Building a deck

So here is the 'near' final state of the 26'x15' deck / gazebo. I say 'near' because besides adding the fascia and boxing in the step - there is building the planters / benches, replacing the grill, finishing the french drain (really not deck related - but more backyard related) and of course getting new patio furniture.

But I thought I'd post a 'work in progress' since things are starting to shape up. With the new landscaping, it's actually now a nice space back there and pleasant to spend time watching Luke play on the grass or on his mini-jungle-gym.

One thing that's interesting about this project. I'm usually pretty good about estimating. Snag here or there, but overall spot on my estimates. But in this project - EVERY step took TWICE as long as I thought it would (or more). No real snags, just lots of work. Along the way too - I made some decisions around 'doing it right' that threw extra work in it, but it seems like I've been working on it all summer.

Of course the end result is I have a deck you could park a car on. Even the stairs (resting on an 8 inche compacted gravel pit) are solid. And then there's the cost savings. All-in, this deck (with tool rentals along the way), cost less than $4,000. Where-as to have it built would have been around $10,000. And now I know why!

btw - The gazebo was a smokin' deal. Didn't plan on buying it this year, but Paige and I went into Lowe's and they had this one we had looked at and liked for half price. Normally it was $700 - which I felt was too much. But we got it for $350. It looks smaller in the picture than it is. It's 10'x10' - maybe it's the angle.