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2007 Dream Deck Contest Winners
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Discover the secrets to building the ultimate family deck
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By Allan Britnell
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THE MAIN challenge of this deck project was the curved stairs, which continue down two more levels in grass and stone
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"You can put the plans together and get them approved. But when you come down to it, there are a million details that you have to sort out as you go along. I spent a lot of mornings out there just staring, trying to figure out the next step," David admits.
Step one was hauling in truckloads of soil and fill to level the lot. The family's design called for just two composite-clad deck stairs and two more turf-covered steps, constructed using retaining-wall blocks, to bring deck dwellers down from the peak 6' elevation.
The family did the grading themselves with rented equipment, then hired a company to sink the 13 posts.
Given the state of the deck that came with their house, they were inclined to overbuild. "We wanted to make sure it was safe for Rissa and the kids in the neighbourhood. So, instead of just using 2x6s, we used 2x8s, and 2x10s instead of 2x8s," Heather says.
They also made things safe for the existing vegetation, notching out deck boards to preserve an elm that would shade the finished deck.
The Bosch tools that were part of the prize package helped with the labour-the cordless 61⁄2" circ saw, in particular. "It would just chew through the composite decking like butter," David says. Although he'd never worked with composite before (and was in for a shock regarding its weight), he was thoroughly impressed: "I couldn't have done [the curves] without that material."
Ah, yes, the curves.
"I don't know how many times I suggested, 'Are you sure you want to do the curves?'" Heather says of the most challenging aspect of the construction. But she's certainly glad they persevered. "It's beautiful now."
With just Heather and David working on the project (aside from Rissa's help on the demolition and a day when David's dad pitched it), the deck took them most of the summer to complete. "By the time we finished all the construction and landscaping, it was the end of the summer, so we didn't get a chance to use any of the gardening tools. Although, the barbecue was very well used," David says.
By Heather's estimate: "In the previous two years, we had maybe eaten outside five times. Since finishing the deck, it's easily been two dozen times."
Truth be told, the timing couldn't have been better. This summer, the couple, who met while working on a performance together - "The curveball," says Heather, "is that it was a clown version of Romeo and Juliet. I was wearing a clown nose, and he still fell for me" - plans to celebrate their 10th anniversary with "a great big deck party."
Clown noses will be optional.
The 2008 Dream Deck design made room for a tree rather than cutting it down. Smart move. Here's another project that would make Tolkien proud!
Click here to see a detailed image of the deck.
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