is it CHEAPER to build a DECK, DIY style or to HIRE a contractor?

Don’t put post in the concrete. Those are going to rot. Pour the pier and get the brackets that bolt the post to the pier and also keep them 1/2” or so off the ground.

Forget professional contractors...what you just did WAS professional. Nicely done and enjoy the compliments

I’ve built quite a few decks. You did a great job. Can’t say I’ve figured out a way to not be hunched over. Good way to keep rodents and snakes out is to keep it clean under there. Use landscaping to seal the remaining gap. I always think if there isn’t a food/ water supply, they won’t want to be there. But if there’s a will there’s a way.

built hundreds of decks, best advice for laying the boards and ur back, stand on the ground, not the deck, while you work, when possible, brings your work up to you a good bit depending on the decks lvl. there are some tools to make it so u can screw while standing, but they kind of suck, i jus do it the old fashion way.

Dude you absolutely crushed it! Well done.

I agree 100% on your home being your main destination and using money on it instead of vacation.

I stumbled upon your channel from Tiktok, and I am hooked brother. We are kindred spirits, and I love watching creative and motivated people tackle awesome projects. I'm binging all your videos now! Keep it up man, love what you're doing, and how you're doing it.

Dude that is a great finish. Awesome job. If only the weather here in the UK was good enough to warrant a deck that big.

Vacations can add so much enrichment to your life if you stay away from tourist attractions. Go to a nearby National Forest and find some random place to have a dispersed campsite away from an organized campground. No cost for the campsite, take food you already have, just have to spend money on fuel and camping gear you can use for years and might come in handy when the power goes out. Nothing like unplugging for a few days and making some memories.

I absolutely agree with everything you said about vacation and home... Makes so much sense to me!!!😊 Plus you did an amazing job!!!❤

Just took my family of 5 to Disney, Sea World, spring training ball game and water park. Drove from Canada and whole trip was less than $5gs Cnd. Love the deck and video for saving money. I did this with a 80’ fence a few years ago. $4500 quote completed for $1950 DIY!! (And I have new tools)

Not only did you save big money, you did a fantastic job!! Well Done!!

Looks great. So relaxing and soothing to watch. And inspiring to do these jobs by myself too!

Just WOW, amazing! Im seriously considering building deck on my own, this video is inspiring! Thank you for sharing!

Great Job Donnie! Keep up the DIY !!!

Beautiful work! Thanks for sharing. I hope your family is enjoying your handiwork.

For the wildlife that may want to nest underneath: You can fasten 1/8” galvanized steel screening along the lower perimeter of the deck and dig down 3’ + 3ft 90 degrees out from the deck, then fill back in with same dirt or whatever.

I believe the building code in my area won’t let you hold the deck up with bolts or screws. The frame would be resting on top of the support post not bolted to the side of them. Deck looks good though, nice work.

I totally agree with your position on vacations and the cost, out of control for what you get(in my opinion) Im building my own deck right now, like you, had the same thoughts about hiring etc...WAY too expensive! Great job! plus I learned a few tricks watching you lay the joist for the picture frame. Liked and subscribed.

AMAZING deck! Seriously awesome work 🎉 I also totally understand your thoughts behind traveling. That said, I make less than $85k a year with a family of five and we find ways to travel abroad for half of the year! It’s all about motivations and sacrifices. Our house is definitely lacking on the beauty front, but it has a solid foundation, new roof, windows, and doors, and it is filled with travel memories and photos 🙌🏻 It’s not for everyone, but I wouldn’t trade our crazy lifestyle for anything else (and I’m sure you would say the same 😄).