My most recent major project has been to build a deck on the back of my townhouse.   I'd been in the house five years, so it was definitely overdue.  I'm somewhat of a perfectionist, which is one reason I decided to do it myself, in addition to the fact that I enjoyed it and it saved me about $2K (vs a contractor). 

Here's a shot of it from the ground...and another from the top (note the different pattern and lack of visible nails/screws):

Unfortunately, since I work full time as a software engineer, I could only work on the deck in the evenings and on weekends (and the occasional vacation day taken just for this purpose).  I started digging the footers in July 1998 and finished the deck in early October, so the whole project took probably 2-1/2 months, working part-time (basically "every waking moment not spent at the office!").

Two things about it are a little non-standard.  (1) The decking pattern, and (2) No nails used, and virtually no screws are visible.  This was done by using special brackets that attach the decking from below (and the screws used don't go all the way through the wood). 

Building it that way incurred some additional expense (about $200) and work, but it's well worth the effort as the decking surface is smooth and uninterrupted by the usual nails or screws that can rust or pop-up (and snag your tender toes).

Below are a few pictures taken at earlier stages of construction...