The old deck had 12 6 x 6 post removed . 12! We worked hard to clean up the entertainment area underneath and we successful with some engineering and help with steel beams and fletch plates. This surface is Trex' s high end product with the rain escape system allowing us to add LED recessed lighting, ceiling fans, rope light and a pretty finished wood underside. Stainless steel cabling with aluminum posts, landscape lighting, Trex deck, new entry doors, and some stone work underneath...whew! Loaded up for some nice shade or evening fun!