DIY: How to build a deck in 3 easy steps

Pre-build:

Step 1: pick up "no dig" plans from your local home improvement store

Step 2: go to plan website and get more detailed plans for your particular deck size

Build:

Day 1:

Step 3: wait several months before actually beginning project

Step 4: pick a rainy weekend to being project

Step 5: go back to local home improvement store to pick up some of the needed supplies

Step 6: lay out support pavers in designated spots and find out you printed up the wrong plans

Step 7: go back to plan website and print up correct plans (and hope you don't have to return any of the supplies you've already bought: we didn't)

Step 8: move support pavers to correct locations

Step 9: DIG holes for support pavers while it's raining, and into the night using a house lamp for light.

Day 2:

Step 10: go to home improvement store to get more materials

Step 11: scoop water from holes after the rain temporarily stops

Step 12: place support pavers in holes, and realize you dug the holes too deep, fill in with mud and level

Step 13: scoop water out from around support pavers and place support beams across

Step 14: mark where support beams and attach and carry them all back to the garage for assembly (the garage is more level, and makes for easier assembly)

Step 15: assemble frame and realize its to heavy to move, and not level.

Step 16: unassemble frame and move boards back to deck location to assemble there.

Step 17: start assembly (again) only to stop for a hail storm (some pieces as large as golf balls!)

Step 18: finish assembling frame (in the dark with the aid of a house lamp for light)

Day 3:

Step 19: go to home improvement store for more materials

Step 20: scoop water out from around support pavers

Step 21: check level of frame and realize support beams sank in the mud

Step 22: go to home improvement store for materials you forgot the first time today

Step 23: spread mud around pavers and support beams to fill in holes

Day 4:

Step 24: start placing deck boards on top of frame get half way done before work

Day 5:

Step 24 (continued): finish placing deck boards on top of frame.

Congratulations you are now the proud owner of a brand new deck, enjoy!

*note: the plans we picked up from the local home improvement store had 3 steps, and said there would be no digging involved. Yeah right!