The next step in our deck project was to pour a concrete pad for the bottom of the stairs. We’d been putting it off because it seemed intimidating. Not only do we not have much experience with concrete, but getting the math right was challenging. It wouldn’t do much good if the stairs don’t land on the pad.

We finally tackled it last week. We think we got it right, though there is as much art to the process as science.

Once we build the staircase and see how the pad handles rain, we will adjust the edging as needed.

This was the biggest hurdle for finishing the deck. The project is back on track.