Winner: Colin smith - September 2003

Overview

My backyard has always been a problem. Usable space is practically non-existent, as there is a very steep slope just a few feet beyond the back door. Even the “level” ground has a slope that pretty much precludes a patio or any sort of furniture. In short, it was simply the back of the house, nothing more.

I came across Dek-Blocks while shopping in the local home improvement store.  After reading the information on the website, I was hooked. Finally, maybe, the back of the house could become something.  The main part of the deck was constructed over two days. I believe it could have been finished in one, but it rained the first day and a lot of time was wasted by me sliding down the muddy, slick hill instead of placing blocks like I should have been. The foundation consists of 3 rows of 6 blocks. Just to illustrate how unlevel the ground is, all but the first row of 3 blocks required a leveling post of some length.  The most challenging part of construction was lining up the blocks in reasonably straight rows on the slope. I added the handrails over the next couple of evenings. They are sold preassembled in 6-foot sections, which made their addition very simple.

Despite my early reservations about stability, the deck does not move AT ALL. It is completely stable, and the Dek-Blocks have remained where I placed them, even the ones on the steepest parts of the slope. This project went better than I could have imagined.

The “back of the house” is no more. It’s now “the back yard”. The new deck has not only added functionality to a previously unusable space, it has become a dramatic focal point. I have a great sense of pride in my new backyard and a great new outlook on my home in general. Thanks Dek-Blocks!

Colin Smith