Deck of the Year

After 12 years of restoration and upgrading our 100 plus year old house, we decided it was time for an outdoor project. While purchasing pavers for the patio portion of our backyard project, the rep told me about the Dek-Block system and gave me one of the tear off sheets. Being legally blind, I did not grasp the concept until I got home and looked at the sheet on my c.c.t.v. I then went to your website, and had the computer read me the "How to Build" instructions, and "Deckman Comments". I could tell from my lovely wife's tone of voice that she was skeptical, but I figured I could do this. When I completed the first section, my skeptic became my cheerleader. The deck surface is 16 by 24 feet. The pergola is approx 10 by 20. Weather resistant electrical plugs are mounted on the four poles closest to the house. The main electrical access box mounted inside one of the poles. The railings and steps are what I remember of professionally built decks at homes we have previously owned. I started the deck in late May of 09, and attached the last board to the pergola in mid doy of 10. No board used in this project was more than 8 feet in length. All boards were fit by touch and feel as focusing on a tape measure is not an option. I used a sonic level (produces a sound when level) to insure level. Rough square was made using a framing square, final and overall square was done using 3 screws and string. The "Floating Foundation" deck plans and directions are simple and straight forward, easy to comprehend and follow, and result in a solid deck surface. My lovely wife recently told me of how the skeptical look on the face of the neighbors, friends, relatives, the people who mow the grass, even the city inspector turned to amazement when he saw the completed project. As I stated previously, I followed your instructions and looking back over the entire project, I did not encounter any surprises or complications. After the frustrations of home restoration this was without a doubt the best planned, most enjoyable project I have attempted in years.

Thank you for a great product,

William Parker