When we last updated our deck saga, I was battling the heat and drilling screws across the middle of the deck. Since then I kept at it and made steady progress, methodically attaching the deck boards until the central area was fully covered and secure.
Once the middle section was all laid and screwed down, it finally felt like a solid surface instead of a patchwork of holes I could fall through. That change alone made the work feel worth it.
The remaining work was more of the same—attaching boards—though the outer edge required a bit more planning. For the picture-frame border I followed common advice: place all the boards first, then cut the outer boards in place with a circular saw. That approach produces a much cleaner, more consistent edge than measuring and cutting each board individually before installing.
With the edge boards secured, I brought in the mitered frame piece and used it to mark a clear cut line across the deck boards so the circular saw would follow a perfect edge.
Before cutting I set my circular saw depth to 1 3/4″ so the blade would cut through the deck boards but not into the underlying joists or girders. That extra precaution keeps the structure intact and avoids overcutting.
Once I started cutting, I worked steadily along the marked line, stopping short of the last board since that piece was already pre-mitered for the picture-frame corner.
After sanding the cut edges smooth, the end piece dropped into place nicely. The fit was clean and the finish looked solid.
Cutting the first half of the end was straightforward. The next piece was more challenging because it met the frame at an angle. My geometry skills were a bit rusty, so I made a few test cuts on scrap wood to determine the correct miter angle before committing to the real boards.
When the angle was right, I marked the board with a visible pen line and cut it to match. The result was a clean, precise edge that fit the frame perfectly.
Here’s the completed frame after everything was screwed down. I’m pretty proud of how it turned out—no ruined boards, just a few sacrificed test scraps to steady the nerves.
With the frame in place and the end finished, the picture-frame detail really elevated the look. That small design choice makes the whole deck feel more intentional and professional.
All the deck boards are now installed. It’s a satisfying milestone—there were times when the finish seemed far off, but seeing the surface complete makes it feel real. You can also spot two centered seam details where the dining table will go; we plan to center the table between them for a built-in look once the boards are sealed and the space is furnished.
The next steps—railings and stairs—are on the to-do list and they look like they’ll require careful measurements and attention to code. I expect more math and a close inspection, so those elements will need planning. Stay tuned for the next chapter.
Anyone else recently tackled a DIY project—big or small—and felt like a hero for finishing it?