Pros and Cons of Self-Installation of a deck

In order of importance:

Pros of doing it yourself	Cons of doing it yourself
Fun Good way to justify tool purchases to your wife Can select all materials for better longevity Can control all elements of design so you get exactly what you want (and not more or less) 40% cheaper than contractor in my case	You may not design it well structurally Risk of personal injury (like all big projects) Large time commitment to plan and install

My Deck

10'x28' overall size (covers a 10'x10' concrete patio)
low profile design
100% cedar decking and faceboards
all stainless steel fasteners
rough-cut cedar pergola (a pergola is like an arbor)
Low voltage mood lights to highlight rough-cut cedar that turn on/off automatically
Very handsome stain finish on all cedar
Drip water system available on all pergola beams
120 volt plug accessible via utility cover (hidden to eye but easy to access)