Decked Out

Happy 49th Kaiuese

Awake Sunday morning around 7am, it wasn’t long before I was downstairs making coffee and preparing for a run. It was sunny and warm, a good start to the day. Expected it to climb into the 90’s later that afternoon. 

Before setting out on a run I sipped coffee and updated a weeks worth of blog entries and even took the time to add a few pictures too. I’m thinking it was near 830am when I headed out on a run. Meanwhile, it was already pretty warm and steamy, or about 73 degrees. And like I do most Sunday’s, I ran only 3 miles.

I was back at home for about 20 minutes when Mindy finally got up. I’m guessing it was near 930am.  After some coffee and a little deck time we took a brief nap. Wouldn’t you know, right then a guy knocked on the door selling Kirby vacuums. I insisted that I wasn’t interested.

While Mindy prepared a grocery list, I prepared to work on the deck benches. I’m thinking it was 1030-11am when I got started. Mindy asked if I wanted some help. A second set of hands would be a definite plus. I assured her of that.  She agreed to delay her grocery shopping long enough for us to get the deck benches underway.

I had a plan in my head for what the final product would look like, but even as I started,  I wasn’t entirely sure how I wanted to proceed. Since it would effectively be a wrap around bench when it was done, I decided to construct both sides first. I cut the 2X6s to length and then cut the end pieces. The 2X6s would effectively look and act as the frame and trim to the 5/4” decking.

It wasn’t too long into the project that I discovered a mistake I made when I constructed the bench posts and joists about a month ago. I cut the 2X4” joists at exactly 11”, or the width of two 5/4” decking boards side by side. Problem with that is I allowed no room for any play whatsoever, not to mention that the boards are a smidge wider than 5.5” inches when brand new.  I went ahead and cut the end caps a strong ¼” wider to allow for the play. That, of course, mean that the joists wouldn’t make full contact with the 2X6 frame 9short by a ¼”). I decided to press on, being mindful not to force the 2X6 frame all the way against the 2X4 joists.

Another dilemma was mounting the heavy frame to the joists. We had to find a way to hold them in place before the final attachment. The exact placement was critical, too. Otherwise, the once I laid the decking boards in they might rise to high above or below the frame. I wanted them perfectly flush. Me ended up scabbing on some old decking boards with deck screws. That got us close enough for minor tweaks. The fact that the joists were a good ¼” short further complicated mounting, but we managed.

If those couple roadblocks weren’t enough, the extreme heat and high humidity was. I was dripping with sweat and used a beach towel to dry my face every five minutes or so. I was very, very warm. At some point we realized we didn’t have enough 3.5” decking screws. Mindy volunteered to go get more. I let her take the Accord. While she did that, I cut the pieces for the next bench frame.

That went well, though I forgot to take an extra 1.5” off to allow for the end cap. I had to deconstruct and re-cut the two long 2X6s. Not a big deal, but nonetheless, a waste of valuable time. Mindy returned with the decking screws just as I was fixing the redone frame. Like the other, she helped get it in place and mounted.

The last frame would be sandwiched between the two existing frames, and seemingly easier. And it was. I used the long side of one of the existing benches as the cap. I couldn’t at the other end. We had the three sections framed by 2pm or so. By then I was scorching hot. Mindy headed inside for a shower and eventually to the grocery. Said she was gonna invite my dad for dinner. We planned to grill burgers.

While Mindy was off to the grocery I cut the 5/4” decking boards to fit into the puzzle like boarder made by the 2X6 frames. I cut them tight lengthwise being mindful of shrinkage. I opted not to immediately screw them in after having to wedge them into place. I figured a couple hours in the hot sun would allow them to shrink a smidge.

After cleaning up my mess and taking a shower, I headed back outside to water all the flower pots, baskets and beds. They needed it. It was very, very hot. Mindy was home from the grocery around 4pm. Said my dad would be joining us for dinner. The kids returned home from their weekend with their dad about the same time. They quickly ran off to play.

Dad arrived shortly after 5pm. We talked for a while before i even considered lighting the grill. I offered that we'd be eating later than usual for not wanting to grill in the heat and direct summer sunshine. Everybody agreed. While waiting, I made gourmet burgers using red onion, lots of spices and real bacon bits. Made about 8 patties in all, 5 or 6 gourmet style.

While I pattied up some burgers, Mindy whipped up a salad. I lit the grill finally around 630p. The sun was still shining but slightly diffused by the roofline.  It didn't take long for the burgers to cook. In between turns, I drilled some screws into the bench decking boards. I ended up finishing one of the three before they were done grilling. I considered anything I got done while grilling a bonus.

Kenny stopped over just before the burgers were done. Complimented my work. Said they spent the entire afternoon at the Hilltop pool. Invited them for dinner. Said we'd make it work. He declined. Talked about the possibility of mid-week golf.

The burgers were good, though for my money, they were slightly over cooked. I wanted to see pink inside. Jacob passed on a burger all together. instead, he had leftover quesadilla. Can't recall from where, but think the Rusty Bucket. After dinner and clean-up, I headed out to the deck where I finished the bench project once and for all. Felt good to finish. Dad and Mindy watched on from the deck table and chairs. I joined them after putting the last of my tools and gear away.

Dad hung out until 8-830pm. Before he left, we attached the trailer to his Blazer thus saving me the trouble of driving it over, though I willingly offered. He insisted not. Asked that he call and let us know about his knee appointment on Tuesday. Said he would.  

After Dad left we sat around leisurely. Mindy and I eventually walked down to the neighbors where Kenny, Chrissy, Mike and Teri were hanging out having beers and chatting. I was drinking ice water, still somewhat dehydrated from working in the sun all day. I'll bet I drank a half gallon of water and a quart of Gatorade but was still super thirsty.

We hung with the neighbors until 930pm. Mindy agreed to let Jacob stay a little later. I walked home with Mindy, Eiknarf and Bella. Bella wasn't too pleased. We all readied for bed quickly and headed up at 10pm sharp. I was very sleepy, achy, tired. Good night new benches!