The first platform gave me a place for the storage chest and a chair. I planned for eight deck boards and ended up needing nine. I also wanted more support at the front. I carried those lessons into the second platform near the garage, and braced a 4x4 post there.
I left the wood alone for months before staining it. The mahogany color was a big change. The video finishes with the stain can, brushes, pail, pole, applicator and the bucket of water I used while cleaning up.