After waiting two months for a single piece of wood and refusing to pay for transport, we ended up splitting the cost from the supplier to get it, otherwise we would have to wait until next year. Delivery was as much as the piece of wood, and that was only the delivery to the shop, our tradesman had to pick it up from there - so we paid him too.
But we got it finally, so while the weather was dry for a few moments the other day, I measured and cut the support columns to the correct heights (using a laser guide for the middle ones), then yesterday cut the cross beam to the right height before it poured down and was going to screw it, but realised I didn't have long enough screws.
After spending 34€ for a packet of 80x aluminium 12cm (5 inch) screws when I only needed 10 of them, I got a patch of dry weather and started screwing it all together. I did the ends first and then tops, but that plan got nixed and I had to take it all apart again, because I couldn't get the screws through the beam from the top and they bent, as there must have been a not in the wood in that spot. So, after taking it apart and repositioning it upside down, I put the end screws in again and then screwed the middle beams in using smaller screws at a 45 degree angle. This worked and probably looks better anyway since there is no top holes.
It is strong as now.
Originally the plan was to continue the cross beam screen all the way up, but we have decided that it looks pretty good with the gap in there, as it creates some unity with some of the other parts we have built. This means that I will be able to use some of those beams to redo the gate (you can see the edge of it to the left), because it is too heavy as one piece for the poles I have sunk into the ground. It needs to be two, so that will be a new job on the list.
The pictures show both sides of the screen and as you can see, it does offer a bit of protection from the road so that when we are out there barbecuing or having some wine, we have a little bit of privacy, without it being too heavy and blocking views entirely. The gap at the top also works to lighten the space, rather than having a "solid" wall.
With the decking finished for the year and once the gate is done, I will be able to clean up the garage of screws, wood and a lot of sawdust. I haven't been a very structured or neat workman, and I have to make a few things so I can stay more organised. I don't even have a proper worktable, I am using an old, wooden garden table as my workspace, and it is Far from ideal. Still, it has been a lot of fun and with a little bit of leftover wood, I am going to build a few ramps and things for when we finally get our puppy, which (if there is a boy dog in the litter) will be toward the end of November.
I haven't had a puppy in the house for thirty years!
I want it to be a great experience for Smallsteps, so I am going to make a ramp that will also act as a bedhead onto her bed, so the little fella can climb up and stay with her at night and get down, without injury. Dachshunds are small and long, so they can have back issues if they jump from too high. This will be the first puppy for Smallsteps in her life, and I really hope that the puppy connects with her and they can be best friends for the next 15 or so years. Animals can make a home far more homely and I am looking forward to the change in dynamic.
It would be nice if the rest of life would come together as easily.
Taraz
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