The deck is officially done. Sound the celebratory cowbells! I actually finished it on Friday and we’ve spent the last few days crossing all appendages and waiting for an inspection (I couldn’t bear to share my triumph until I was actually sure it was a to-code triumph). The inspection finally happened yesterday afternoon, and – ta-da! – we passed. Relief flooded over me like all the sweat that I put into building this thing (lesson learned: build decks in the spring or fall). Here she is in all of her wood-riddled, approved-by-the-county glory:
It’s definitely an upgrade from the tiny rotting balcony that we started with:
We thought it’d be great to have it done when Sherry’s mom came to visit from NY today, so I put my head down, powered ahead, and sweated through my belt for one last leg of this deck building marathon.
Admittedly it was a bit more of a marathon than I expected. We originally thought this deck would take us three or four weeks of on and off work to complete, but between the heat, thunderstorms, inspections, equipment rentals, material deliveries, summer travel (we ended up being gone more than half of the weekends since starting) and generally being a one-man show who has never built a deck before… it took ten weeks instead. But that doesn’t make the victory any less sweet to me.
I actually kind of enjoyed having an excuse to go outside (despite the extreme weather) and tinker around with something during the occasional Clara nap or Saturday morning. It was weirdly peaceful – getting to ignore emails and diapers for a few hours and just saw stuff. And of course having my dad’s help with the auger when it came to digging those post holes was the best. Nothing like a father/son project to get the serotonin pumping.
So if you’re wondering how long a deck project could take, I think an experienced team could knock something like this out in a week (you’d need a few days to pause for inspections in our area, so a weekend wouldn’t do it). But if you’re doing it almost entirely alone as a first-timer, and can’t work all day every day (maybe you can devote a few afternoons or evenings during the week and a day or two every other weekend like I did) it might realistically take you a month or two – depending how inspections go, if it’s raining for two weeks straight, etc. But I can promise you one thing: there’s an insane amount of satisfaction when you sink that last screw.
Now let’s rewind for a moment and I’ll try to breeze through how I got the stairs and the railing done. Once all of the decking was laid down, I cut and attached the remainder of my four posts (you can read more on how I did that in this post).
Even though the stairs were next on my list, getting the railing posts up was important to help me plan the stair stringers – which are the diagonal boards that run down the side of the staircase, where the steps actually rest.
You can buy pre-cut stringers, but I tackled cutting my own (to save money and time since that’s the lumber they provided in our delivery). Figuring out the lengths and angles of everything was kinda scary until I found this website that did most of the math for you. Thank goodness for the world wide web.
Once I had my rise (the height of each step) and run (the width of each step) calculated, I learned a cool trick from this video for marking your 2 x 12″ board for cutting. I basically clamped a straight edge (in my case, a piece of scrap wood) to a framing square (the L-shaped ruler) so it intersected at my measured rise and run. Then I could hold the scrap wood flush against my board and the framing square would create a perfect guide for marking my cuts:
With the length of my board marked, I broke out my circular saw and carefully cut along the lines.
You’ll notice above that despite looking cut from above in that last picture, the triangular pieces weren’t falling away. That’s because the circular-shape of a circular saw doesn’t always allow you to reach those deep corners all the way through. So I went back with my reciprocating saw to finish the cuts all the way.
Once one stringer had been cut (and tested in place to make sure it fit) I used it as a guide to mark and cut two more 2 x 12 boards, since I’d need 3 total stringers for my 48″ wide steps.
So here are my three cut stringers in place. You’ll notice the one in the middle has a weird extra piece in its center. That’s because a not-so-conveniently located knot in the wood caused the tip of one step to break off. Rather than go buy (and re-cut another whole board) I just patched it by cutting and screwing a short piece of wood to patch it (making sure it would be to code first).
To attach the stringers to the deck I used these angled hangers that I snagged at Home Depot.
Oh yeah, and I was sure to check that the steps were level the whole way down. Don’t want wonky steps now, do we?
Speaking of wonky, I did install some blocking between the stringers. They weren’t perfectly level themselves, but they’ll be completely hidden, so that’s okay. The point was that by using equal sized scrap boards the blocks still served their purpose of keeping the steps an equal width the whole way down (we didn’t want the steps getting subtly narrower or wider on the way down).
Next came setting the posts that would support the staircase in the middle and the bottom (using the footing holes that I dug back when I started the deck). To attach these posts, I decided to use these anchors I found at Home Depot this time around.
I basically set them in some wet concrete (after carefully marking where they needed to go to line up with my steps – which admittedly was a somewhat maddening process). Then I let them dry.
Since my concrete needed 4 hours to cure, I filled some of that time by beginning to cut the wood for the steps. We wanted the steps to match the decking, so we used two 2 x 6″ boards for the base of each step (which included a small overhang) and a 2 x 8″ board for the back of each step.
Once my concrete was dry and my post anchors were solidly in place, I set my posts, checked that they were level, and nailed them into place. You can see this anchor was not 100% exact in its placement – but that’s part of the reason they’re open on one end. That wiggle room was a lifesaver.
So here are all of my posts set (but not cut to size yet) and a random assortment of step boards just loosely laid in place. Looks kinda like a staircase. Looks kinda like a hot mess too.
Oh yeah, and I bolted the posts to my stringers the same way I bolted the railings to the end of the deck.
Then came the task of screwing all of the step boards into place. This task took surprisingly long and a surprising amount of screws.
With all of the stair boards in place, I turned my attention to the guardrail. The first two parts of the guardrail were the 2 x 4″ rail boards that would span between the posts on the top and bottom. Our county requires no more than 4″ gap between the deck and the rail (it’s also known as a sweep space, so you can easily sweep debris off the deck). I saw someone use a 4 x 4″ post as a guide for this since it’s an easy way to keep the rail level so I did the same thing. Worked like a charm.
Attaching the railings to the stairs was a bit more involved since I had to make sure I was meeting several standards for how much of a gap was at the bottom and how high it had to be compared to the nose of each tread. Once I had figured all of that out, just cutting the angles and keeping things in place while I screwed it all together made my brain hurt a little. But eventually I got all of the railing pieces in place.
Oh, and you may notice that the four posts attached to the deck got significantly taller. I had to replace my original posts because I realized too late that I had cut them too short to satisfy the railing height requirements on the steps. It’s a long story so I’ll just leave it this: it kinda sucked and that’s why it’s nighttime when this photo was taken. Oh well live and learn. They weren’t going to be staying that tall, but after replacing them once I decided this next time that I’d cut them in place once I was certain my railing height would pass inspection – just to avoid any more surprise do-overs.
The next day I could finally start putting the balusters in. Those are the vertical pieces on a standard deck railing. We debated doing something more intricate or modern (like all horizontal rails or a built in planter) but opted for the traditional look because that’s what we have out on the patio side of the house (there’s a fence and a railing out there). Both that railing and this one are visible from the living room (out various sliding doors) so we wanted them to match. I’m also glad we went the traditional route because it was super easy to do (since I could use my post as a guide to meet the spacing requirements again).
The last part of the guardrail is the rail cap, which is the flat ledge on the top. It’s made from a 5/4 x 6″ decking board. Cutting those angles and notches around the posts was an adventure too, but I won’t bother you with the details. In short: I lived to tell the tale!
Oh yeah, and you can see now that I eventually cut all of my posts down to size when I was sure they all met code. Thank you reciprocating saw for that.
When it came to attaching the balusters to the stair railing, I didn’t even attempt to pre-cut them to size like I did on the other railing. Instead I temporarily removed the rail cap I had cut and screwed the balusters into place with the excess length extending out the top. Then I used my reciprocating saw to cut them down so the rail cap would sit flush again on top of them for a finished edge.
With the balusters in and rail cap back on, I started putting the finishing touches into place – like this handrail that we’re required to add since our stairs have more than three steps.
And we added these decorative wood caps ($8 at Home Depot) to the posts at the top and bottom of the stairs. They attached with just a little bit of caulk and definitely make things look nice and finished.
And with that, the railings – and therefore the steps – and therefore the entire deck itself… was finally done!
I have to admit, I’m still kind of impressed that I made this.
And what do you do when you’re proud of the deck you just built? Naturally, you text your mom.
Well, your mom and your bro-friend.
Although being totally built and county approved doesn’t mean it’s totally done. We still need to seal it (we’ll be tackling that as soon as we catch our breath and research the right product for the job) and of course we need to furnish it. As for the budget breakdown, once we seal it we’ll share the full rundown. Until then, you can find me sitting out on the deck, sans furniture, drinking a nice cold soda. Or telling Sherry that I’m not building another deck for at least ten years. Yes sireee, I’m glad to have this done. Although to anyone wondering, I still think demoing our first house’s bathroom and rebuilding that from the studs was the hardest project I’ve ever done. But the deck is hanging in there at second place. Anyone else finishing a deck or some other project that took longer than you expected but is still intensely satisfying to have checked off the ol’ list?
Psst- Want all the deck details? Here’s where we shared our vision for the space, removed the plantings and the old balcony, selected our materials and documented our first day of building. Then we dug our post holes, failed our first inspection, revised our plan/dug more holes, and set posts. Then we installed our joists, did some last minute prep for deck boards, started laying decking boards, whipped up a mood board and finished laying deck boards.
Lindsey says
I was too star struck when I saw yall out tonight at dinner to say the deck looks great. I LOVE clara’s mini egg chairs in her dollhouse too! I love the blog :)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Lindsey! You’re so sweet!
xo,
s
Lauracinindy says
You SHOULD be impressed with yourself John!! Well done.
Mia says
Great work, John! My husband built a mini wrap-around porch on our house last summer with the help of a contractor friend, and it seemed every day they found to work on it, it poured on them! Also, I painted our stairway after renovating our upstairs four years ago and I remember being surprised/frustrated at how tedious it was. So I can only imagine what building them is like!
Emily says
Great job!! Good thinking on the vertical balusters. As children tend to climb horizontally-laid bars, this was a much safer choice. =)
YoungHouseLove says
Good tip!
xo,
s
Cara C. says
A true masterpiece, congrats on your hard work John!
DJ Sherry says
I vote for a dark mocha stain that will continue the wood floor color you plan/ have inside the sliding door. More of. An outdoor room look.
YoungHouseLove says
I love that idea except that other railings and fences around the house are in a natural tone, so we’re not sure if we want to keep things consistent so all the outdoor wood relates. Will keep you posted!
xo,
s
Patty C. says
The deck looks awesome! I love the rail cap.
Michelle N says
Wow and Wow! Great job! Amazing work!
Rosie says
Your deck looks amazing! I like that you kept your sense of humor in the progress posts. Though I don’t think building a deck would be fun, you made it seem fun. I enjoyed reading about it!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Rosie!
-John
Jen says
When I opened the post and first saw the picture with the finished rails and stairs my heart sort of leap with happiness for you (and then I felt like a weirdo because I don’t even know you!) I know it’s been said a bazillion times, but congratulations on creating such a beautiful addition to your home that your family will no doubt enjoy for many years to come. You more than deserve to be proud of this major accomplishment!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Jen!
-John
Felicia says
I’m not a frequent commenter, but I had to come out and say WELL DONE, JOHN! I felt so bad for you being out in the sun, the initial inspection hiccup and so on. I’m so glad it’s (just about) complete. Congrats!
Laura says
wow wow wow!!! You should be so proud of yourself John! It looks amazing! I can’t even fathom building something of that magnitude. The math alone scares me :) Maybe I’m just this noticing now…but is John answering comments a new thing?
Julianne says
Wow guys….looks amazing!!! I can’t wait to see your final touches on making it beautiful. You did a great job & should be extremely proud! Great inspiration!!
lee says
it’s beautiful well done John! and congrats to you both!
linette says
Bravo, super travail technique mieux encore que des professionnels. A+
Deborah says
What a splendid finish, John. It is just beautiful. I hope you will sign and date the deck somewhere—just a little flourish for the historical record. To Many Happy Hours with your family and friends! Best wishes, Deborah
Marian says
John,
I have loved the posts about you building the deck. But I have to admit, it has conviced me that as much as I love DIYing stuff, I NEVER want to do that. I’ll leave it to the pros. Especially since our deck os off our second story. That said, I think you have totally earned the “I am a DIY stud” patch. Great work sir!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, thanks Marian! Parts of it were definitely challenging, but I still think that if I could do it as a total novice others could too- although I’d be scared about one off the second story for sure! Maybe every person’s first deck should be closer to the ground, haha.
-John
Heather says
This looks great you guys! Good job on it :) I’m sure you’ll enjoy so many good dinners/playtime out there. It’s amazing how much a good deck does for live-ability. In our neck of the woods we’re just about to install windows in our addition, and this last week we put up the steel roofing. It finally is starting to look slightly like the original and addition are together. It’s super hard to tell in photos, but in person it’s like “ohhh there we go!”
http://www.likeacupoftea.com/wednesday-renovation-recap-getting-roofed/
YoungHouseLove says
So pretty!!!!
xo,
s
Michelle says
Looks better than any deck I’ve seen. It looks so solid!
Angela says
I second the like button! It looks amazing!
Ashley @ sunnysideshlee.com says
That looks fantastic!!! Well done John!!
Beth says
Wouldn’t it have been easier to just write a check? ;) Haha, that’s what I would have done, shoo!
KUDOS to you John – that is a TREMENDOUS accomplishment!! It looks FABULOUS!!! I’m so impressed!
Emily V. says
Awesome job!
gail says
When you look at a deck, you generally take it for granted–yeah, a floor, and some posts. But you have made it clear that a deck is no easy task, and yet you had the tenacity to get it done, and done right. When I think of all you had to think of, and all the angles you had to get right, etc., I am so impressed with you, and your deck. Here’s to many years of enjoying the use of it.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Gail!
xo,
s
T.D. says
Congrats on completing a project which took longer than anticipated! I know the feeling all too well, off to help with the bat eviction…
Anywho, great work, looks lovely. Take a long deserved break and enjoy the beautiful craftsmanship.
House and Land Packages says
I really like these wooden stairs you have made. The colour matches and goes around very well with your house. Very well done. And the style of it looks very good too. I really like it! Good job :)
Jill says
Wow your deck looks awesome! My dad built our deck a few years ago, and my boyfriend and I had the job of staining it for him, we really had no idea what we were doing :/ When we were done staining we just sort of piled the staining rags in a bucket and went inside. About 4 hours later, our deck was ON FIRE. The chemicals from the rags combusted. Luckily we have great neighbors who rushed over to help, and the fire department is right down the road so half the deck was saved.
Judy R says
Really nice job. Love the way the stair is angled. We built a huge deck once in anticipation of our daughters’ graduation parties. This is no project for old men, lol!
Annegirrl says
I very highly recommend using Flood brand clear wood finish for your deck. We used it per a recommendation of a master woodworker and have been thrilled. It is on our deck and the swingset and we couldn’t be happier with the product and the results.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much!
xo,
s
Brooke says
SO IMPRESSIVE!!! Can’t wait to see it all decked out! I should have intended that pun from the beginning, but didn’t notice until I typed it.
Job well done!
John @ Our Home from Scratch says
Congrats John! Looks really professional. I’m going to be helping a neighbor with his deck construction and these posts have helped to fill in a lot of gaps with the construction process for me. Appreciate it. Enjoy it!
Tamara says
Amazing!!!!
morgan says
You should be proud! That is some seriously impressive work there!
Jessie says
John,
you should totally be proud of yourself! What an accomplishment!
Sherry, get that man whatever he wants to drink on THE NEWW DECK!!
Enjoy!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, amen!
xo,
s
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
Well done John!
ElleX says
Congratulations, John! The deck is a beauty!!!!
Maya says
Wow is right – it looks great! Very impressed. Congrats on finishing! :)
Sacha says
So proud of you! Have been following along the whole time and really, really love your perseverance. We had a contractor install our new deck! (Although I did comb through the scrap pile and build a 10′ bench that cost nothing more than a box of Kreg screws.)
When tossing around staining and sealing ideas, a couple people mentioned letting it weather for a few seasons or a year. Ours was installed in the spring and I think I’l wait until next spring to handle that. It needs some time to dry, apparently.
Also, the contractor who put in our deck used cedar on the rail caps only. He said pressure-treated tends to warp after a while and the cedar holds up better. Just an FYI to tuck away for later.
Again, strong work!
Corinne Jansz says
Wow! Looks great! You guys should be so proud of yourselves. Now I can’t wait to see how it’ll be decorated!
LizS says
You should look into TWP by Amteco. We just built a new deck on our house, okay we had someone build a deck. We aren’t as talented as you. My husband looked into stains and sealers and he found this has the best reviews for long lasting and easy application. Sadly though from what I’ve read, either way you go, stain or sealing, it will have to be re done every couple years to get that like new look. Can’t wait to see what you choose to do!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the suggestion Liz!
xo,
s
Lindsey says
Bang out job John!! This looks great!
BornInaZoo says
My ex-boyfriend’s dad (the most amazing man ever)was an insurance salesperson by trade & a builder by “hobby”. He built all 5 of his kids homes. He always wrote “Pat” on the first stair stringer. After years of seeing that I when helping him build a deck I asked him why “Pat”. “Short for pattern”, he replied. I thought he just liked naming stair stringers.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha so funny!
xo,
s
Fairfax Avenue says
I really admire your efforts. A deck is such a great way to add another family area to your home. I hope I’m not repeating something mentioned in one of the 500+ comments, here goes: when we had a second floor deck and stairs built we decided that the exposed meter box wasn’t very attractive. Our contractor suggested a ‘chase’ – he framed and covered the meterbox. There was a door for our access and in the door an acrylic covered porthole over the meter. It was finished to match the wall and our view much improved. An electric outlet was added to the side of the chase, which is very useful and out of the way.
YoungHouseLove says
So smart!
xo,
s
Meg says
John, the deck looks amazing – good job!!! You should be so proud!! I can’t wait to see pics of how you decorate it.
eileen marie says
CONGRATULATIONS!! This is AMAZING!
Kate says
Woot! Woot! Congrats :)
Sarah M. says
WOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW!!!!!!!!!!! I am so impressed!! My dad has been plugging along building a deck for, oh, about 3 or 4 months now, and I can totally see why this work takes so long!! I have even been sending him your posts along the way, part as encouragement, and partly for the valuable tips that you’ve shared!! Poor guy, he’s no young ‘whipper snapper’ like you, John, but he’s doing his best, balancing a 60+hr/week job and working in the San Antonio summer heat! WOW again, this looks amazing!!
And thanks in general, for all the inspiration you two give us weekend warriors. :) Not only do I tune in to YHL for ideas, but it helps to see your accomplishments when I’m feeling discouraged about a home project :) Just love you guys!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Sarah! Give your dad a giant high five from me! Sounds like he’s doing great.
-John
christine from decorated life says
great job! very impressive.. double the balcony – double the fun.. what’s the next project?
YoungHouseLove says
We’re still debating between a few things and have some deck furnishing and sealing to deal with in the meantime. Will keep you posted!
xo,
s
Rosalyn says
AWESOME JOB! It looks wonderful!!!!
Jessica F. says
Way to go!!! Good job! :D It looks fabulous!