Before the project began.

Before the project began.

We did not want to remove the very difficult and heavy concrete step leading into the house.

Due to the small gap between the step and the house, custom framing was needed.

Only 20 inches was between the steps and the edge of the house.

We started leaving the first full support board.

Built the "box".

Notice the end board extending for the facia.

Verifying that everything was square.

Verifying that everything was square.

Four people and two tapes made this easy.

Got the first section framed.

It's only the beginning.

Started decking the first section.

The end board from the first "box" extended along the side of the house.

The first section framed.

The first section framed.

Starting the decking.

Moving on to the next section.

This is going to be a big deck.

Leveled and squared the "box".

Extension for the facia.

We used joist hangers for 4 supports where they two sections connected

When you have more people than stuff to - someone gets to start predrilling the handrail spindles.

Still drilling. Used a countersink bit and took about 2 hours to do all of the spindles.

Framed out the two angled sides.

Framing completes on the second section.

Just in time to start decking.

Along the house was a AC unit, some vents and a window well.

Some more pics of the framing.

The decking continues one board at a time.

Still going.

Notched around the siding.

The next level begins.

Starting the "boxes".

Toe-screwing the 4x4's

Another close-up.

The framing starts to emerge.

They are still decking the upper level.

Still framing.

And framing.

And close to done.

The framing of the lower section completes.

Getting ready to start decking.

The height difference was just enough to tuck the decking under the upper deck.

The decking needed a little trimming.

That's better.

Leveled the handrail posts all directions. (plumb)

He expects perfection.

Tap a couple screws to hold the position.

We used a 1/2" bit.

Two 1/2" bolts with washers on each end.

They were a little snug and need a little help.

Then we wrenched them tight.

This is the detail we chose where the handrail met in a corner.

More handrail.

Flush connection.

Different view.

We forgot a place for the grill.You can't have a deck without a grill.

The crew.

Thanks everyone.

After lifting all the blocks, this crew was tired.

The grill area was an afterthought.

We framed a platform and placed it on the decking.

This was our favorite part.

Deck'd it off...

And, done.

We thought a handrail would help define this "Man-section".

We also cover the sides as to not look like an after thought.

We added a gate to help control the dogs.

We found these brackets at Home Depot.

They are specifically for gates. Worked wonderfully.

Gate latch.

Finished it off with spindles.

We didn't like the look of the side of the deck near the driveway.

We sent Drew under to make some attachments.

Added some blocking boards.

And started covering.

Much better.

Before we knew it, it was done.

Yahoo, we can relax.

The entire project took us one weekend one evening after work.

We forgot two things.

The grill and the spa. They will need to wait until later.