Embarking on a significant home improvement project like building a deck can be both exhilarating and challenging. It’s a journey filled with planning, hard work, and the satisfaction of seeing your vision come to life. Today, we’re thrilled to share our latest progress on transforming our outdoor space. This update focuses on two critical phases of deck construction: meticulously installing the ledger boards and conquering the task of digging all the necessary post holes. These steps are fundamental to ensuring a safe, stable, and long-lasting deck that will enhance our home for years to come.
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of construction, we just want to extend a massive thank you to everyone who submitted photos for our house-crashing adventure! Your homes are truly inspiring, and we were overwhelmed by the incredible response for our upcoming trip to Atlanta for the Haven conference. While we wish we could visit every single one of you, we’ve meticulously planned to crash as many homes as our schedule permits. Our hearts are a little heavy that we can’t make it to all of you this time, but there’s always a possibility for a future book tour in the fall! So, a huge thanks to each of you for opening your homes to a toddler, a chihuahua, and two incredibly curious bloggers eager to explore. Your generosity truly touched us.
Building a Solid Foundation: Ledger Boards and Post Holes for Our Deck
Deck Day Two: Securing the Ledger Boards and Preparing for Joists
Our deck construction journey continues with a deep dive into the progress made since Deck Day #1. While the second day didn’t yield as much visible progress as we initially hoped, it was instrumental in setting the stage for future steps. We took a brief pause before our next update to ensure we had substantial accomplishments to share, culminating in the complete installation of both ledger boards and the successful excavation of all post holes by Deck Day #3. Here’s a detailed account of these crucial two days of work.
You might recall from our previous update that we had successfully installed one ledger board on the brick side of the alley and had meticulously prepared the siding side of the house for its own ledger board attachment. This foundation piece is absolutely critical, as it serves as the primary attachment point for the deck to the house, ensuring structural integrity and stability.
Precision Installation: Attaching the Second Ledger Board
The first item on our agenda for Deck Day #2 was to securely fasten the second ledger board against the house siding. For a comprehensive understanding of ledger boards and their installation process, we highly recommend revisiting our initial post. Our immediate priority was to precisely mark the locations for all our joist hangers—the metal brackets that will cradle the deck joists. This careful planning prevented us from placing any lag screws in spots where hangers would eventually be attached, which could compromise the structure. To ensure perfect alignment with the hangers already marked on the brick side, I meticulously drafted a diagram complete with all necessary measurements. Clara, our diligent little helper, added her artistic touch with some crayon scribbles, making our plans truly unique.
Maneuvering the ledger board itself was quite a task. Being a single 17-foot-long 2×8 board, it was heavy and cumbersome. However, with the combined efforts of my dad and me, we managed to hoist it into position. Utilizing two sets of hands and some strategically placed scrap wood for temporary propping, we were able to level it accurately and screw it into place without significant hurdles. The subsequent bolting process proved to be notably quicker this time around for two key reasons: firstly, we only needed 6-inch lag screws, which are faster to install, and secondly, we were drilling into wood rather than the much more resistant brick, as was the case with the first ledger board. This efficiency gain was a welcome relief and kept our momentum going.
Attaching Joist Hangers: A Step-by-Step Guide
Since the ledger board attachment progressed more smoothly than anticipated, we decided to tackle another crucial item on our to-do list: attaching all the joist hangers. Our ambitious goal for the day was to also start digging post holes, but with the morning still relatively early, we felt confident we could complete the hanger installation swiftly. We began the methodical process of hammering in the hangers, working our way down the line with the aid of our level and a scrap joist. To maximize efficiency, we initially installed every third hanger, leveraging the full length of our level, and then returned to fill in the intermediate ones. This approach helped maintain consistent spacing and alignment across the entire ledger board.
While the process was relatively straightforward, it proved to be a bit more time-consuming than we had initially budgeted for. Each hanger required precise placement and secure fastening, accumulating into a significant chunk of work. However, the meticulous effort invested at this stage is essential for the structural integrity and longevity of the deck.
Just like the day before, we had our dedicated cheering section observing our progress from the doorway. However, unlike the previous day, our little observer decided to shed her clothes for reasons unknown (thankfully, she kept her blue cloth diaper on!). This playful interruption offered a moment of levity amidst the hard work. My wife, though not pictured in her working attire, was incredibly helpful throughout the day, juggling Clara-wrangling duties while also capturing photos and consulting on various decisions. Her support was invaluable as we pushed through the tasks.
By approximately 1 PM, my dad and I had successfully completed the installation of all joist hangers on one side of the house. Our initial confidence in the day’s schedule was beginning to wane slightly, and our stomachs were rumbling with hunger. Given this, we made the pragmatic decision to postpone tackling the hangers on the brick side of the house. Instead, we prioritized getting some much-needed food and then redirecting our energy towards digging the post holes. This strategic shift was driven by the understanding that our first inspection would primarily focus on the footings, not yet on the ledgers or hangers. But even at this stage, it’s easy to envision our future deck – just squint a little and imagine beams spanning these ledger boards, with planks laid on top. Bam! An instant imaginary deck. If only making it a reality were that simple.
Deck building, especially a project of this scale, demands significant time commitment. We can typically only dedicate one or two days a week to it, largely working around my dad’s schedule, which we’re more than happy to do in exchange for his invaluable help. Our overarching goal is to have the deck completed before the end of July. So, you can anticipate regular weekly updates over the next month or so, and with a bit of luck, we’ll soon be sharing a beautiful “after” picture with you. Haha!
Strategic Planning: Laying Out Footings and Designing Deck Stairs
After a much-needed late lunch, we immediately shifted our focus to the crucial task of planning the exact locations for our post holes. On paper, this process appeared relatively straightforward. As you can glean from the 3D rendering provided by 84 Lumber with our plans (this particular view is from underneath, as if you were situated beneath our AC unit), we would require two posts at the farthest end of the deck, two more strategically placed in the middle section of the stairs, and—though not explicitly detailed in this specific rendering—an additional two at the very bottom of the steps. This detailed planning ensures that every post provides optimal support for the deck structure, adhering to architectural blueprints and local building codes.
Translating these paper plans into precise locations on the ground proved to be a more intricate process. For the two posts situated at the end of the main deck structure, our first step involved accurately determining the precise end point of the deck and the specific angle at which the stairs would descend. To simplify the construction, we opted for a straightforward 45-degree angle for the stair’s departure. We then marked these critical lines on the ground using string, securely tethered between two bolts hammered firmly into the earth. This method allowed for clear, visible guidelines, ensuring that our post hole placements were consistent with our design.
Navigating Stair Design: From Concept to Reality
Determining the placement of the stair posts necessitated first establishing the precise length our stairs would be. My geometry skills, I’ll admit, are a bit rusty, so finding an online EZ Stair Calculator was an absolute godsend. This tool quickly helped us calculate rise and run, ensuring our stairs would be comfortable and code-compliant. And speaking of handy tools, my fancy temporary desk also proved invaluable for all these calculations:
Even with the aid of the calculator, laying out our stairs consumed a significant amount of time. Sherry, my dad, and I engaged in an extensive debate regarding the ideal stair design – not just aesthetically, but also considering our practical building capabilities. At one point, we envisioned elegant stairs that flared out at the bottom. However, with a planned seven steps instead of a more modest three, a flared design would have become excessively wide for the available space, making it impractical and potentially obstructive.
We even explored the concept of three steps leading to a large mid-landing platform, followed by three more steps. While appealing, this would have made the stairs unduly long, consuming too much of our precious backyard space. Ultimately, we decided to keep things simple and opted for basic, straight stairs for the immediate future. The presence of the air conditioner to the right and the house to the left inherently limited our creative freedom for more elaborate designs. However, notice the railing on the deck to the right of the stairs in the image below? We have an exciting plan to transform that into a large, built-in planter box. We’ll definitely keep you updated on that development as the project progresses!
Thankfully, our final decision to go with “classic stairs” made marking their layout with string relatively straightforward. We later adjusted their position, shifting them five inches away from the house to allow for better clearance. Additionally, we plan to plant something aesthetically pleasing and functional to the right of the stairs, creating a natural buffer between the steps and the air conditioner. Of course, we’ll ensure the planting isn’t too close, preventing any obstruction of the air conditioner’s vital function and maintaining proper airflow.
By this point, it was approximately 5 PM on Deck Day #2, and two consecutive days of intensive physical labor were definitely catching up with us. We made the sensible call to defer the demanding task of digging post holes to another day. And so, let’s fast-forward a few days to Deck Day #3, when my dad arrived with a specialized piece of equipment in his trunk, ready to tackle the earth.
Deck Day Three: Conquering Post Holes with a Power Auger
Behold! That’s a powerful two-man auger, rented from the Home Depot Tool Rental Center. After the less-than-enjoyable experience of manually digging holes for our fence last year, I was determined to take the power tool route this time. The rental cost was a very reasonable $60 for four hours, and it would have been $85 for a full 24-hour period. This investment, as we would soon discover, was incredibly well spent, saving us immense time and physical exertion.
Prepping and Operating the Auger for Efficient Digging
To ensure precise placement, I started by digging a shallow mark in the ground where each post hole needed to go. This simple preparation not only guided us but also helped the auger bit sit securely in the correct spot before we powered it up, preventing any initial wobbling or misalignment. A good start is essential for efficient and accurate hole digging.
The auger roared to life much like a lawnmower, with a satisfying pull of the cord and an immediate revving sound. Although it was a bit unwieldy at first, it wasn’t overly challenging to operate. It required both my dad and I to hold it tightly, with one of us (me, in this case) controlling the speed of the bit. We largely let the machine’s motion and weight do the heavy lifting, focusing primarily on keeping it upright and stable. Periodically, we would lift it out to clear the churned-up dirt from the hole, allowing the bit to continue its descent unimpeded. This teamwork was crucial for managing the powerful machine effectively.
A Critical Safety Reminder: Always Call Before You Dig!
It is paramount to always contact your local Miss Utility (or equivalent “811” service in your area) before undertaking any digging project. This vital step ensures that you do not inadvertently strike or damage any underground wires, pipes, or utility lines, which could result in severe injury, property damage, or costly repairs. We made this call as one of our very first deck planning steps back in May, well in advance of any digging (you can read more about our initial planning and utility clearance here). Never assume a clear digging path; always verify!
If you were to ask me today, I might say that using the auger wasn’t particularly difficult. However, a quick glance back at these action shots reveals a very different story etched on my face! The concentration and physical effort are undeniable, serving as a humorous testament to the intensity of the work.
And it wasn’t just my face betraying the intensity of our labor. Sherry found it quite amusing that the veins in my arms were visibly bulging, even several minutes after I had set the auger down to rest. This lingering effect underscored just how much physical exertion was involved, even with the aid of a powerful machine.
Refining Post Holes for Inspection Readiness
Further contributing to the “vein-bulginess” was the fact that after each pass with the auger, we had to return to the hole manually. Armed with a shovel and a traditional post hole digger, our task was to “tidy up” the hole and expand it to the precise required dimensions. This manual refinement served several purposes: firstly, it allowed us to remove the loose dirt that the auger had churned up but hadn’t successfully extracted from the hole. Secondly, and more critically, there was a slight miscommunication with my dad regarding the auger bit size. He had rented an 8-inch auger bit, whereas our inspection requirements stipulated 12-inch wide holes. As you can clearly see in the picture below, a “just augered” hole wasn’t quite as wide as mandated by building codes. This meant a significant amount of manual widening to meet specifications.
Once all the loose dirt was cleared and the holes were manually widened, we meticulously checked all dimensions to ensure they would pass inspection without a hitch. The holes absolutely had to be 12 inches wide, a critical requirement for proper footing and structural support. Check!
Additionally, each hole needed to be at least 18 inches deep, which is the local requirement given our frost line. However, we aimed for a depth of at least 21 inches. This extra depth is intentional; I plan to add a few inches of gravel to the bottom of each hole. This gravel layer will significantly aid in drainage, preventing water from pooling around the concrete footings, before we pour the required concrete. Enhanced drainage is key to preventing frost heave and ensuring the long-term stability of the deck.
Despite the manual adjustments, digging all six required holes only took us approximately two hours. This was remarkably speedy compared to the significant amount of work that had gone into this deck project thus far. Of course, the day we worked felt like the muggiest and most humid day of the summer, leaving both my dad and me thoroughly exhausted and drenched in sweat. I’ll spare you that particular picture! Instead, I’ll leave you to admire our perfectly dug holes. Wait, that sounds a bit… inappropriate, doesn’t it?
What’s Next: Inspection and Continuing the Deck Journey
With our footer holes meticulously completed and meeting all dimensional requirements, we are now ready to schedule our first official inspection. While I feel incredibly confident about the quality and precision of our holes, there’s always a certain nervousness that accompanies any building inspection. So, please keep your fingers crossed for us! Perhaps I’ll need to don a special, fancy “inspection-getting” outfit, much like my dapper permit-getting one. Or maybe I should just send Burger and Clara out there to charm the inspector? Their cuteness might be our secret weapon!
What exciting projects did you tackle this weekend? Are there any other auger users out there who can share their experiences? Or do you prefer the old-fashioned way of digging, much like I did for the patio’s fence installation? I must admit, opting for the auger this time saved us a tremendous amount of time and effort, making that $60 rental fee feel like money incredibly well spent!
Want to follow our entire journey as we inch closer to a finished deck? Here’s a comprehensive look at our progress from the very beginning: learn about planning the deck, clearing the area, obtaining the necessary permit, demolishing the old deck, and a recap of day one of the new deck construction. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to build our dream outdoor space!