Decked out, Before & After!

[Zack]

Since Becky and I moved into our house last September, we have had little free time and learned many new things.
Our plan is to do just about everything to the house in 1 year so we can enjoy our improvements in the coming years. As much as we DONT mind working, enjoying your hard work is much more enjoyable.
So aside from some landscaping, a lot of painting, decorating and re-arranging, it was time to spruce up the back yard. Deck that is, a big one ;)

So ignorant to just about everything a deck involves, I bought a do it yourself book, went to the hardware store and worked with a deck designer and got to work. I originally designed a 12 x 28 rectangular deck, but thought it looked to boxy so I added two 45 degree angles to the ends.
Becky and I chose Trex Madeira style decking. Lasts a lifetime with just about zero maintenance. A little more money than conventional treated lumber, but it adds value to the home and doesnt warp or discolor.

So here's what we started with..
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/4/0/4/Picture071.jpg
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/4/0/4/Picture073.jpg

And here is what we ended up with, one month later....
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/4/0/4/DSC02657.JPG
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/4/0/4/DSC02658.JPG
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/4/0/4/DSC02656.JPG
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/4/0/4/DSC02661.JPG
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/4/0/4/DSC02659.JPG

Its absolutely amazing to sit outside, right next to the woods and be lucky enough to see deer pass through your own backyard daily.
And that patio set, wow. Becky came home with it a few weeks ago. She got it from Costco for a good price. The table has a real stone top with a granite umbrella base!
Matter of fact, Becky is laying out right next to me as I post this at the table in the picture.
This relaxing wont last for long though, after Barry's car is done, I have to paint the exterior of the house :mad2: It never ends :shake:

[maraudernkc]

Zack, can I come over for beer and BBQ. Looks great! Does the deck have an IAT sensor?:lol:

[Glenn]

Very nice job Zack. You are a man of many talents.

Glenn

[RoyLPita]

Very nice, Zack. What's with the wood above the sliding glass doors?

[Ladyhawke]

Looks great! You and Becky should be very proud of your hard work.

Tell Becky that I'll be looking for her to drive the Marauder while you guys are here for MV5. Go Becky!! :up:

[Zack]

Very nice, Zack. What's with the wood above the sliding glass doors?

There was some type of enclosure over the previous deck that made those marks.
The previous owners lived without the deck for the 5 years they were here.

[MM03MOK]

Wow, Zack! That looks great! It really transforms the back of the house!! Very nice! I agree, the 45 degree angles add a little style. The color goes well with the house too!! Deck rail planters are in order now.

http://www2.yardiac.com/images.asp?id=13827 (http://www2.yardiac.com/long.asp?item_id=15535&AID=10378099&PID=1333351)

[jdando]

Looking good.

Reminds me of the Jeff Foxworthy deck skit;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQ7Ue5emo6I


jeremy

[Cobra25]

Look's Great Zack. Nice job.

[RCSignals]

Very nice Zack

you might want to put screening or something up on the open area on he left to keep critters from taking up residence underneath.

[MACFORD88]

That Looks Awsome Great Work.

[knine]

Painting party? I've got weekends off starting next week.

[Drewstang]

It looks as though you use traditional deck framing, and then the composite decking boards correct?

[SC Cheesehead]

Looks great!

^^^^^^^^^^what he said^^^^^^^^^^^^


Zack, can I come over for beer and BBQ.

Heck, forget the BBQ, I just wanna come over to your place, hang out and enjoy your new deck too. I'll even bring the beer!:D

SCCH

[burt ragio]

The deck looks fantastic. Great value great return. All your house projects should go so well.

[jgc61sr2002]

Zack - Nice job.:D:up: Excellent choice of materials. Maintenance free.

[Zack]

It looks as though you use traditional deck framing, and then the composite decking boards correct?

Yes, there is no other option for the framing. :depress:

[KillJoy]

Awww.....lookie at the pretty deck :D

Nice job Zack :up:

KillJoy

[Richy04]

Dont spill anything greasy on Trex or any related product, hard to get off. Make sure your BBQ has a BBQ mat underneath it for good measure. Nice Job, looks like you hired someone to make it, you should be proud of yourself. Now for some rug rats to ruin everything else!! Get to it old man..:D

[Local Boy]

Right on Zack! Looks awesome! ALOHA

[rvaldez1]

Painting party? I've got weekends off starting next week.


Sounds good to me! If we get a good amount of chicago guys out there we can get it done in no time.

[Zack]

Dont spill anything greasy on Trex or any related product, hard to get off. Make sure your BBQ has a BBQ mat underneath it for good measure. Nice Job, looks like you hired someone to make it, you should be proud of yourself. Now for some rug rats to ruin everything else!! Get to it old man..:D

I already found that out, the hard way.
The stain came out, almost.
Nothing the mat wont cover up :D

You cant even drop a burger on the deck without it leaving a mark.

[CRUZTAKER]

I saw this in person and was quite pleased with the build. I wasn't aware you had so many talents.;)

The trex is awesome, but when I did mine, 38x24, the material cost for treated pine was over 5k. The trex was nearly 10k. Way over my budget of the day.

However, restaining every few years just plain sucks.

Good job. Now cleanup that wall where the old tie in were at and you're good to go.

[pantheroc]

Zack, nice job. Nothing like design and build yourself, make you feel better. Too bad they didn't have the low maint. decking back when I put mine in.

[sailsmen]

I am concerned about the enviro impact. The Earth life that hads a home on the Green Space has no where to live.

Have you thought about training the Deer to go around the deck? as it stands now they will view it as an intimidating alien structure blocking their way.

Try placing Doe Urine along a path around the deck.

[CRUZTAKER]

I am concerned about the enviro impact. The Earth life that hads a home on the Green Space has no where to live.....

I don't think that's a problem.
I stepped out that back door at about 5 a.m. and came face to face with a doe. It continued to eat their plants as I passed without a care in the world.

[knine]

I don't think that's a problem.
I stepped out that back door at about 5 a.m. and came face to face with a doe. It continued to eat their plants as I passed without a care in the world.
..........the doe found the treat I left for it then. :D Yummmmmmmmm. :food:

[CBT]

I am concerned about the enviro impact. The Earth life that hads a home on the Green Space has no where to live.

Have you thought about training the Deer to go around the deck? as it stands now they will view it as an intimidating alien structure blocking their way.

Try placing Doe Urine along a path around the deck.

^ That made me bust out laughing ^

[Mike Poore]

Very nice, Zack. What's with the wood above the sliding glass doors?

I noticed that too, Brian. There's also the connecting timber at the bottom, from whatever was there, and as Zack says, most likely an enclosure, probably screened.

Zack & Becky it looks really great. Be sure to find a place for the salt block, so you can watch the critters up close. Also, we like those mesh bags of thistle seeds the gold finches love so much ...and don't forget the feeder(s) for the hummers.

[ctrlraven]

Looks real nice Zack and it also adds more value to the house along with all the enjoyment you'll get out of it.