Our Deck!

Sam and his friend Karl (a carpenter) built us a small deck off the back of our garage. We were fortunate enough to get 90% of the wood from friends of ours. They formerly had an above-ground pool with a custom deck; when their kids went off to college they got rid of the pool and told us to help ourselves to the lumber. Here's how the project progressed:

0.5. Sam digs holes for cement supports and cuts our phone line. Project delayed while we wait for it to be repaired...

1. Sam and Karl lay the supports. Sam said "Don't take a picture of me from behind" but he wouldn't stop and turn around! So this is what you get.
2. Decking down. Annie checked it out while I took the picture. The men made the box-step for the short side of the deck.
3. Making a level line to attach the spindles.
4. Sam and Karl celebrate the completed project! All told it took about 2 weeks to finish, but it looks great. We already had a party on it!
Here's the "Before" shot. The house looks dirty, but really that is where we tried to pressure-wash last summer. Instead of cleaning the dirt off, the paint just washed right away! Apparently the house had one coat of cheap-o white paint on it when we got it. No matter; it's all better now :) That pile of lumber magically turned itself into a deck!