Big weekend

We had a big weekend this weekend. We got after it bright and early on Saturday morning. First order of business was to move the existing sprinklers from under where the new deck will be, into their new positions. First project, first problem. It was originally thought that we would only need one step going from the deck to the ground. This would put the sprinklers 12" out from the edge of the deck framing. After the sprinklers had been rerouted and filled back in, it was realized we'd actually need 2 steps, and 24" for our new sprinklers. Thankfully they only sell sprinkler pipe in 25' lengths and Dad was willing to rip out his just finished job. Framing began with the 6x6 posts that will support the pergola. Next the pressure treated ledger board was attached to the house using a hammer drill and some expanding masonry bolts. We then started cutting joists to length and nailing the hangers on for support. The area under the pergola is all framed out, while the rest of the deck only has intermittent joists throughout. This week I'll be filling in the joist hangers with nails, patching any dings or holes on the exposed framing, and start staining our rim joists and pergola beams. We didn't get as much done as we would have liked but all in all, a good day was had.

Finley hates yard work too

Finley normally loves to do a little yard work. Most the time it's with her paws and in a less than ideal spot (i.e. right in the middle of the yard) But when Melissa tried to have her pick up a rake and get started, she wasn't interested. I can't imagine why...

Attack of the Killer Ants

It might not seem like it but definite progress was made tonight. The back step is all the way out though a few big chunks still remain that need to be broken into more manageable pieces (there's only so much 1920's chain gang simulation one can take on a given evening). We did unearth a fairly large colony of ants that had been living quite comfortably under the concrete steps. My apologies to the queen for the hosing they received. The dirt has been regraded to allow for our 2" x 10" ledger to be anchored to the foundation and still be above grade. There is still a fairly large pile of dirt that needs to be spread out under where the new structure is going. Either that or I make my way to the nearest empty lot with a wheelbarrow and shovel in hand. The sprinkler heads that need to be moved were located and dug around, so we can hopefully make quick work of that project on Saturday. Up next, framing...

The SHOWSTOPPER! ..... sort of

It's demo time! With the new concrete firmly in the ground it's time to bust out some the existing stuff. With a giant steel rod and the help of a brand new sledge hammer, we made easy work of this job.... Well sort of

Catching Up

I've been playing catch up the last few posts, as so much has happened since we started. 2 weekends ago the footings were dug and concrete was poured. The footings are the code minimum 30" deep; I should know, I had to dig 7 of them by hand. I only managed to run into problems on 4 of the 7 holes. What's the saying, 3 out of 7 ain't bad? About 2 and a half bags filled each of the 12" diameter holes, and we placed 2 24" #3 rebar into each footing for support. We also picked up a significant amount of wood, which is currently being staged in the garage, waiting for a break in the action to be painted. My dad, Melissa's dad and Eric were all on hand for the pour. Melissa managed to make her presence known too.

Plan your work, then work your plan...

Here is the design as submitted for review by our HOA. This would be the same HOA that told us to weed our yard after living here for 2 weeks, and yet failed to clean up the broken glass from a felled street light for nearly a month. I harbor no resentment as you can tell. By some miracle the fabled "architectural review committee" did approve our design, unchanged thankfully. Materials will be Woodland Brown Trex for all horizontal surfaces and Hem Fir dimensional lumber, stained with Pinto White penetrating wood stain for the verticals and pergola.

A blog for the masses... oh and Finley too

And so it begins; the majesty of DIY home improvement. This blog will give anyone willing to endure it, a glimpse into the construction of our new deck. It will also provide me a place to post all kinds of dumb videos featuring our dog. So in that vein let us waste no more time. ON WITH THE VIDEOS!