In Family Handyman‘s series DIY Diaries, real DIYers share the projects they’re most proud of. They recount the full story—from laying out the initial plans and wrestling with frustrating setbacks to celebrating their proudest moments. These candid accounts reveal the true ins and outs of DIY, and will leave you with practical tips that’ll give you the confidence to conquer your next build.
This edition of DIY Diaries comes from within our community. Reader Cary Mark told us about a recent family project: a DIY deck he built with his son and daughter-in-law. Mark describes himself as a DIYer who likes projects that are slightly outside his comfort zone but still manageable.
The project started when his son suggested replacing a large patch of gray rock in the yard with a deck that would be more comfortable for entertaining and easier on bare feet. After some planning and discussion, Mark flew out for a week to help with the build.
The Project Stages
What was the inspiration for this project?
Mark’s goal was simple: help his son and daughter-in-law build a durable, attractive deck they could enjoy for years. He’d built a ground-level deck years earlier with his brother using pressure-treated lumber, but this job offered a chance to work with composite decking—Trex—and learn hidden fastening systems so no screws or nails show on the deck surface.
Walk me through the stages of this DIY deck
Once the design was finalized, Mark’s son ordered materials to arrive just before his visit so they could start immediately. The actual build moved quickly: aside from a few finishing touches, the deck took two full days to complete. Everything arrived on schedule, and there were no major setbacks. The only minor delay was waiting for plugs to cover the visible fastener holes on the Trex boards’ edges.
What’s one aspect of this project that intimidated you until you tried it?
The biggest learning curve was using the hidden fasteners for the deck boards. Mark had previously used exposed nails on the older deck, so mastering the clips and concealed hardware for a clean, screw-free surface was new to both him and his son.
Are there any budgeting hacks you used?
One practical tip Mark learned: avoid buying wide, single-piece Trex boards for the deck perimeter when possible. Those boards are typically much more expensive. Instead, use two narrower boards joined together at the edge. It’s a simple planning choice that can save money without sacrificing appearance.
Was there a specific moment during the project where you felt the most proud?
Mark took pride both in the speed of the build and in the quality. The mitered corner joints were tight, and even the final board ran perfectly parallel to the others. The finish was clean enough that the family used the deck the very next day for a Fourth of July celebration — a satisfying confirmation that the project met both aesthetic and practical goals.
If you could have a do-over on this, what would you change?
As a self-described perfectionist, Mark might have adjusted the width of the last deck board so it matched the others. That small change would have allowed the final board to be fastened with hidden hardware rather than visible screws with plugs. It’s a minor tweak that would improve the finish, though the deck functioned perfectly as built.
Advice to Aspiring DIYers
What’s one piece of advice you would give someone before they start a similar project?
Do your homework. Research other DIY decks, talk to people who have completed similar projects, and gather tips and photos to inform your plan. There are plenty of helpful resources in books and online—use them to avoid common mistakes and streamline the build process.
What project is next for you?
Mark’s next trip will be another family project: installing a couple of underground gutter downspouts with pop-up emitters in his son’s yard. He’s installed them at his own house and will help his son do the same on the next visit.