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As mentioned in MC, I decided to move my step and create a new entrance to my porch from its current side entrance. I forgot to take a before picture, but this one shows where the existing entrance is. I already removed the handrails. There were 3 big shrubs across the front of the porch. Used to be 4, but I removed one last year after it was discovered that its roots were getting in the septic tank which is next to the porch.the one that is still there, is coming out too, but not in the way at the moment. That and getting the dirt shoveled out and leveled, is the hard hysical part of this project. I’m just taking my time and only do so much a day.


So at the moment I have two boards in place, an 2x6 and a 2x4. Ideally, a 2x10 would have been better, but I can’t handle that size of pressure treated board anymore. Too heavy. I have the gravel down for the step base. This is a work in progress area at the moment.


But before I do anymore on that part, I want to even off that edge where the deck boards are sticking out. aDon’t want a tripping hazard there. Being the deck boards look even all the way across the width of the porch, the joist underneath is not straight. So there is anywhere from a half inch to 3/4 inch between the edge of those deck boards and the joist where I attached my boards, between the two posts. . So a bit of experimenting going to happen here.

looks like a big project to me
but I am sure you are up to it...
have fun
sheila

Finally got the alignment I was looking for along that joist. Used some scrap 2x6’s, 3/8x6’s and some leftover cedar fence boards to make what I call backer boards. Sometimes you have to just have to experimenting with what’s around to accomplish what you want. In this case, those combos will bring the step frame even and straight. The top board is in place along the porch edge and the framing for the step will butt up against the lower part. That is in my garage to get a bit more tweaking and the support joists that will run under the deck boards installed. Those are the last steps before I put it in place and lay the deck boards down.


And yes Shelia, this is a big project. Very physical. But I’m only doing a bit a day and the more I do, I’m starting to feel good physically. Always that old adage, use or lose it. Even more important as we age. @

I am super impressed. It's already looking great. And I've already lost it lol

WELL I used it today and now I have lost it. Hauled bags of dirt, shoveled in my raised beds. I do have my Hugelkultur bed now half full with raised bed soil, manure, compost, vermiculite, perlite. The top half will be mainly raised bed soil, compost. I didnt know how many dang bags of soil I would need. Lowe's had a sale on so I went again, this afternoon and got 20 more bags. That should be enough for the 2 raised beds and the Hugelkultur bed. Then after our rainy weather that is coming Thursday I will finish adding the soil and start planting!!!!!! Then will finish with my plant pots and flowers. I want some geraniums for sure, not sure what else yet. Beautiful job Sue, you are super talented. I think you should come to Oregon for a visit tee hee.

It's looking really nice
sheila

Porch railing removed, step and pavers in place. May add another row of pa res, or may not. Railings need to be added.