Winner: Bill Barb - April 2007

Overview

We built a 6'W x 8'L deck from our back door. Then we constructed the 16' octagonal deck, attaching it to the 6x8. We did a 2-step stairs from the 6x8 to the octagonal. Then we did two ramps from the octagon back to the top of the terrace because we hung the octagonal out over the terrace. These ramps allow us to go easily to either side of the 6x8 without having to ascend, then descent opposite sets of stairs. This was my idea!

As a time saver, when we did our rail post notches, we used a table saw, set the fence for 7", then set the blade height to 1-1/2" using a combo square. After making this cut in all 21 posts, we then set the fence at 1-1/2", measured in 7" from the closest tooth flush with the table and made a mark on the table so that we could stop feeding at that point. We marked each post 7" so that the marks could be lined up at the end of each feed. Next, we set the fence at 2", turned the posts over and fed the posts to the table mark. We didn't need to mark the posts for this cut as we fed to the first cut! I know not everyone owns a table saw, but if they do, this will save lots of time and agravation as well as give very exact cuts. One word of caution: the guard must be removed to make the first cut so caution must be used. We finised with a couple of swipes with a hand saw.

Next we built two benches using bench brackets advertised on your website. Finally, we did the railings. We topped the posts with copper caps that give it a simple yet elegant look! (We did one goof on the 6x8. We braced the 4"x4"s incorrectly, but only had to change four of them around to correct this)

We had planned a deck for 18 months. Bill had to pay his pickup off first.

We bought everything except the bench brackets at Lowe's. After finishing the project we printed up the same pics we recently sent you and took them to Lowe's. The friendly, courteous staff were thrilled that a project they assisted in came out so nicely.

The day we finished the deck we celebrated with a couple of glasses of chilled Asti-Supmante! this weekend we have out-of-town friends coming to help us christen it. We also bought an 9' umbrella so our guests can be shaded and enjoy our planned grill cookout.

Thanks again for all your help. The plans were simple to follow and saved us a lot of time. I give all the hard labor credit to my hubby, Bill. I was his gofer and held boards in place and set the screws in the baulister holes as he followed with the drill and other such "apprentice" work.

Elatedly,

Barb