Joists are cut to length and the band boards are installed.

Old and new Snapper mower drive disc.

Accomplished one more section of deck framing today.

Austin came over and helped putting up more joists today. Really helped to have an extra set of hands.

It's amazing - you can get more done in the day when it's not raining!

Today's progress. And then the rains came.

The visible progress today consists of the garage stair stringers in place and a short support beam to support the cantilevered top corner of the stairs. The support beam still needs metal support staps added at each end. Also, on the one visible joist, started the framing for supporting the divider decking strip between the planned herringbone sections. Late afternoon was spent ripping all the joists (stored up on the driveway) to a uniform width.

Finished up the front main beam today, had one last board to add and the diagonal braces. Then started on the garage door platform framing. Tomorrow will work on the stair stringers from the platform up to the deck height. Ran out of a couple sizes of 1/2" stainless bolts, so you may see some holes without bolts and some shorter bolts just driven in from one side to keep the joint in place. We'll order the proper bolts and get everything switched and bolted up tight.

Deck construction, one week later than pics below. Front support beam is partially complete; among other things, two layers of 2x material are still needed on the 2 right-side spans. Post/beam connections that won't get bolted (like the post pocketed to accept 2x12 and 2x10 sections) will get Simpson Strong-Tie hardware added. Four posts that outline a square area (to the right of the garage door) will be a storage shed under the deck. Part of the future construction will be putting in a deck floor/room ceiling that drains water to keep the shed dry. Eventually will dig the dirt out in the shed and pour a concrete floor, and a concrete patio between the shed and basement door.

Sue's new ride? Snapper mower, age is probably 16 years based on '92 production code on engine. Can power wash to clean up dirt, bird paint, etc. Needs battery, terminal lug and hold-down (will test starter before buying parts). E&A have new air filter and housing (in car?) that we ordered a while back. Will also check/replace fuel line and add a fuel shutoff valve. Not sure if engine will charge battery - will check that (some do, some don't) - and provide a trickle charger from my parts box if needed. Do you have power available where this will be parked? Throttle control needs replacing and relocating to original position on front center tube. Left foot pedal is combo clutch/brake. White lever near right foot is blade engagement. White lever to right of seat is mower height. White lever below seat is friction wheel speed control (changes radius of engagement between drive plate and driven wheel going to rear wheels). Front tires have had inner tubes added. Rear tires are still tubeless but tubes can be installed if leaks develop.

Current status of deck construction.