My new deck

[Scoot]

With lots of help from my dad and several buddies I put up this deck over the past two weekends. It's 16' x 20' and made of Geodeck. I knew nothing about building a deck and I was amazed at how well the whole process went. 'Course having my dad there was really helpful- he's really handy and has done a little deck work before.

The deck is 98% done- however, I'm going to fill in underneath with something. Not sure what yet- I don't particularly care for lattice, so anyone have any suggestions? I've considered using faux paver siding or faux stone siding- how do you think that would look?

[kaz2611]

deck looks nice what i would do is extend the rock out 2-3' past the deck all the way around and plant a few small shrubs around the deck and stack some retaining wall pavers 2 high around the edge.

[doser]

Scoot,

If you don't mind me asking about how much did that deck run you? I was looking at possibly using that material for a future deck.

[bigdog]

With no brick or rock on the house to tie the look into I would stay away from the faux rock/pavers. Consider some type of plantings to soften the edge and transition to the grass. I would mix a bit of evergreen with some shrub roses. Flowers in the summer and some green for winter. For shrub roses, look to the 'Parkland' series which is suited for Zone 3. I have found both a bright pink and a dark red.

[McGurk]

And as long as you are at the nursury, buy about 200 trees! I like the idea of a new house, but not the idea of a new development (football field views). The best time to plant a tree was 10 years ago, the second best time is today!

Nice looking deck and seating, it looks like you've got quite an enjoyable area to use for summers to come.

[MuskieJunkie]

The deck looks good except one major problem, in the first pic there appears to be some kind of carbonated beverage in a 12oz can that is not beer.

[Scoot]

Dozer, total cost for everything (and I mean absolutely everything) was $4400. I think that's a lot, but it's a whole lot better than the two bids I got to have the deck built: $11,4000 and $17,100! Totally ridiculious!!!

Bigdog, I think you're right. I plan to put in some stamped and dyed patio around the deck next summer, so I'd like to match to that. However, it's pretty tough to match to something that doesn't currently exist. And God forbid we'd make a decision a year in advance about something like that! I think your suggestion is as good as we can do for now.

Muskie Junkie, I think the neighbor kids must have brought that over and left it! Actually, we did have a few beers, but only AFTER the work was done.