A few years ago I had built this deck. It took about 6 weeks to finish. The decking, stairs, planters, and benches were all out of Ipe. Having everything revolve around the center was a spur of the moment decision that I think worked out great. I really got to know my biscuit joiner pretty well with all of the hidden fasteners we put in. I think though that the worst part of the project would have been to trim all of the plugs for the screw holes in the planters, stairs and benches. It wasn’t a lot, only nearly 200! Luckily, I didn’t have to do that part, my uncle got that pleasure. I’m glad the deck was just barely low enough that it didn’t need a railing. I think that would have completely changed the entire look.
With all of the plantings done around the deck it looks even better after a couple of growing seasons.
It was a bittersweet end to the project. I was glad to see this project done. But, I also got to spend every day with my uncle really getting to know him.
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2 sets of stairs, 3 sets of benches, 4 planters, 6 weeks, and a lot of Ipe
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The hardest part of the deck -- fitting all the decking together without having to splice anything.
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If only it could look like this when it wasn't raining.
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My uncle's great idea for seating. A little creativity turned into an amazing solution to never having enough seats.
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I'm really glad we decided to clip the corners of the deck. I think it really makes a great impression when you come around the side of the house to the backyard.
