Winner: Johnny Ortiz - August 2008

Overview

Dear DeckPlans,

I began this project in the summer of 2006 using your 16X16 side pool deck plans for my 18 ft round pool.  After much deliberation & disagreements with my wife, I decided to go with the composite decking after I promised her I would break up the cost of the decking by buying the material as needed & working on it on my days off.  This proved time consuming, as hauling the material in a mini-van is cumbersome, to say the least!  Also, I had to stick with the gray decking which was the only color stocked by Lowes...any other color had to be special ordered.

So on July, 2006, with a power drill, a 2ft level & a compound miter saw as my only tools & 14 dek blocks & couple 4X4's & 2X6's - I started my very first deck project.

On a personal note, I would NEVER have come close to starting & completing this project had it not been for your website.  I saved a ton of money as a result. Kudos on the photo gallery & homeowner showcase, it helped me out in many tough spots.  That is why I decided to share my experience & photos...in hopes that perhaps my story can help and/or inspire a fellow homeowner with their deck project.

Johnny Ortiz