Big Progress on Deck

We had a very busy day today.  The sun was getting low in the sky before we could get started on the deck but we made the most of the time that we had available.

We finished the top boards on the rear portion of the deck.  Of course we have to do a little sanding and install the little L braces that we put under all of our angle cuts.  But basically it is DONE.

The ladder is under the deck because R was getting ready to make sure the carriage bolts are tight.  We think that since the wood has had a chance to dry out over the winter that the bolts might be a little loose.  But before he had a chance to check them, we called 'no mas'.  We were tired and decided to continue tomorrow.

I think we could be on schedule if we dodge the rain that they are predicting for tomorrow.  

We anticipate that it will take us two days to finish the top boards on the front of the deck, even though it is only 5 boards that we need to install.  There are several tricky cuts that need to be made and we need the cuts to be perfect because it is in a high visibility area.

After this week the only part of the deck left that needs to be rebuilt is this set of steps.  I've already removed the balusters and the hand rail is only held on with one screw so the demo part is nearly complete.  The posts need replacing and we need to install risers.  Then there is the tedious baluster installation followed by a new hand rail.  But we have decided that this particular project should wait until summer when we will desperately be looking for a project in the shade.  This is on the north side and is in the shade for the better part of the day.

Yea for shade when it's 90 degrees.