Holy Deck Moly!

Cool Texan · 03-31-2006, 04:38 PM

Got the bid for the deck that we were waiting for...and holy crap... they're wanting $4,950 for it, in wood ($6,691 in composite). 262 feet of decking, 41 feet of railing. OUCH...way more than we were expecting.
I'm thinking that we'll revisit the notion of whether or not we can do this ourselves.

In the meantime...

Snakebite · 03-31-2006, 05:20 PM

Do it yourself! You'll spend half that much and learn a lot in the process. Then you can be like me and the rest of us "deck professionals" and tell people what to do! :grin: My daughter and I built my little back deck in about two hours, once I had all the parts and the plan nailed down, it was a quick project. OK, I'll admit that I spent about a year thinking about how to do it, but that's what I do. It's kinda like procrastination with a purpose.

Go for it!
Snake

Cool Texan · 03-31-2006, 06:02 PM

I've gotten the prelim green light from my better half to do it...just need to get the new baby here, and then when things settle down a bit get started.

Jettin' Fool · 03-31-2006, 07:07 PM

I did my last deck. Saved at least 50% and once you get the joists level the rest is cake. Go composite as the deck will look good and be very low maintenance. No splinters and no yearly staining!

JF

Steve L. · 03-31-2006, 08:10 PM

And use screws, not nails. Invest in a dewalt or milwaukie screw gun to help the assy go quicker.

ajfishfinder · 03-31-2006, 08:20 PM

Geez, my wood deck is in poor repair and I have been thinking about replacing it with composit. 18' x 50' with rail all the way around and 2 sets of stairs about 4 feet off the ground. Sounds like I will need to talk to a 2nd mortage guy first.

wannacatchem · 03-31-2006, 08:33 PM

If ya did it on the right day, with the right incentive (food), I - along with others, I'm sure - would be willing to throw in some muscle and help pound a few nails. Its easy and with a group (3-4) can be a lot of fun. Then, BBQ steaks and a few brewskis..........

Ryan Pultz · 03-31-2006, 09:32 PM

Quote:

If ya did it on the right day, with the right incentive (food), I - along with others, I'm sure - would be willing to throw in some muscle and help pound a few nails. Its easy and with a group (3-4) can be a lot of fun. Then, BBQ steaks and a few brewskis..........

The wife and I are bying a mobile home and its going to need a new back deck I might have to take you up on this offer I could do some steaks and brews. rp

fishstik · 03-31-2006, 09:43 PM

0

Woody · 04-01-2006, 07:21 AM

Figure about half of that for materials. You can save a ton of dough doing it yourself. Like I said on a previous thread, I'll advise you Jeff. Just let me know when you're ready to pull the trigger.

I still recommend wood. Yeah, the maitenance is higher, but it looks 1000% better than plastic.

A deck is one of the easiest DIY projects a homeowner can do. It's easy, fun and very rewarding.

RODACTION · 04-01-2006, 07:33 AM

Quote:

A deck is one of the easiest DIY projects a homeowner can do. It's easy, fun and very rewarding.

Woody is right CT, and we have talked about this........suit up, tool up, and do it your self. Out of all of your friends you must know someone with basic carpentry skills and that all you need. Did you go to Lowes or Home Depot and buy a "how to" book ? That right there will make it so clear on how to. Super easy and it will go quiker than you think !!!!

MacEFL · 04-01-2006, 07:36 AM

3 words, "pnuematic screw gun"

Cool Texan · 04-01-2006, 08:08 AM

I am going to HD today for a book...I'll report back once I can read through it a bit.

Woody, I will definately be taking you up on your offer!

puddles · 04-01-2006, 08:26 AM

Because of new chemicals in pressure treated lumber,nails will corrode faster than normal.So be sure to use HOT DIPPED galvanized nails or screws,not electo-plated galvanized,but hot dipped.also your joist hangers should be z-max hangers.i belive that is what they are called.just not regular hangers they come in contact with the pressure treaded ledger board and are not recomended. now their is a special sticky,rubery type paper that comes in roll that you can put on the ledger board then you can use regular type hangers just remember hot dipped galvanized!

RODACTION · 04-01-2006, 08:43 AM

CT, I would also recommend screws where you can use them. Especially on the decking its self, nails after time from the wood moving with cold, hot, wet, dry, will start to back out. If you want to spend a little extra buy "TORX" head stainless steel screws. With the TORX head your job will go a little faster than with a conventional "phillips" head screws. The TORX head will hold on the drive bit and will not spin out like a phillips heads and get a buggered up. Just a tip

You can also get TORX head in a coated steel form, less $$$$.

baltz526 · 04-01-2006, 09:05 AM

Quote:

they're wanting $4,950 for it, in wood ($6,691 in composite). 262 feet of decking, 41 feet of railing.

for the prices bid on your deck, your contractor was being really nice to you. very competative prices assuming the wood was rekb cedar. the wood bid is whithin $200.00 of what i would bid a ground level deck. with 41' of railing. my calculator spit out $4750.00

steelhooked · 04-01-2006, 08:06 PM

i'll second the concrete!