I don't think I've mentioned this before but I do actually have a master plan for the backyard, which I'm slowing implementing. I had a general layout put together in CAD and then I handed that off to Christopher Shein of Wildheart Gardens, who helped with the planting layout for an edible and somewhat perma-cultured backyard. Some projects I can piece together over long stretches of time; others I feel I have to do in a concentrated burst. Our back deck was one of those since it's a main thoroughfare out the back door to the backyard and workshop/garage. So I took a week off work and with the help of my stepfather, we built it in six days.
I was searching for "before" photos and couldn't find that many. I need to document "before and after" a little better. This photo is from way before, like October 2009, about six months after we moved in. The original deck was five-sided with untreated Douglas Fir decking and framing that was sitting on Home Depot blocks. The wood was rotting but still fairly functional.
Then I cut it down to its most functional, a landing with a step down to grade. You can just see it behind Verónica and Lida.
We started on Monday morning but were so busy building that I didn't take a photo until Thursday when the whole sub-structure was framed. We spent the first two days digging out the grade below and placing the weed barrier and gravel. I wanted a clean, weed-free space below the deck that I could crawl under in case I needed to do anything underneath. That added some extra time and effort but I think it was worth it. The next two days were spent framing the deck. We used absolutely no concrete and instead supported the whole deck on four post spikes. I had to get a little creative with the step but it worked out well and is super solid.
The (nearly) finished product. I had to source the redwood from a couple different places but was able to get all knot-free pieces. I don't think it has the first coat of stain in this photo but I used a darker stain and it looks pretty spectacular. The right side doesn't require a railing but I'll put one in with a trellis above for a male kiwi. One of the best features of this deck is that it's at the same level as the kitchen floor. It makes a huge difference to be able to walk right out to the deck without stepping down. It feels like an extension of the interior.
