) just get in the way (thanks, Virginia).
but seriously, your deck is phenomenal. so excited for the family outdoor dinners and pumpkin carving you can enjoy this fall! :)
Mallory says
Great job John!! Totally impressed by your handy work!
meghan says
looks great!
tip- they sell stair gauges that attach to your framing square that make measuring and marking stair rise/runs super simple and fast.
http://www.amazon.com/Johnson-Level-Tool-Contractor-Square/dp/B00002NBKH
YoungHouseLove says
Great tip Meghan!
-John
Paige @ Little Nostalgia says
WOW indeed! I’m glad you included all of the little details, because I never would’ve guessed there was so much involved. I’m extra impressed that you built the railings and stairs by yourself, too, instead of getting something from the store. Big ups to you, J-Boom!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, thanks Paige-dog (that’s the best nickname I could come up with, sorry).
-John
Cathy says
John-it is a work of art! I believe you when you say you won’t be building another anytime soon. Living in Texas, we only work on outside projects from October to March, and your having done it during a heat wave makes me all the more impressed!
tara says
Yay!!! It looks amazing! Job well done, John – let the celebrating begin:)
Drew says
Congrats! That looks simply amazing. Definitely inspiring me to tackle one of my own. I’ve enjoyed the whole journey.
Meagan says
I never comment but I just had to say that your persistence, patience and mad skill-building on this project have absolutely amazed me. It is no small feat to have figured out every single step of this deck on your own. A job well done! I hope you enjoy many a family gatherings out there! I gather that there is no need for you to wait before sealing the deck…no need for it to weather for a season?
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Meagan! We’ve heard some products can be used right away and others call for some drying out time, so we have to see which one we go with to learn how long we have to wait.
-John
Teri says
Looks great!! What a nice private outdoor space you have created!
Adria says
It looks amazing; great job, y’all!
keri says
holy amazing! i’m speechless…which doesn’t happen often :)
Adrienne says
Looks AWESOME! It’s amazing that you two can figure anything out. Love your effort, great attitude and the end result!
Lindsay says
Looks fantastic…congratulations on your amazing work! John, I’m still patiently waiting for your arrival in the ‘burgh (taps foot, looks at clock, holding chocolate chip cookies) to start ours!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, be right over! Hope the cookies are all melty from the oven…
-John
Sara says
The deck looks AWESOME!!! Great job John! It’s definitely something to be very proud of!
Krystle Clark says
Congratulations!! Job Well done!
Echo says
It looks FANTASTIC! I have a deck that is in DIRE need of demolition and rebuilding. I’ll provide my address when you’re ready! ;)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I’ll add you to the list!
-John
Laura says
Congratulations – it looks wonderful!
Sue says
I don’t understand half of what you did, but the deck looks fantastic! Great job, John! You have every right to be proud of yourself.
Kate says
It looks amazing! Just to throw my two cents in – I recommend Cabot Australian Timber Oil. We’ve used it on our fences and deck, and it protects the wood beautifully. :) cabotstain.com/products/product/Australian-Timber-Oil.html
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the tip Kate!
xo,
s
Carly says
The deck looks awesome!
I grew up in a house with cedar siding and a fairly large deck and our family swears by Sikkens brand stain/seal. It’s not the cheapest, but it lasts!
Enjoy years to come on the fun new space!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the tip Carly!
xo,
s
Angie All The Way says
Well done!! I have to say, every time I read an update on this deck I thought to myself, “Not only must he be exhausted doing this work, but writing the posts along the way would be their own feat!” You have a real talent for it though, because I have zero intention of building a deck, but I couldn’t help but read every word on the process and I feel kind of informed on it now. You kept me engaged in the entire process! :-)
You and Sherry both have this ability and I have no doubt your book will be just as engaging to read and am looking forward to it!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Angie, that’s really nice to hear!
-John
Dominique says
This is amazing! You’ve definitely inspired us on so many projects in our home. Hopefully we’ll get some courage to tackle our deck dreams.
Mandy S says
What an amazing job!! Seriously impressed by what you can do, and I’m sure your dad is SO proud of all the math that was involved :)
Can’t wait to see the budget breakdown, and then show these posts to my husband with “the look”!
Morgan says
It looks amazing! You deserve to be proud of yourself!
Patti says
Bravo John! My husband would agree, our bathroom re-do was the hardest but the deck comes in a close second. Good for you!
Laura says
Looks awesome! Congratulations!!
Alyssa says
Yes!! I do have a project that’s taking WAY longer than I thought:( we are finishing our basement (adding a 4th bedroom, office, rec room and 3rd bathroom) and this project started in march. I was due with our 2nd child in June and my husband said it’d be done by then. Guess what?? It’s still not done! The carpet is scheduled for installation on the 30th, so if that tells you anything, you know we are finally getting close. Wahoo!!! But, this is why I REALLY hope to win your giveaway this week. I need to furnish the bathroom and would love a helping had with that. Ha! Anyway, great job on the deck john. It looks amazing and I wouldn’t care about not having furniture put there, I would be laying out there every night enjoying my handy work if I were you.
PS: I cannot wait until the book comes out, I have already requested a pre-ordered copy for Christmas and I better get it!! Lol
Amanda K says
haha, i love that jeremy’s response was more enthusiastic than your mom’s. i guess he knows how it feels to be done with a big project…either that or it’s a true sign of a deep, beautiful bromance.
Lucy says
That is Uh.MAZE.ing! Just shared with a friend who’s just repaired the steps on his own deck, he says, “That’s some pretty pukka steppage!” lol.
I can’t believe Sherry hasn’t had you bring the red chairs round from the patio yet just so you have something out to sit on and enjoy the fruit of your labour!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I keep threatening to do it! If I have my way by this time next week we’ll have a “furnished for now” post to share! Haha.
xo,
s
Amanda says
Great job John! Can’t wait to see how you two deck it out. Pun totally intended!
Kristen says
Congratulations John! Even though I will probably never build a deck (and don’t really want to know how to) I read every word and looked at every picture and followed along. All because I am SO impressed with your ability to DIY and write! Way to go! :D
Debbie says
one of our homes is a 4,200 sq ft A-frame log home nestled in 8 acres of cedar & fir trees of every variety on one of the more beautiful lakes in the state. when we bought the place in early may of last yr, we told our contractor that we were having a large family reunion there at the end of july. the home was a 70-80% gut remodel, but when we were going through the place our contractor said the deck was in good shape, just needed some of the planking replaced. it wraps around three sides of the home & is actually three levels (w/ considerable sq footage on each), the last level being about 10 ft off the paver block patio supported by massive log pilings, that are easily 3-4 ft in diameter. because the deck seemed good, he focused all his time on the house & left the deck for last. once he got into it though in mid july, he realized that there was more that was going to need to be replaced. however, our deadline of the end of the month remained the same. being a good midwestern finlander w/ values to match, he prided himself on being a man of his word & he had his crew of three guys working dawn to dusk seven days a week & got the entire deck repaired, pressure washed, sealed & stained in less than two weeks (despite getting 8″ of rain in ONE day). they actually finished less than 24 hrs before the party. all of his work is beautiful & expertly done. not only did we give him & his crew a $5k bonus, but weve flown them all over the country to do work on our other homes. me & the BF have skills, but we feel lucky that we have someone we can turn to whose attention to detail matches our type A need for perfection….lol
Allyn says
HUZZAH!
Way to go John! Seriously impressive.
Desiree says
Fantastic job John!! It looks beautiful!
So, what kind of reward do you get for such an amazing job? You need major relaxation after a feat like that! Too bad guys don’t do spa days – if I built a deck, which I NEVER EVER would, I would totally want a spa day after all my hard work!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, John totally looked me in the eye yesterday right after we passed inspection and said “that’s it, I’m scheduling a massage.” Hahahhhahahahahaha. It was hilarious. And he means it. Totally deserving!
xo,
s
Katie says
congratulations!!
Jen says
Looks great John. Takes patience to wait for inspections…we live where no inspection required and no one would notice if you built a deck. Of course we do not have the awesome thrift/goodwill stores like you do. Can’t wait to it all decorated. Want one of my grain sack pillows for the deck? I posted a pic on your FB wall. Cheers! Jen
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Jen! Off to check out that pillow on FB! We don’t take freebies but we definitely plan to buy stuff to furnish this baby! Can’t wait.
xo,
s
Hannah Ward says
Congrats John! You did an awesome job! I love it! I can totally see the Petersik family having some dance parties out there…maybe even a rad fashion show. Enjoy all the new memories to be made on the deck built with love! Awesome job!
Barbara says
Congratulations! I’m convince you guys can do anything!
Krystle @ Color Transformed Family says
It looks great and I can’t wait to see it all decorated and ready for entertaining. I absolutely love the idea of adding french doors to your bedroom. How awesome would it be to have a deck right off of the bedroom?
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, we’d love to do that down the line!
xo,
s