What are you going to seal it with? I found Behr brand worked the best, I think it is from Lowes.

Those are really tight and uniform joints at the flashing. Good work.

You know, my favorite part of my whole day yesterday was overhearing Spencer teaching Ripley how to make the line with the template. It made me smile ear to ear.

Which one is older?

I know firsthand how great having a brother is, even in adulthood. :)

Very good day for you.

I'm gonna let it sit this winter, and then in the Spring, I'll power wash it, sand it and then seal it. I'll look into what kind is best.... It looks so nice after it rains.
Thanks! That's going to be visible, so it had to be just right.

Spence is 13, Ippy is 11.

They're pretty tight. I hope that relationship lasts their lifetimes.

I bet it will. My brother is two years older than I am, too (really a year and a half as the crow flies.) He's my rock.

here it is wet:

Attachment 35459

I hope it comes up this bright with the sealant. Mine was 4 years old before I finally got around to doing it,...but I THINK is looked this good...

Lovely. Is the "floor" finished now then? Just the railings to go?

right!

and a few odds and ends.. I'm gonna make a 'sill' for the door out of a 2x12, and perhaps a piece of 'molding' along the house side so that copper is covered. maybe.

Put them youngens to work !!!
Make them EARN their keep !!!

Decks Looken great !!!

Very well done, Jim.

ok! Railings!

I lay out the frame for the box that goes on the inside of the railing. 8' 2x4 cedar boards at top and bottom, 29" pieces at each end and in the center.

Attachment 35540

then, on the outside they get a 38" piece that will sit flush on top of the outer frame. and a 49.5" that goes down the side and bolts on. I beveled the edges of those 1 1/2" from the end on a 45 deg angle.

Attachment 35541

Attachment 35542

Then I attach the balusters. I cut 2 triangular pieces of scrap wood at 3" width, and centered them on a baluster and screwed them in. I use that to space my balusters. i flip it over for each new baluster because there is a slight difference in the width of the two spacer pieces... this keeps that slight diff from growing into a noticeable one. I also check for plumb with my level after 8 or 10 just to keep on track.

Attachment 35543

then I top the railing with 2x6 clear cedar. I drill up through the 2x4x8 that was the inside of the box i mentioned in the previous post. I go up about 2 inches into it with a large bit that the head of the screw will fit into. then i tap it the rest of the way, and put a 3" screw into the railing from underneath.

the corner is a simple 45 degree angle, making sure to use the same piece of wood, and matching the grain up around the corner.

Attachment 35544

we finished the railing part on Sunday. That's the baluster i used to space the others leaning up there. you can see one of the triangular pieces.

Attachment 35545

Spencer got to use the circular saw for the first time

Attachment 35549

He did an excellent job. look how tight to the line he is here:

Attachment 35547

kids chilling after a day's work and some Chinese food. Attachment 35548
You can see the door sill i did in the back there. I used a 2x12 that we had left over, and beveled it on a 45 around 3 edges. I screwed up from underneath to secure it there. Fits perfectly under the door sill. I love it when a plan comes together.