I can now say that I’m finally, totally, almost 99% done with the deck. I’ve got a little varnish to put on, but other than that, it’s done. Here’s kind of a timeline of the construction:
What was there before:
It was wobbly, creaked in the wind and provided no shade. I tore it down.
Then I found an irrigation pipe leak and it became a construction zone:
Yes, it was a lot of work and my knees still hurt thinking about it. I removed most of the pavers in this area.
Then I built a new deck:
This frame sits on concrete posts and supports the rest of the structure:
Here’s what it looked like in winter:
Now it’s done and here it is as we use it:
I added shade curtains on two sides. We mostly use this as a morning seating area by afternoon, it’s too hot and not even curtains help. There are also some solar lights that make it look nice at night. The last detail I added was a railing on two sides:
Don’t want to push back on a chair and find myself going head over heals on to the ground. This railing still needs a bit of varnish to protect it before winter. We use this most days to sit outside and drink our morning tea.
I have started on a new project — a greenhouse for Heather. More on that later. If you need me, I’m looking for a brush and that can of varnish I just bought.
Andrew's View of the Week 
It is so beautiful and so satisfying. I would love to sit there and read 🙂
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It’s a great place to spend time.
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Definitely a nice place to drink tea in the morning, as well as any other time of the day. Tea is my preferred drink. The construction area looks a lot like our place. Construction is a common theme for us. My husband is also in the process of building a greenhouse, except, now, he’s calling it a sunroom.
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I do like a nice cup of tea on my deck.
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I love it. It’s beautiful. Well done. Good call on the railing. Those curtains must be huge. I hope you found your varnish can and brush.
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They are. Actually it’s six 84 inch long curtains on a long rail. I found the can and brush… now I just need an hour free to put it on.
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Finally… fantastic job! Looks great. Now, I hope you will enjoy it.
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We have been.
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Great job Andrew and big yes to the necessity of railings!
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yes, I could just see myself pushing too far back and having a really bad day.
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Wow, what a beautiful outdoor living space! A lot of work, but I’m sure you’ll enjoy it for years to come. 🙂
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We enjoy it and I hope I built it well enough to last for a very long time.
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Wow, it certainly was a lot of work but oh, so worth it. It’s beautiful! Great job…do you hire out?? 😉
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It was a lot of work and I did it all myself. Heather helped on some of the detailed work and I got my son-in-law over once to help with some heavy lifting, but other than that — all me and my sore back.
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Beautiful work, Andrew! I can imagine how satisfying it is to sit with a cup of coffee in the morning. What a great way to begin the day.
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It’s so great to sit in a place I built myself. I love making things.
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Awesome! I can imagine the two of you sitting out there having morning tea!
looks great – makes my knees hurt vocal. Ha!
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It was more my back that was hurting, but it’s a great place for morning tea.
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That is lovely. It looks a bit like ours.
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The gazebo is a kit and I’ve seen a few around town. It’s a great design.
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Andrew, that’s absolutely lovely. I’m sure you’ll enjoy many wonderful hours there.
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We’re loving it. It’s a perfect morning place to have tea or even breakfast.
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Wow! Beautiful results, Andrew.
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Thank you!
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A greenhouse for Heather! When?
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I already have the kit and hope to have it done late next week.
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