Building a deck over the lake {summer lake project}

We have made significant progress on the deck that over looks the lake. This wasn’t an easy task as we needed to re-brace the underneath which required someone on the water. Last week I shared the before pictures of the rotted deck and our day demolishing it with a chain saw. You may have read last week that we purchased a camper and a seasonal spot on a nearby lake.

Here is the before.

Unfortunately, the cross braces that were there all needed to be removed. Can you say rotted?

After the rotted wood was removed, we added new pressure treated wood.

My dad laughed and said, this new deck will last for about another 100 years. Each beam and brace was reinforced times 2! Just in case 😉

My mom is very excited to have her morning coffee on this deck. It’s the perfect spot overlooking the water. Although, it isn’t looking very perfect here……

My husband is so excited for this summer on the lake. Never in a million years did he think he would love camping, a camper, bugs, fishing and living in the woods!

He happened to not be working the day we started building the deck and my dad gave him a crash course on how to use the nail gun. He was funny, he said as long as he didn’t have to go in the water with the fish, he would do anything. ha

Again, here is the deck before.

After a few hours, the deck was re-braced with 2×4’s and new decking was added to the floor.

We still need to add a top rail, remove the old lattice and create a frame around the outside to create visual interest from the lake. I cannot wait to get this deck stained and setup with adirondack chairs. My grandfather may even pull out the paint brush and give me a hand. I think my grandparents will enjoy sitting here and watching the boats and kids swim. It’s amazing the tranquility that this little campsite has offered in a short couple weeks.

Update: click here to see full campsite + deck full reveal {before and after}