Based on plan cross-reference (see full verification doc), here's what to return and what to purchase to complete the build per DecksGo Plan 18-42.
Why the swap: The hardware store provided some materials for an alternative "post cap + face-hung joist" framing approach. We're following the plan's "notched post + top-mounted joist" method (A3.1). We're also missing some plan-required hardware.
Items to Return
Item
Qty
Unit Price
Return Credit
Simpson LPC6Z Post-to-Beam Adjustable Cap
9
$7.95
$71.55
Simpson LUS28Z Joist Hanger Z-MAX
35
$2.45
$85.75
Total Return Credit (before restocking fee)
$157.30
20% restocking fee may apply per Bushka's return policy — actual credit ~$126. Ask them to waive it since they made the substitution based on the plan.
⏰ RETURN WINDOW — ACT NOW: Bushka's policy is "no returns after 60 days." Order #2 (which contains the LPC6Z caps and LUS28Z hangers) is dated 4/21/2026 — the 60-day window closed around 6/20/2026. If the return hasn't happened yet, bring it up anyway and ask for goodwill credit since the store spec'd the substitution. Worst case: keep the LUS28Z hangers as spares (usable on future projects); the LPC6Z caps have no use on this build.
Beam-to-post through-bolts (2 per beam-post × 9 posts). Buy 6-1/2", not 6": the bolt passes through 5-1/2" of wood (2-1/2" post + 3" beam) — a 6" bolt leaves barely enough thread for washer + nut. Plan says 6" MINIMUM; 6-1/2" gives comfortable engagement.
Guardrail post to rim/outer joist — 4 per post × ~10 posts per plan A3.2 (the RAILING POST note calls for "4 - 1/2" DIAMETER X 6" LONG (MIN.) BOLTS AND WASHERS" — earlier drafts of this list said 2 per post, which matches only the stair-guardrail detail). Through 4x4 post (3-1/2") + rim (1-1/2") = 5" of wood; 6-1/2" fits well. 8" also works with extra thread showing.
ABA66Z post base to post — 8 per anchor × 9 = 72 needed
Simpson ABA66Z spec
#8 exterior wood screws, 2-1/2" long
5 lb box (~600)
Balusters and top/bottom rails (2 per baluster top and bottom × ~130 balusters, plus rails)
A3.2 detail 03
Trex plug-system screws for Transcend solid boards (e.g., Cortex for Trex Transcend, 2-3/4")
~150 screws
Face-screwing first/last boards + all pool-side board ends (~125-130 screws). The one box of 2" screws on hand is labeled "FOR TREX ENHANCE BOARDS ONLY" — verify with Bushka which screw pairs with the 80ct Rainier plugs on Transcend Lineage boards. The 240 plugs on hand are correct; only the screws are in question.
Trex install guide
Don't mix Simpson screw types: SD9 goes in hurricane ties. SD10 goes in ABA66Z post bases. They are not interchangeable — the shank sizes match the specific fastener holes. SDS Heavy-Duty screws (a different Simpson product line) are for larger connectors and don't apply here.
Lumber & Materials
Item
Qty
Purpose
Plan Ref
2x4 PT lumber
~40 linear feet for bracing + ~15-20 LF for stair rails (not on A4.0)
Diagonal bracing (per A3.4) + stair guardrail rails (top and bottom per A3.3). Total ~55-60 LF beyond invoice's 88 LF (which is for deck perimeter rails only).
A3.3, A3.4
2x2 PT balusters
~45 pcs 2x2x8' (yields 3 balusters each at ~28")
MISSING FROM EVERY LIST — NOT ON EITHER INVOICE. ~112 balusters for deck guardrail (at 4-1/2" OC over ~42' of rail) + ~15-18 for stair guardrail ≈ 130 total, plus miscut buffer. The plan's A4.0 list omits them too (DecksGo assumes their aluminum Snap'n Lock kits — 11 deck + 3 stair kits — which are a fine alternative if you'd rather not cut/screw 130 sticks).
A3.2 detail 03
2x8 PT × 8' (1 extra piece)
1
Curved-rim blocking insurance. The ~14 variable-length blocks behind the curved rim must come from beam/rim offcuts (~6-7 LF total) — tight. One extra 2x8x8 guarantees enough stock.
A1.0 detail 02
PL Premium Exterior construction adhesive (10 oz tube)
3 tubes
Kerf cuts on curved rim joist
A1.0 detail 02
Stair treads & risers — no purchase needed, but a decision is: The instructions originally called for 2x12 treads, but the four 2x12x10s are consumed by stringers. The 12 pcs of 2x6x16 on Order #2 cover this: use two 2x6 per tread (11" + gap, standard detail, pairs with the 10" run) and one 2x6 per riser opening (a 5-1/2" board in the 7-3/4" opening leaves ~2-1/4" — passes the 4" sphere rule required for open risers on stairs more than 30" up). That uses ~76 LF of the 192 LF on hand, leaving plenty for stair rail cap and benches. If you'd rather have single-board treads, buy 3 pcs 2x12x8 PT instead.
Estimated purchases: ~$840 (includes ~$180 balusters and ~$155 of railing/plug fasteners that earlier versions of this list missed)
Estimated returns credit: $126 (with 20% restocking) or $157 (waived) — only if Bushka accepts the late return (60-day window closed ~6/20; see warning above)
Net additional cost: ~$680-840 depending on return outcome
Items You Already Have (Correct for Plan)
Item
Qty
Status
Simpson ABA66Z 6x6 Post Base
9
✓ Perfect for notched-post method
1/2" x 5-1/2" Torquemaster Blue Wedge Anchor
9
✓ Standard pairing with ABA66Z for residential deck loads
Simpson H2.5AZ Hurricane Ties
50
✓ Need ~45-48 (15-16 joists × 3 beams). Buffer only 2-5 — don't waste any.
Trex Transcend Lineage Rainier grooved decking
592 LF total
✓ Covers 200 sq ft with cutoff waste
Trex Universal Hidden Clips
6 boxes (~540 clips)
✓ Need ~464 at 12" OC (the 50 sq ft/box rating assumes 16" OC — our tighter spacing uses clips faster). Buffer ~75 clips — adequate, don't waste.
Trex Transcend 1x12 Fascia Rainier
9 pcs
✓ Composite upgrade from plan's 1x10 PT
Trex Composite Fascia Plug Screws
2 boxes (150 ct)
✓
Trex 80ct Solid Board Plugs
3 boxes (240 ct)
✓ Perimeter and curved edge
Trex Protect Joist Tape 1-5/8" (joists)
5 boxes (250 LF)
✓
Trex Protect Joist Tape 3-1/8" (beams)
1 box (50 LF)
✓ Enough for 3 beams × ~15' each
Trex 2" Enhance Hideaway Screws (75ct)
1 box
⚠ Labeled "for Trex ENHANCE boards only" — boards are Transcend Lineage. Do NOT count on these for the plug system; verify/buy Transcend-compatible plug screws (see buy list).
2x6x16 PT (Order #2)
12 pcs (192 LF)
✓ Allocated: stair treads (2 per tread), riser boards (1 per riser, closes openings to pass 4" sphere rule), stair rail cap, benches