All Decked out in Oklahoma!

On a recent trip to Oklahoma we were all decked out. Jonah and Samuel had just purchased two fancy brimmed hats and looked pretty good, but it was a backyard deck that had us all “decked out.”

Ryan and Amanda had asked if our family would be able to come and help add a 16 x 36-foot deck onto their abode, with an additional raised portion that would partially surround their new above ground pool. Our schedule only allowed a few days for the hefty endeavor, but with our large hard-working crew, that was all we needed. Beginning on a Thursday morning and ending Saturday afternoon, the project came to completion.

Before the 1980’s, backyard decks were an uncommon site in America. Traditionally, back yards in towns prior to 1960 were utilized for the purpose of supporting the family economy with chickens, pigs, and sometimes a milk cow. This resulted in the backyard being smelly and sometimes muddy, making it unfit for entertaining. Thus, the front porch was utilized for such purposes.

There is really no record on who invented the deck, but we do have evidence that patios were used in ancient Israel. They would sometimes be in courtyards or on rooftops and were used as an extension of their indoor living space. Today’s decks are utilized in much of the same way, allowing clean areas for grilling, pools, fire pits, tables and chairs.

On Thursday, we squared up the project and began placing the round posts in the sandy Oklahoma soil. 

Amanda had already calculated all needed supplies and had them all on hand. By the evening, most of the framing was complete. Friday, floor boards began being put in place, with railing soon to follow.

The old steps from the sliding door and porch were salvaged and positioned where desired. The final stages were to build a gate to the pool area and cut the overhang around the circular pool framing.

Each person had a role to play in allowing the job to be complete. On the endeavor there was digging, sawing, screwing, lifting, and measuring. Others were making meals, cleaning up or delivering boards. Without the hard work of everyone, it could not have been done. While we were all exhausted, it was very fun and exciting to see it all come together. I am sure Ryan and Amanda will utilize the space well, and if you go to visit them, I am confident you will find them “Decked Out” in Oklahoma!

~Mark McDaniel