Winner: Pete Swanson - August 2006

Overview

Dear Deckman,

Thanks to the DekBrands floating foundation system, and the plans available for download at www.deckplans.com, I was able to build a beautiful pool-side deck for our new 24’ above-ground pool. 

I worked by myself for three full days and a couple of afternoon/evenings and was able to complete the job without major incident…it was even fun to do, despite the high heat and humidity!  I work as a firefighter and have only “weekender” carpentry skills, but the tips I found on your site made it quite simple to construct my own deck.

I downloaded the plans for the 12x12 pool deck, but changed the design to allow for 16”-on-center joists in order to use composite decking material for the decking boards.  I also added a 4’x3’ outcropping next to the main deck in order to build a stairway with a landing.  This landing allowed me to change direction so as not to have the stairs empty right next to the pool itself.

Please feel free to use the attached photos and slides…I’d like to let others know how easy it is to do it yourself…and save a fortune!

My costs for this deck were approximately $2500…about twice what I could have built it for with all pressure-treated wood.  The cost was worth it to me…I can pressure wash this deck each year and not worry about staining, painting and sanding…no splinters, either!  The composite decking is much cooler in the sun when compared to my old wooden deck.

Thanks again for a great product and a great web site…

Pete Swanson

Here are some photos from the construction of the deck: