Except for a coat of sealer, I can officially say I'm done with this project. What started out as possibly being just a cosmetic repair on the existing deck led to a complete tear off, rebuild and addition of a roof. Not sure how it always works out that way, but as with most projects I've done on this place in the last three years we've owned it, the further I get into tearing into something, the more I realize the previous owner had no business building ANYTHING. I started demolition last May, finished the deck and got it under roof by fall, and then finished the fascia, soffit, and fans this spring/summer. I don't work as fast as Buckeye, nor is it as good, but all in all I'm happy with how it turned out. Alright, so here's what we were starting with: This shot was from the day of the closing three years ago. As many of you know, I've since ripped out the underside of the deck, the patio and the retaining wall and re did all of that. The deck was the next thing to tackle. To say it was in bad shape was an understatement. The posts were buried inadequately, the girders and joists were WAY undersized, the railing wasn't to code (and about to fall off), and the deck boards were pulling out and twisting away). The previous owner/builder decided to "fab" a roof over the basement entrance under the workshop. This is what it looked like: When I ripped it out, I saw he had actually tapered the joists back to the ledger! They were toenailed to the ledger and that was it Decking all pulled out. Deck completely gone. The previous deck had the posts buried in concrete about 8-10" below grade Our plan was to pour sonotubes and use all code-approved brackets anchored into the tube via j-bolts. I did this all by hand (38" depth) on a nice muggy July day last summer because I'm smart like that. Sonotubes in place and landscape fabric down. Beginning the framing. Another angle. Railing in place. We went with Fortress aluminum Balusters and their quick connect system. Shot from the front.
My wife decided she would like a roof over this deck since we get hit with direct sun most of the day. My dad and I came up with a plant to extend from the existing roofline. We wanted a more vaulted ceiling, so we went with scissor trusses as opposed to conventional trusses. Even with a mild 4/12 slope, we had ample head room to install two ceiling fans. Shot of one of the girders and the trusses in place. Shot showing the extended roofline. Front View Underside We got it under roof and buttoned up for the winter, and this is how it sat all winter until this spring: This spring/summer, I added new electrical runs (previous homeowner just had Romex stapled around the underside of the deck): We added brown vinyl soffit to the ceiling and the gable end: Wired and added two ceiling fans (pulled power from the two older flood lights that used to be on the front of the house) And finally, here's how it sits all finished: And a shot up on the deck: All in all, I'm happy with how it turned out. There's certainly some imperfections, and things I learned along the way that I would do differently, but for completing everything with just two people, I'm happy.
Beautiful job. That really adds a lot of value and utility to your home. Sould feel great to know you did it yourself also.
Absolutely AMAZING... I'm dead serious when I say this; I wish I lived closer to you and I could have come given you a hand throughout the whole project just to soak up some of your knowledge... VERY nice!!!!!
Matt, it all looks great... If you have imperfections, you hid them well. I am impressed most people without training would never be able to accomplish what you did. That job was by no means a small undertaking. I see how much work you put into your project, you have my respect for a job well done.
No cutting corners on that job either. Great looking deck. Want to build one for my house in a few years? I'll keep the beer on ice for ya while here. lol
