"Epsideck"

There was a useless little, tiny deck area outside mum & dad's side door at their new place in Castlemaine.

Original "deck" just after some initial demolition

They wanted a nice big, useful deck. Hubby, being from a handy DIY family (unlike mine who are likely to phone someone to come and help change a lightbulb...) happily said he'd build them a deck. He designed it all and once all was agreed upon, the building (by me & hubby) commenced.

The foundations were built, including holes being dug and concreted ourselves, until it was all there - 5 beams and 6 joists all up, and 15 stumps - 3 of which are concrete. After 3 weekends of hard work (absolutely exhausting would be a better description!) the deck was ready for the actual deking - a gorgous 135mm wide Blackbutt board. I just love it! Beautiful wood! We put most of it in place today.

Dad on "Epsideck"

We put down 27 boards today - 35 three metre lengths in total for the deck area. Another 27 three metre lengths will be used for two ramps and a set of stairs. All up, 724 screws (or thereabouts) will hold the Blackbutt to the joists. Just a few, just a bit of time... When we are marking the screw sites on each board (12 per board) then drilling with a drill-press, then drilling through with an ordinary drill, then screwing the board down. It's taking us about 15mins to do a single board. It is a labour of love!

Hubby & Dad on "Epsideck"

It is looking fantastic already! Eight more boards and the main section will be done. Then cut back the overhang to the intended length, add a ramp up to mum's studio (her "Garret"), a ramp down towards the back of the house, and a set of stairs towards the side gate. Then oiling of some to-be-decided oiling, a balustrade and we're done! It is going to be brilliant!

Why are we calling it "Epsideck"? Well, it was going to be "The RJ Heitbaum Wharf" but hubby and I thought "The RJ Heitbaum Memorial Wharf" sounded better... But due to protests from mum that we weren't dead yet, no decision was made. Then, once we opened the deck to the general public (ie. those other than hubby & I) mum's dog, Epsi, came running out and just loved it! So, the name "Epsideck" just stuck!

Epsi

A couple of more weekend's work, and all should be done! Unless it rains as it so often has... But then I guess deciding to build an outdoor structure during winter is rather silly...