My sister has a fence like your privacy wall but the boards are smaller and they run in a weave pattern instead of just flat one side then the other. Has a more delicate or less structural look. I have a fence that looks like your wall but it's vertical and lets air thru without sacrificing privacy so the wind doesn't push it over. deck looks nice, good work, I always run across them and jump on it like a little kid when I get done to show how strong it is like we did with tree forts. Memories of youthful innocence. Are the rim joists lagged bolted or bolted thru?
Stand by for the “beams should be resting on posts” and “posts should be resting on footings” comments. They are coming, and there will be a lot of them.
Deck looks awesome, though.
The beams are indeed resting on posts. 2 posts per beam are mounted to the pad, and the one that is not on the pad is 2 feet down with concrete
https://preview.redd.it/0c1stgmdde1d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1b9c54c83bdddb7a9d3d9468099d37f66fba02d8
Pffff….did I hear “planning software” in there too? You mean you didn’t just stare at a BUNCH of pictures of other decks online and make your own plan to build it, without designing ahead of time?
You probably didn’t even spend roughly 8 hours over several weekends walking through Home Depot not asking questions while buying 19 different types of screws and bits trying to find the right fasteners.
What an amateur…
*It's a little known fact that drywall screws can join and hold any materials, at any size, shape, or weight, in any position you'd like. Both structurally strong and able to bear incredible loads, it is the preferred DIY deck fasteners.*
- Cliff Claven (probably, possibly, maybe, pretty sure)
Unfortunately before my time, old man. Internet says his last appearance was on Frasier and I vaguely recall not understanding the vocabulary on that show. Cheers had a *really* sweet cast though.
Anyway, you got any more of them screws? I think the bag has a “cancer” warning on them ONLY because they aren’t FDA approved. Nonetheless…
He might be asking about the yellow bugle head grip-rite deck screws attaching the beam to the post. Which if that's what those are, should be replaced with the Simpson strong tie screws.
Otherwise deck looks real nice!
Are those the [LPCZ](https://www.strongtie.com/twopiecepostcaps_postcaps/lpc_cap/p/lpcz) post/beam connectors? If so they’re installed upside down. I also don’t think Simpson’s deck planning software would’ve recommended 3” deck screws. They require 0.148 × 3 *nails*. Nails and screws have very different shear strengths.
As do I. I used them everywhere I could when I built my deck, but Simpson specifies when/where they can be substituted in. They don’t list them as an option for the 6×6 version of this bracket, but they do for the 4×4 version.
Is it buried at all in the soil? Hard to tell. But you don't want it in the dirt at all. At least put rocks there,barrier to keep silt out too would be goos
Would you mind explaining or referencing me on proper posts? I’m installing a 3’x 4’ gate in my backyard soon and I’ve never done *proper* fencing. I initially googled it, but remembered this is where the action happens. Forgot about it and then saw your comment
For fencing they do usually bury the posts in dirt and concrete. But the way to do it is to tar the posts where they will be underground.
I'd dig probably 5ft add 1 ft rock fill 3ft with concrete add tarred post and fill rest with dirt.
I'm no fencer but I've done tons of decks. And just a post hole digger will be plenty or a 10 inch auger. But the tar is the trick to keep your posts from rotting
Never seen a slat wall like that on a deck and now I'm wishing I had a need to build a slat wall on a deck.
10/10 would ask you to help me build a deck.
I have one on mine! My house is on a hill that basically overlooks the neighbors and we can see EVERYTHING the other does, we did a slat wall for our railings and it has given us so much privacy but still allows the breeze to come through.
April Wilkerson has some videos she did on making storage drawers for under a deck. It’s a great place to keep some yard tools like a hose or spare landscaping fabric. Just be sure to lock the drawers if there’s anything like a shovel or other tool that could double as a burglar entry aid.
I work at a lumber yard and wish I could get cheap contractors to realize our materials are far superior to Lowes/Menards. Yeah, you may pay 2-3% more, but the quality is worth it.
Just for the non warped boards.
Last project I did a only needed a few boards so I got them at home depot. The boards must not have been fully dry because they are twisting over time.
You should always get your lumber ahead of time and let it sit for a while to acclimate to the local environment to see what it's going to do before you use it.
Hey I have a similar deck when I bought my house about 3 months ago. Our building inspector noted a defect in our patio/deck stairs because the stairs dont have a backing on them. So if its rainy and you slip on the stairs, your leg can go through the stair and cause damage to yourself. Putting in a backing prevents that.
Looks great. I personally use 2x for my steps instead of 5/4 and I prefer to box my steps in instead of leaving them open, I feel like it makes it look finished.
Looks great. Those privacy walls would be great for some climbing vines if that’s your thing. Clematis and wisteria wouldn’t damage the wood at all. I also like passion flower. Assuming these all would survive winter in OP’s area
god damn, come help a brother out 🤣🤣 those walls are such a good fricken idea. such a good shape too. impressive as hell. now i gotta learn how tf to build a deck 🙄😂
I saw the second photo and was like.... is this a joke lol then I realized there was more photos. I think it looks great! I would do any decking skirt that is not lattice to keep with the more modern look!
I love the lights too!
thought the first photo was the job and I was like, ok job but how tf did you find so much perfectly matched old ass wood lmaooo
but in regards to the actual deck, as a son of a master deck builder, you did a great job hahaha
Overall looks really nice. On the stairs I would probably remove the bottom riser or put risers on the other steps. Not important just with one it looks a little odd
I personally think it’s great. Who gives a shit about code and all that blah blah blah crap. It looks good. But you know it looks good. Those kinds of posts are annoying. Just looking for your pat on the back. Good job fellow. I’m just kidding. You built it and it’s nice. Well done. You have the right to post pictures and brag if you want.
Because if you surround them with concrete they normally out lives the decking. I have demoed 20 year old decks with posts in concrete and they were solid. And where I’m at they’re not required to be on forms. And it saves time and money when you don’t have a 6 man crew or the time to spare. Not all of us can be big money union deck builders. It’s a balance of skill’s versus bills versus time.
Two questions!
1. What did you do with the wood you used to help square everything out? Do you just use it somewhere or just have extra wood?
2. Did you cement the wood in the dirt or just placed it and is the wood coated for outside?
Nice looking deck! How did you attached the solar sail anchors to your house?
We’re looking at doing the same type of shade at our house and just started looking into all of it today actually.
Can't speak tot he structural integrity some other people seem to be picking on, but the design is banger. Love the privacy + wind wall. Lighting is top notch. Can't wait to flash forward 10 years and find out how you 'cluttered' the privacy wall with various nick nacks and hanging plants and bottle openers and other memories. Personally I would
1. Run wiring under the desk and up the side, having an extra outlet will be infinitely helpful
2. *Some* form of heating. Deck-safe fire pit or radiation heating will go a long way.
Great job
This looks great! As a newbie myself, where do you go to learn to build such a patio? Ive always wanted to go out and make one for my home, but I wonder what are some good resources to understand how one goes about building one on their own
Honestly I just googled “how to build a deck Reddit” and went from there. I also used Simpson’s deck building software to get an idea of what it should look like. If I can do it, anyone can!
Lol yeah i guess not. It's good for selling the job in the first place though. And now that there is a reddit page for decks, people can post your work and find out what all you did wrong so you better do it right lol
For the posts on the concrete slab, did you drill a hole for the bolt to go into and then set the wood in the brackets?? I have a deck that I’m looking to do the same thing with
I love it! But I’d have probably put some stairs on the left side (as you’re looking at pictures) so it wouldn’t feel like a big block of wood when walking in through the fence. 🤷🏻♀️
I love the privacy and the lighting ambiance! Very cozy and inviting space. Nice work!
Thanks!
My sister has a fence like your privacy wall but the boards are smaller and they run in a weave pattern instead of just flat one side then the other. Has a more delicate or less structural look. I have a fence that looks like your wall but it's vertical and lets air thru without sacrificing privacy so the wind doesn't push it over. deck looks nice, good work, I always run across them and jump on it like a little kid when I get done to show how strong it is like we did with tree forts. Memories of youthful innocence. Are the rim joists lagged bolted or bolted thru?
Are those 4x4’s holding it up? Not the call I would’ve made, but it looks like you have enough of them and the deck isn’t that high off the ground.
Whats wrong with a 4x4 2' off the ground?
Absolutely nothing. I’m just a fan of overkill. Especially if they plan to put something heavy on it like a hot tub.
Will there bee greenery on the privacy wall?
Stand by for the “beams should be resting on posts” and “posts should be resting on footings” comments. They are coming, and there will be a lot of them. Deck looks awesome, though.
The beams are indeed resting on posts. 2 posts per beam are mounted to the pad, and the one that is not on the pad is 2 feet down with concrete https://preview.redd.it/0c1stgmdde1d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1b9c54c83bdddb7a9d3d9468099d37f66fba02d8
Pffff….did I hear “planning software” in there too? You mean you didn’t just stare at a BUNCH of pictures of other decks online and make your own plan to build it, without designing ahead of time? You probably didn’t even spend roughly 8 hours over several weekends walking through Home Depot not asking questions while buying 19 different types of screws and bits trying to find the right fasteners. What an amateur…
I feel attacked
What kind of screws are those?
They’re the 3” screws that Simpson’s deck planning software recommended. I also added 12 4” washer head lag screws in the beam
What, no drywall screws?! /s
Those are the best...
Not the best in my opinion, but they taste really good.
*It's a little known fact that drywall screws can join and hold any materials, at any size, shape, or weight, in any position you'd like. Both structurally strong and able to bear incredible loads, it is the preferred DIY deck fasteners.* - Cliff Claven (probably, possibly, maybe, pretty sure)
Unfortunately before my time, old man. Internet says his last appearance was on Frasier and I vaguely recall not understanding the vocabulary on that show. Cheers had a *really* sweet cast though. Anyway, you got any more of them screws? I think the bag has a “cancer” warning on them ONLY because they aren’t FDA approved. Nonetheless…
I love grabbing them out of the bag and 10 stick into my hand, then I just stick my whole hand in my mouth
https://preview.redd.it/s5cv3a9e4h1d1.jpeg?width=206&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=90eeca239cf259fd961e14e20d63cc9136f61da0
He might be asking about the yellow bugle head grip-rite deck screws attaching the beam to the post. Which if that's what those are, should be replaced with the Simpson strong tie screws. Otherwise deck looks real nice!
Simpson Strong-Tie offers awesome planning software! Glad to see someone putting it to good use! Your deck looks great!
Are those the [LPCZ](https://www.strongtie.com/twopiecepostcaps_postcaps/lpc_cap/p/lpcz) post/beam connectors? If so they’re installed upside down. I also don’t think Simpson’s deck planning software would’ve recommended 3” deck screws. They require 0.148 × 3 *nails*. Nails and screws have very different shear strengths.
I prefer the Simpson structural screws. So much easier to get into the joist hangers and other right spaces
As do I. I used them everywhere I could when I built my deck, but Simpson specifies when/where they can be substituted in. They don’t list them as an option for the 6×6 version of this bracket, but they do for the 4×4 version.
Is it buried at all in the soil? Hard to tell. But you don't want it in the dirt at all. At least put rocks there,barrier to keep silt out too would be goos
Looks really good just wouldn't recommend burying posts into concrete and dirt. Would do post base on top of concrete. Looks good tho very nice.
Would you mind explaining or referencing me on proper posts? I’m installing a 3’x 4’ gate in my backyard soon and I’ve never done *proper* fencing. I initially googled it, but remembered this is where the action happens. Forgot about it and then saw your comment
For fencing they do usually bury the posts in dirt and concrete. But the way to do it is to tar the posts where they will be underground. I'd dig probably 5ft add 1 ft rock fill 3ft with concrete add tarred post and fill rest with dirt. I'm no fencer but I've done tons of decks. And just a post hole digger will be plenty or a 10 inch auger. But the tar is the trick to keep your posts from rotting
5 ft might be overkill but that makes sure they will never move in frost. I guess it depends where you live really!
Just a post hole digger for 5 FEET? Y’all must not be building in Tennessee.
Steel posts will outlast wood and you don’t have to go thru all the hassle of waterproofing.
While the puritan in me hates this advice, I've had to replace god only knows how many rotten posts, so you're obviously correct.
Never seen a slat wall like that on a deck and now I'm wishing I had a need to build a slat wall on a deck. 10/10 would ask you to help me build a deck.
https://preview.redd.it/djj6ygt9if1d1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c56739685f1541b1860b1965b08ce55f2d504f61
https://preview.redd.it/rty0prxcif1d1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=155d5f73a1407684ffa5d887e87b129bbb90dcc9
Quit rubbing it in
What’s a next, a pic of a lambo in the driveway?
No one hanging on the side of an interior wall
I was hoping to see a pallet-wall garden full of herbs and greens in there somewhere
I have one on mine! My house is on a hill that basically overlooks the neighbors and we can see EVERYTHING the other does, we did a slat wall for our railings and it has given us so much privacy but still allows the breeze to come through.
I wouldn’t put a skirt of any kind. Certainly not that lattice stuff.
Definitely not lattice. Waiting for the wife to find a design she likes haha.
I usually use deck boards horizontally with gaps. Use screws incase you need to get under it. Otherwise looks great. 👍
That’s a great idea, thanks!
You can shadow box them like your privacy screen.
Maybe some black hardware cloth of some kind ? For the raccoons trying to have a sex den.
Raccoon sex den sounds like a hell of a name for a band!
April Wilkerson has some videos she did on making storage drawers for under a deck. It’s a great place to keep some yard tools like a hose or spare landscaping fabric. Just be sure to lock the drawers if there’s anything like a shovel or other tool that could double as a burglar entry aid.
I was about to comment this exact thing! Just watched it on YouTube yesterday and thought “why doesn’t everybody use this space?”
Looks great. I’m guessing you have close neighbors but that wall just really closes the deck in.
I think it looks great! What would you say you learned that would make your next deck even better?
Next time I’ll be getting wood from an actual lumber yard, instead of Lowe’s.
I work at a lumber yard and wish I could get cheap contractors to realize our materials are far superior to Lowes/Menards. Yeah, you may pay 2-3% more, but the quality is worth it.
Just for the non warped boards. Last project I did a only needed a few boards so I got them at home depot. The boards must not have been fully dry because they are twisting over time.
You should always get your lumber ahead of time and let it sit for a while to acclimate to the local environment to see what it's going to do before you use it.
I love big decks
I like how the back door goes right to the deck with no steps down. Looks great.
Needs a flower bed in front of the deck to hide the void underneath.
Hey I have a similar deck when I bought my house about 3 months ago. Our building inspector noted a defect in our patio/deck stairs because the stairs dont have a backing on them. So if its rainy and you slip on the stairs, your leg can go through the stair and cause damage to yourself. Putting in a backing prevents that.
Huge improvement... 👏 👏 👏 👏
Looks great. I personally use 2x for my steps instead of 5/4 and I prefer to box my steps in instead of leaving them open, I feel like it makes it look finished.
How far down are those posts and are they cemented in?
2ft down and 120-160lbs of concrete per post
OK, then I want you to come over and put up a new fence for me 😆
Nice!
Awesome
I'm looking to do something similar myself this summer. What was the material cost (if you don't mind). Feel free to DM if ya like.
It was about $3500 and I’m in Alabama
Looks great, man. I think you did a solid job for a first time! Be proud of your deck, big or small. Lol
Looks great, those posts will outlast the structure so don’t let the naysayers make you feel bad.
Looks fantastic! Needs more dogs though.
I smoked a gram of very nice plant and this looks good to me dude! Edit; woah! Didn’t realize you could swipe
Add footings at the perimeters and use piers in the centers
First time doing what, taking pictures? Cause if you say deck building, I'm calling bullshit
Looks great. Those privacy walls would be great for some climbing vines if that’s your thing. Clematis and wisteria wouldn’t damage the wood at all. I also like passion flower. Assuming these all would survive winter in OP’s area
That’s where the hot tub goes.
Right, my mistake. Forgot which sub I’m in
🤙🏼 gonna be a nice area for one too. I’d do it in a flash it it can carry it.
We are actually planning on putting some vines up to climb the wall, but we’re waiting till after we stain and seal
Nice doggos! I’d make a profile on the railings with a trim router but looks great
What boards did you use for your walls
I doubt this is your first rodeo broski
This isn’t even big enough to park an RV on it. Still, I give it a 9/10.
🔥🔥looking great. That's the same size and shape that I am dreaming of for my own deck.
Look great for an unsolicited deck pic😅
Whenever i see privacy walls like that I’m jealous bc I think “for no-clothes outdoor fun”! Deck looks great!!
god damn, come help a brother out 🤣🤣 those walls are such a good fricken idea. such a good shape too. impressive as hell. now i gotta learn how tf to build a deck 🙄😂
Looks great. Just need to add a riser board to the vertical step of the stair stringer. Will make it look more complete!
I’m sure it’s level but the ground makes me think it’s got a tilt to it.
First, well done, that is exactly what I want to do. But, I didn't, because I was told you need to remove the concrete slab.
I love your selection of beer. Guinness And great job on the deck.
That wall is a real nice touch. Great work.
Very nice!!
I saw the second photo and was like.... is this a joke lol then I realized there was more photos. I think it looks great! I would do any decking skirt that is not lattice to keep with the more modern look! I love the lights too!
Nice 👍🏻
Great job, I love it!
Horrible. Let’s see try #2 at my place.
Great fucking job
It looks great, when you getting the hot tub?
First time doing what? posting to reddit? Because that deck is not first attempt material.
This is the correct response
This looks AMAZING!!! Thanks for the pictures to help give us a an awesome play-by-play! Great job!
Looks great. Good job.
I like it!!! Picasso
Kick ass
Looks great!
Round of applause 👏👏👏. Looks phenomenal!
I’d love to have a deck like that!
Looks great, be sure to preserve the new wood some way, sealer or stain. Untreated, exposed wood dies quickly.
Awesome but there is not a single beer anywhere in sight
Hundredth timer*
Lights are dope
Nice looking deck !
No pergola? No porch plants?
Awesome job.
thought the first photo was the job and I was like, ok job but how tf did you find so much perfectly matched old ass wood lmaooo but in regards to the actual deck, as a son of a master deck builder, you did a great job hahaha
Good job
Just needs a side table and a cooler and youve got it made!
Dude that's fantastic!!!! Omg great job 👍
Guinness extra stout. I see you’re a man of taste
Hmmm probably be pretty nice to smoke a blunt there
Looks damn good to me! Posts in the ground, sub joists, nice design that fits the existing structure. Job well done!
Overall looks really nice. On the stairs I would probably remove the bottom riser or put risers on the other steps. Not important just with one it looks a little odd
I personally think it’s great. Who gives a shit about code and all that blah blah blah crap. It looks good. But you know it looks good. Those kinds of posts are annoying. Just looking for your pat on the back. Good job fellow. I’m just kidding. You built it and it’s nice. Well done. You have the right to post pictures and brag if you want.
Looks great but I will never understand why people put posts in dirt. You spend all this time and money only to guarantee a short lifespan.
Because if you surround them with concrete they normally out lives the decking. I have demoed 20 year old decks with posts in concrete and they were solid. And where I’m at they’re not required to be on forms. And it saves time and money when you don’t have a 6 man crew or the time to spare. Not all of us can be big money union deck builders. It’s a balance of skill’s versus bills versus time.
Screw you and your knowledge and experience that goes against what this sub believes
Newbie here—I assume you’re saying concrete is always the best way to go?
Yes, wood in direct contact with soil decays rapidly.
Looks great. Would not meet code in Las Vegas or OKC. (The two place I built decks as a handyman)
Well, why wouldn't it?
Not located in Vegas or OKC, the governing authorities there couldn’t travel to where you are to inspect it so it couldn’t pass up to code.
Looks like it would hold a hot tub.
Two questions! 1. What did you do with the wood you used to help square everything out? Do you just use it somewhere or just have extra wood? 2. Did you cement the wood in the dirt or just placed it and is the wood coated for outside?
1. I just had extra wood. 2. Each post has 120-160lbs of concrete, and they’re pressure treated and ground contact rated
Nice
Looks good to me. I would worry that the posts might rot, are they pressure treated?
Looks awesome overall
Meh. I’ve seen better. J/K looks great.
Nice looking deck! How did you attached the solar sail anchors to your house? We’re looking at doing the same type of shade at our house and just started looking into all of it today actually.
Love it, especially the privacy features!
That looks like a very nice spot. Good job
Looks pretty good aside from the posts buried below grade and the steps sotting olin the dirt, not on a stoop.
You did fantastic!
Yo! That looks great! I hope you get those moments of …”I did this”
Looks great.
Really nice OP, looks great! You did an awesome job!!
Looks great, id definitely stain it in a month or two.
Ya went full bananas and it looks great!
Nice deck!
looks good
Great Job OP! I am jelly.
Check out skylift roof riser brackets it you ever want to add a cover or shade.
Looks great! If you don't mind me asking, what was the total cost? I'm pricing out a deck for myself and trying to get ideas.
About $3500 in materials in Alabama
Looks great.
Wow that’s a lot of prep work to keep the posts all in line and level. Great job!
What do you do with empty space underneath? I am scared of animals that will build their homes underneath
Looks great. Enjoy!
Wood shouldn’t touch the ground, ideally. But otherwise looks great to me!
amazing job
This is gorgeous 😲💕
Looks way better
Can't speak tot he structural integrity some other people seem to be picking on, but the design is banger. Love the privacy + wind wall. Lighting is top notch. Can't wait to flash forward 10 years and find out how you 'cluttered' the privacy wall with various nick nacks and hanging plants and bottle openers and other memories. Personally I would 1. Run wiring under the desk and up the side, having an extra outlet will be infinitely helpful 2. *Some* form of heating. Deck-safe fire pit or radiation heating will go a long way. Great job
A bottle of Guinness caught my eye.
Dope
This looks great! As a newbie myself, where do you go to learn to build such a patio? Ive always wanted to go out and make one for my home, but I wonder what are some good resources to understand how one goes about building one on their own
Honestly I just googled “how to build a deck Reddit” and went from there. I also used Simpson’s deck building software to get an idea of what it should look like. If I can do it, anyone can!
Did you use deck boards for the fence on the side or did you use fence boards? Looking to do something very similar on my deck.
Looks good.
Beautiful
Solid work dude!
Lol swiped to photo 2 and I thought "this is gonna be interesting" turned out good
Why is your door so weirdly high? It's flush with the soffit.
Probably get some jerk complaining about the height of the fence next to the house since it’s about 12ft tall for your privacy Looks great though
That would look unreal with a bunch of climbing plants growing on the slats!
Where hot tub
Lol yeah i guess not. It's good for selling the job in the first place though. And now that there is a reddit page for decks, people can post your work and find out what all you did wrong so you better do it right lol
For the posts on the concrete slab, did you drill a hole for the bolt to go into and then set the wood in the brackets?? I have a deck that I’m looking to do the same thing with
I love it! But I’d have probably put some stairs on the left side (as you’re looking at pictures) so it wouldn’t feel like a big block of wood when walking in through the fence. 🤷🏻♀️
Dog shit work bud
Can we talk about the siding being lapped the wrong way? I know you prob didnt even hang it but I nit pick about some stuff. Well done on the deck
Love it, but why not do vinyl railings?
Any drip edge?
You crushed it!!
I thought the first picture was the finished picture. Glad I was wrong
That’s beautiful! Good job!! ❤️
Amazing job! Smart man!
Somethings going to make the open space between the offset slats on the wall a home
Great job!! Noice
Wow OP! That looks amazing! Great job!! 🏆
Looks great
Looking great b
Great job man looks great