Deckstravaganza: A Technical Success

I married a scientist. Scientists are an odd bunch. When Hubs' lab completed a project a few months ago, we got an invitation to a party dubbed "A Celebration of Technical Success." They had found what they were looking for, but it wasn't making the company money yet.

This weekend, we had our own celebration of a technical success. The final nail has gone into the deck and construction is complete. But, before I can really relax and enjoy it, there are some minor cosmetic projects to do (more on that in a minute). First, though, let's look at the final construction pieces we needed to put this baby to bed.

Handrails! We are praying that they are to code. City of Des Moines - your code is not user-friendly. Seriously, we got a copy of a copy of a brochure with all the requirements. Lame.

Post caps! Like little soldiers.

Rail caps, 2x6s that will be perfect for holding my next beer.

See, a technical success! Now, for the minor tweaks.

We must change this light by the sliding door. It is pathetic and disgusting. The slug of lighting fixtures.

There is a tiny gap on one of the mitered corners. We've got some wood putty to fill it in because flaws simply won't do. As I told Hubs during a  major minor meltdown moment of stress, we didn't spend two months and several thousand dollars on this outdoor project to let a few tiny problems ruin it!

Then, we've got to get the wood to match. We found ourselves running short toward the end and our wood (both pressure-treated, but one was from a lumber company and one was from a hardware store) is different colors. You tell me which doesn't belong.

So, if we can convince Mother Nature to take her party elsewhere, we can get these little projects done lickety split and then I'll give you the full before-after treatment. Exciting, ya?