Before I started
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(click any image to popup it's large version)
The plan
It took me longer to plan the deck than build it!! I had every detail planned, written down and printed so I could follow along during the build so I didn't forget anything. Things came up during the build that caused me to shift the order of some of the build steps but the original plan stayed intact for the most part.
It's impossible to plan for everything (especially if it's your first build) but not having a plan at all will cause things to go sour quickly! My plan was written down in steps very similar to the way this website is designed. I had writeups for each step of the deck build and I always had "important things to remember" in each section for things that might easily be overlooked or forgotten.
"The ToolBox"
NOTE: The image on the left is from Best Deck Site's "Toolbox". This "Toolbox" allows you to design and engineer your deck from the ground up. With this "Toolbox" you will be able to see if your build plan, lumber sizing and footing sizes will work with your deck. This is an extraordinary tool!! I am a numbers person so it was great that I was able to know for sure that my plan was sound!
Plan in place, time for materials
Once I was satisifed with my plan I drew up the materials list and got them ordered and delivered! I was able to get very close with my materials. I was only short by a few bolts and a couple pieces of lumber.
The materials
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