Several months ago, I ripped apart the old 2nd floor deck we had with the intentions of replacing it with something better.

Unfortunately, just a few days later I lost my job, and haven't touched the deck since then. But July has arrived, and not only does this need to be done, but I have a job lined up scheduled to start soon.

Following the Canada Day long weekend I re-worked my plan, went off to Home Depot to buy supplies, and (finally!) started the deck.

• mixing cement for the footings
• right-hand 6"x6" post in place (I spent maybe 4 hours drilling holes in the existing cement slab to attach rebar -- more than 24 hours later, my hands are still sore from holding the drill with a 1/2" masonry drill bit for all that time!)
• right-hand 6"x8"x14' beam in place; I should have weighed this thing before installing it!
• some of the right-hand joists in place; note the difference in length between the old deck and the new 10-foot deck
• all joist and headers in place

I've dug holes and poured concrete for the landing. Next part will be to laminate the 2 beams needed for the 6'x6' landing, get the posts installed, and build up the stairs.

(For part 3 of this project, see the pictures in September.)