This stunning deck and outdoor entertaining area shows that with careful planning, expert advice and resilience, even D.I.Y. beginners can achieve incredible results.

The project
Bunnings Workshop member Daniel had "never built anything" in his life. After a fire damaged the roof and floor of an old patio, he constructed this remarkable deck and sheltered outdoor area fitted with lights for year round entertaining.
Daniel found that the hardest part was building the stairs and being careful to measure correctly to not get "the box size wrong". His advice to D.I.Y. beginners like himself is to "have a plan, write it down, draw it up” and to consult friends and experts – like those in the Workshop community – for guidance on the build.
Before and after

