More steel

We will have 3 different porch areas, and the roof trusses will be supported by laminated beams and steel posts. Jim ordered the steel, drilled the holes, and then did all the welding to assemble the parts. Deb gave them a couple of coats of primer to keep them from rusting. Then the guys took turns helping Sam put them into place. Sam rented a hammer drill and they went to town! The entire process took a couple of weeks but it will be worth the effort. 

To set the three largest posts, Jim drove the lift to set them into place. I was very impressed with his ability to operate it with no previous practice! Jim got more of the mechanical genes than the other brothers, although they are both pretty good too!