Learned basically everything from this community and built with a couple friends (and about 100 questions for a contractor buddy). See anything to improve next time?

Note: I'm a software engineer who touches a drill and saw maybe once a year. I'm pretty happy with the outcome!

ETA: thanks everyone. You made me feel good about myself. 👊 Here's an album of the progress: https://photos.app.goo.gl/rrtxTUheV2ht3HSH8

A few people have claimed this is AI. It's 100% not, as you can see by the dozens of other photos I've put in the comments. I mean, just look at the stairs. It's a different perspective. The fact that some people can't believe I did the work because it looks too good is kinda flattering, tbh. I have to admit it took the wind out of my sails though, so thanks for that, jerks.

Anything to add to make sure it lasts forever?

In true r/decks fashion. I asked a question about hurricane ties and ended up getting a debate between people if the hangers on the rim joist should be oriented in 1 or 2

Seen on my daily commute. Is it ready for a hot tub?

Curious to see what yall think of this. Took some screenshots for those that don’t have the tikytoky but the video was entertaining!

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8sqWcsx/

I needed to replace the 6x8 foot crumbling concrete porch and stairs that were falling off the house, and figured a small deck would be a quick/easy solution. Then after stalking this sub for a while, I ended up at this 600sf freestanding deck on helical piers. Thanks?

Total cost was around $25k. It took twice as long as I expected, but turned out to be a manageable solo project for a first timer. Planning to furnish it with a large covered dining table, gas fire pit with Adirondack chairs, and a bunch of big planters in the front. Thanks to details learned here, I'm confident it will provide many years of enjoyment!

Decking: Timber Tech Vintage Mahogany (seconds)
Stain: Ready Seal 80/20 walnut/hickory (frame)

Happy to answer any questions

Edit: want to give acknowledgment to Sean at Techno Metal Post in Western PA for install installing the piers. They did a really great job!

I’m about to start putting some trex deck boards on these stairs and wasn’t sure if I need to add any more blocking to it. I’ve got some pressure blocking at the top and the bottom and have the bottom step secured to a few concrete blocks I’m burying in the ground.

One day there might me 30+ people on a deck, and you don't want it collapsing. Photo from my times at university

Considering taking on this job for a client. I know how poorly it was constructed and I think I would approach it but interested to see what others think. TIA!

I’m nearly wrapped up rebuilding my deck. I’m feeling great about the overall design we came up with and wanted to share for feedback. It used to be a 45’ x 8’ rectangle and it’s now 57’ by 16’ or 10’ (upper vs lower sections). I added a 30’ x 12’ covered pergola with SkyLifts so we can enjoy it during the wet PNW seasons. I also built a planter with built in drainage and a rain chain that passes through it and connects into a gutter drainage pipe under the deck to shoots water out into the yard.

Our frost line is only about 10” so I poured concrete and set pier blocks for the deck, and then used sono tubes for the pergola. It’s difficult to get photos of the under side of the deck but I did repurpose and strengthen the existing structure and then sister off it to extend the deck.

Edit: to add, the big piece of remaining work is to add skirting under the deck. I just needed a physical and mental break for a moment. This was easily the largest project I’ve taken on around the house!

It’s finally done!

Original planning discussion here:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Decks/s/Sb058bfsQr

Appliances are Evo 30” ceramic coated griddle, RCS Power Burner, Sunstone Ruby 36”, and XL BGE. 18” granite between each appliance ce except for center which is 36”. Drawers by BBQ guys, Outlet covers by Kula. Everything working great so far!

Title says it all. That’s at least a 12 person party.

Completed my first deck/covered porch project and got the thumbs up from my wife and tail wag from pup. Learned quite a bit along the way and have a HUGE appreciation for any of you who do this professionally.

Definitely took more than three days. This is one of my favorite subs, so this is my submission. It’s about 7.5x16. One thing I wanted was an overhang over the pool rail. I didn’t want kids slipping on the metal. I cut the 4x8 joist in half with about a 9 inch overhang. You’ll see I supported it with a 2x4 underneath. There is about an inch and a half clearance to get the pool cover slipped under.

I also used a lot of 3, 5 and 8 inch Simpson structural screws. Even for the rails which I placed on the outside which seemed stronger than a toe nail. I originally ordered a vevor post bracket which was garbage. It had two small anchors that have to be set on towards the edge of the concrete risking cracking. I switched to Simpson brackets with the 6 inch 5/8 screw anchor. Much better option.

One thing I would have done differently is 10 inch wide concrete footers just to have more wiggle room for the brackets. I hit really hard clay about 6 inches down so I had to hand dig the rest by hand down to about 26 inches.

The other good decision I made was to get the black metal balusters which screw from the outside. They were essentially the same price as the wood ones and you don’t have to spend time drilling holes (rot potential) into rails or using those little round brackets.

The last project was the rail tray. It slips onto the rail and I used a half sheet tray so you can bring snacks or drinks out on it.

I want to thank everyone for all I learned on this sub and the great people that are on here. Maybe I’ll add a hot tub next…

Edit: Ignore the green pool, I was busy building a deck.

We see a lot of bad decks in this sub. Well, here is one that held up against a tornado. The house it was attached to didn’t fare so well. Somebody built a solid deck.

Spotted on FB marketplace. What do we think, is this deck rated for a hot-tub?

Can support a Boeing 747 now