Top deck is delightful

Once they had completed the lower deck, the crew put up scaffolding and began framing the top deck, including the bump-out to expand the living area. With the top deck in place—and running the length of the house—the house now seems better proportioned.

In some light, the decking material is grey; in others the beige undertones are more prominent. In all light, the top deck is beautifully neutral. When viewed from the couch, the lake seems to begin where the deck ends.

The completed deck greeted us on our return from Seattle/Vancouver, and we immediately toured it in moonlight. This was invigorating, given the height of the structure and lack of railings. We were on it again this morning, too, despite the damp weather thanks to a tropical storm and Hurricane Kyle.

The deck design by our (second) architect had some fantasy-land elements. For example, he designed the deck above-and-beyond code requirements. Instead, we went with the typical 6”x6” posts and off-the-shelf brackets. The Todd also specified a cable tie bracing system for the deck that no one—including him—could figure out where to purchase. We’ll be going with typical lumber here, too.

And so in the heavy fog, we cavorted on the deck this morning, feeling happy and lucky to have so much outdoor living space. Turns out we aren’t the only ones who like our new deck, as evidenced by the paw prints left by Waschbär, our neighborhood raccoon.

Lovin’ the lower deck

While we were off in Seattle and Vancouver, celebrating 12 marvelous years of marriage, Steve Wasko’s team was working.

After bringing down the dangerous deck, the team hand-dug huge holes for proper supports for the double-decker deck.

Steve suggested upgrading our decking, from regular TimberTech® TwinFinish® Plank in grey (“brushed” side up) to the version of the same product with the CONCEALoc™ Fasteners, for a hole-free surface.

Great call, Steve!

The crew finished the lower deck surface, complete with a step up to the area that will house the hot tub. In celebration, we took careful measurements and ordered the Cable Railing on Thursday.

Freakin’ out

“Will I freak out,” I asked while opening my eyes on Wednesday morning?

“When I saw it yesterday, I went completely mental,” Matt replied.

When Tiffiny, our yoga instructor, saw it on Wednesday evening, she replied: “How bizarre!”

The deck was gone and it was a long way down.

The Wasko crew had planned to take the deck down in sections. It apparently gave no resistance. Seeing the pock-marked poles that once held up the decking was particularly unnerving.

Good riddance to bad structures!

Labor Day Weekend

On Saturday morning, the flesh was willing but the mind was weak. There was something important we needed to do…

To help us think, we tuned the TV to classic rock. A few beats and gyrations later, the shoes were on and we were admiring work the crew did downstairs during the week. Hearing music through the floor also alerted us to the need for excellent insulation. Nothing less relaxing than being in a house where activities on one floor are audible in another area.

Then the labor began. We had already replanted any flora we wanted to save. So only slag plants would be in the new deck’s way. To keep the crew focused on the activities we cannot do, Matt dug out the raggedy rose bushes, which served primarily as deer food, while I carried away and stacked slate from the first section of walkway.

On Labor Day, we removed all the remaining items from the deck: basil, grill, bird feeders and weather station elements that became favorite roosting spots. Then we took off the pricey cable railing in hopes of finding for it some creative reuse.

When it was gone, I gasped: “Scary!”

“I like it,” Matt proclaimed. “Maybe we can put a net underneath to catch anyone who tumbles from the deck, leaving off the railing so nothing blocks our view.”

With each step, the deck began to shimmy and shake... The next morning, I saw that the corner support beam was beginning to collapse. Luckily, September 2 was to be the deck’s last day.

We need a new deck

The prime feature of this property is our deck. The builder’s plan is to begin removing the structure next week to prepare the site for a double-decker deck.

Good thing, too. The decaying deck prevents us from hosting barbecues. The fear of having the supports fail—causing our beloved guests drop to their deaths—eliminates some of the fun of planning a party.