Some projects are about building something practical, while others are about creating something meaningful. For Brandon, it was both. 

When Brandon's wife enrolled in yoga teacher training in May, he wanted to surprise her with a dedicated outdoor space large enough for her to teach classes after completing her certification. The vision was simple: build a peaceful backyard yoga deck that blended into the natural surroundings without going far over budget.

Working within a tight budget, Brandon enlisted a friend's help and put his HM130MAX Portable Sawmill to work. 

The project began long before the first board was milled. The first challenge was retrieving several windfall trees from a steep hillside and winching them into place to serve as the foundation of the deck.

"It was definitely easier said than done," Brandon explains.

Transforming Timber into Opportunity

Once the logs were secured on cedar stump footings, the real milling could begin. Using timber harvested directly from the property, Brandon milled every piece of lumber needed to build the platform. From the pony wall and structural braces to the joists and decking, nearly every component was produced on-site with the HM130MAX Portable Sawmill. 

Hemlock was chosen for the structural framework because of its strength and durability, while western red cedar was milled for the deck surface, adding both natural beauty and long-lasting weather resistance.

Even better, the trees used for the project were standing dead and already needed to be removed as part of the property's fire safety efforts. Rather than letting valuable timber go to waste, they were transformed into a beautiful outdoor structure with a new purpose.

adding the finishing details

As the deck build was coming together, the finishing touches brought the project to life. Hand-peeled cedar poles were installed for the railings, with modern steel cable infill that preserved the surrounding views while adding a clean look.

The completed deck was sanded and stained, highlighting the natural characteristics of the wood and providing lasting protection against the elements.

Despite the size of the project, the total out-of-pocket cost came to less than $1,000. By milling lumber directly from trees on the property, Brandon was able to create a custom outdoor space at a fraction of what a comparable project would typically cost.

More Than Just a Deck

This deck represents much more than a place to practice yoga; it is an extremely thoughtful gift that celebrates Brandon's wife's accomplishment and creates a space where she can continue sharing her passion with others.

"My wife loves it," Brandon says. "And, of course, the kids had to give it their own seal of approval by testing it out in their goofy dinosaur costumes." 

It's also a reminder of what's possible when you can, with the help of an HM130MAX Portable Sawmill, transform the trees on your own property into something meaningful.

Brandon's project is a great example of how a portable sawmill can help landowners create more than lumber. By making use of trees already on the property, he was able to build something meaningful that will be enjoyed for years to come.

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For new customers:
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