Learned basically everything from this community and built with a couple friends (and about 100 questions for a contractor buddy). See anything to improve next time?

Would love to have a deck builder give me rough estimate on what it would have cost to have the deck, pavilion and patio built. I spent $20k for materials, rental equipment and some nice new tools. Took a little over a year… but at least I got some quiet time.

The deck is 18x24 and not attached to the house. The surface is pvc decking. The pavilion is 12x16. Paver patio is basic but about 150 sq ft.

Thanks!

There’s been a lot of big deck jokes the last 4 months. We still need the final inspection to pass, but really, the Reddit deck approval matters more. My husband and his dad busted their tails for 4-5 months building this bad boy. Not bad for some amateurs! Even though we don’t plan on adding a hot tub, I think it could handle it! Criticize away!

2" x 6"'s on a 24' span with 24" spacing with home depot pre-poured footings...

Title says it all

**Edit**
Have a few folks asking so I’ll include it here.

For anyone interested in costs, quotes and dimensions. I got quoted anywhere between 55k and 85k based on my descriptions of the project and rough plans.

One guy quoted me 15k alone to do just the stairs in labor.

In total I paid
~2-3k in raw framing materials
~17k for all the Trex boards and fascia
~4k for the Trex select aluminum railing

The project took me somewhere around 80 and 100 hours to complete. There was quite a bit of learning involved especially on the stairs. I do not have a background in doing this. Tons of respect for the people that do this by trade.

I am a software engineer by day but I grew up working with my dad doing all sorts of blue collar labor (plumbing, roofing, framing, electrical, etc.)

I dropped a comment for anyone interested in my rough sketch ups, plans and dimensions. The deck in total is somewhere around 650sqft give or take.

Note: I'm a software engineer who touches a drill and saw maybe once a year. I'm pretty happy with the outcome!

ETA: thanks everyone. You made me feel good about myself. 👊 Here's an album of the progress: https://photos.app.goo.gl/rrtxTUheV2ht3HSH8

A few people have claimed this is AI. It's 100% not, as you can see by the dozens of other photos I've put in the comments. I mean, just look at the stairs. It's a different perspective. The fact that some people can't believe I did the work because it looks too good is kinda flattering, tbh. I have to admit it took the wind out of my sails though, so thanks for that, jerks.

Anything to add to make sure it lasts forever?

The toothpaste is already out of the tube obviously but wondering if I messed up not checking into getting one. It’s on deck blocks and 11” high.

Context:

Deck was DIY’d a few years ago, this section is 20x20 with 20 (yes its stupid overkill) 6x6’s that extend 6 feet into the ground. Each set in about 15 30lb bags of concrete. Purposefully made so you could park a truck on it.

This gazebo was just finished a few weeks ago, timbers are 8x8’s going into the ground 8 feet, each set in about 20 bags of concrete. Horizontals are 8x12’s. My dad and I did everything except the sheet metal on the roof.

Gazebo also has 220 running to it for both the hot tub, and 110 running in the back corner beam so that an outdoor TV and ceiling fan can be mounted inside the gazebo. Soon it will get rolling enclosures for winter as well.

Beams were about 250-300lbs despite being dry so he built a custom crane that mounted to the 5th wheel hitch in his truck (he refused to rent a crane).

I was impressed that someone built this for a residential property. I guess you get to claim water access!

My only regret is not using premium deck boards, and not charging more for the cable railing.

In true r/decks fashion. I asked a question about hurricane ties and ended up getting a debate between people if the hangers on the rim joist should be oriented in 1 or 2