Whitely Oct 2005

Hello:

My wife and I have been planning to add a deck to our backyard and also to have a place for our kids to play and also have access to their play set on days when the ground is wet. (photo-1)

1. We chose the base deck plan to be a 12' x 18' design from DekBrands and made modifications to meet our needs but also to add attractiveness and character to the overall design and accompanying landscape.
2. The plans for the 12' x 18' called for 2x6x10' boards and 2x6x8' boards for the framing. We made the initial modification to the plans by changing the 2x6x8' boards to 2x10x8' boards to achieve a 4" rise from the lower area of the deck to the upper, giving definition to the deck service. (photo-2)
3. We also added an extra frame row for additional support. (photo-3)
4. The step up from the lower level to the upper gives character to the deck (photo-4)
5. Due to the angle of our back porch in reference to the position of the deck, we added an angled section to blend with the porch and the deck. (photo-5)
6. We designed access to the deck with recessed stairs. (photo-6)
7. We used a 3/8" round over bit to round off the edges of all the boards for a more professional look.
8. My little helper was making sure all boards were in line. (photo-7)
9. My little helper with the dog. (photo-8)
10. Deck lights were added at the access point of the deck as well as the step up. Additional deck lights would be added latter in the project. (photo-9)
11. With the majority of the deck now complete, additional drainage work completed and pavestone would be added to the back and side of the deck to provide additional access to the deck. (photo-10-11-12)
12. With drainage work and pavestone complete, the stair project can begin. (photo-13)
13. The stair project was the most difficult to design and construct due to the complexity of 4 landings with two onto the pavestone and the other two to the play set area. (photo-14-15-16)
14. The stairs turned out great! (photo-17-18-19)
15. We decided to add a ceramic insert for the fireplace we purchases to provide not only safety but also additional character to the deck design. We used 3/4" treated plywood, cement board, and outdoor ceramic materials and frame with 2x4 treated wood for a durable, long lasting ceramic insert. (photo 20-21)
16. The final part of the project to complete next to sanding the deck was to add the remaining deck lights to complete the look. (photo-22-23-24)
17. The complete project and we will stain the deck in November. My wife was the general contractor and of course I was the sub for all aspects of the project including design and layout. I began the project on June 10 and finished the construction of the deck in Mid-October. I had a lot of help from my son and of the dog. (photo-25-26)

We hope our project design and photos offer ideas for others planning on building a custom deck.

The Whiteley's