Pergolas, Decks, and Outdoor Pieces
I occasionally do make some larger scale pieces like pergolas and decks. I prefer using Amish, white oak because of it's natural resistance to the elements but cedar and mahogany work well too. Since these projects obviously can't be delivered, and need to be built on-site prices can vary depending on location. Please contact me if you're interested in having an outdoor piece built.
Community Garden Pergolas
These were really fun projects. Both were commissioned by the Mosiac Community Land Trust for their community gardens, in my home town of Pottstown, PA. The first pergola was a very large project. I had used Amish oak to build a fence for myself, and I thought it would work well for other outdoor projects. The one thing I didn't count on was that the 8"x8"x12' posts I ordered weighed about 300lbs, each. I muscled them in...barely. This particular garden won an award presented by the Montgomery County Planning Commission.
The second pergola was more sculptural, with details shaped with a chainsaw and a large gouge.
Decks
I've built plenty of deck for people in the past. Usually, they aren't all that exciting. When I thought about designing a small deck for myself, I wanted to try the Amish oak to see how well it would work for deck boards (it's extremely cost effective, too). I think it has held up, although it is very rustic in appearance, which was the look I was going for. The herring bone pattern is joined with dovetails, in the center. Now, I just have to build the railing before my son becomes mobile.
