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!