Building Memories: Crafting a Deck with My Dad

Introduction

Building a deck with my dad was an incredible journey of learning, teamwork, and creativity. While art is my usual go-to, diving into construction was a whole new adventure. Let's take a closer look at how this project unfolded!

Rerouting the Sprinklers

Construction isn't just about woodwork; it’s about solving problems. We had to dig up and reroute the yard sprinklers where the new concrete would go. It was surprising how much thought goes into planning every detail.

Removing the Old and Setting Up the New

Removing the old, rotten decking felt like a cleanup mission. I enjoyed the hands-on experience of hauling wood and cleaning up even though removing some of the nails was hard.

Then, we tackled the essential task of setting up the support for the joists. It was fascinating to see how crucial this step was in ensuring the deck's stability.

Putting down all the decking was fun, too. I enjoyed using the drill to screw down the boards to the joists.

Completing the Deck

Once the new stairs were ready, the work started to speed up. Carrying wood up the freshly built stairs felt like an accomplishment. Adding the spindles was the most satisfying part, as it transformed the structure into something complete and functional.

I learned that the trash can be available all the time when you screw a board to a beam with the trash bag attached. In the images, you can see the trash bag holder I built with Mickey's help.

Conclusion

Building this deck wasn't just about construction; it was about bonding with my dad and learning new skills. Each deck board and screw was a lesson in patience and precision, much like the crafting process I adore in art. Whether it’s through my artwork or construction, creating something from scratch is incredibly fulfilling.