-sand and paint 3 lower doors
-paint the microwave shelf
-attach the handles and pulls
Then we have to do something about the backsplash and we're done. You can't believe how happy I'll be when it's all finished. I'm loving how it looks already.
One project I haven't shared with you is the deck we rebuilt last summer. This wasn't a complete start-from-scratch build, but more an overhaul of a bad original design.
The houses in our neighbourhood all come with a small 4'x6' deck with a set of steep stairs down one side. The previous owners extended the deck by putting on a 10'x10' addition, but with a 4-6" drop from the first to the second level. This drop made it feel as though there were two decks, with neither one really large enough to place furniture comfortably. This is the only photo I have of it before. There is no room to move; you can barely pull your chair back from the table without hitting a rail or the step up to the other section.
We decided a redesign - and slight expansion - was in order. This wasn't a "build your dream backyard space" project, more a "get the most bang for your buck" project. I think we spent over 6 months drawing and re-drawing our plans until we had something we were both happy with. I'll admit, I kept going for grand sweeping staircases, while Tom was picturing utilitarian steps and high railings.
We tore down all of the railings, took out the oddly placed flower box, and the stairs. You can see how dark and damp that corner by the stairs ended up most of the time. And we never used it for anything other than storing the garden hose and some tools.
We couldn't really extend the length of the deck because our backyard is so small to begin with. While our neighbour decided to build a deck over his entire backyard (!!), we thought the dogs might appreciate having some grass to run around and do their business on.
Beside our deck, near where the stairs used to be is one of only two basement windows. I was insistent that we have a place to hang the hammock, but we didn't want to cover up a precious light source for the basement. We decided to build a lower deck that sat nearly on the ground, just under the window ledge. It runs from the upper deck to the fence and outwards about 10 feet.
First we had to tear out the bricks that were already laid. Then Tom dug 4 post holes for the concrete footings and support posts of the new deck. He filled the holes with concrete and inserted brackets for the posts (this is the building code in our area). He then installed the joists and beams, attaching them to the house with a ledger board and metal connectors.
We used some of the bricks that were removed from under the lower deck area to make a break when you step down from the lower deck to the ground. This area gets very little sun and the dogs are always stomping on it so no grass would ever grow there. We figured out our pattern, laid the bricks, and then finished with a layer of polymeric sand to lock the bricks in place.
As for the deck railing, we used 2x4's for the upper and lower railing, with black metal balusters between. There are so many different designs for deck railings but we decided to keep it as simple as possible. Just a bottom rail, a cap rail directly on the top rail, and 4x4 rail posts. It was a serious test of my math skills calculating the number of balusters per section so that it looked good and followed the bylaws.
These balusters are so easy to install. You just install your top rail, then screw in the baluster connectors to your rail boards, pop the balusters onto the top rail connectors, and then install the bottom rail, squeezing the balusters in between.
These pictures always make me laugh. You can see the smile on Tom's face in the middle shot and - spoiler alert! - the metal level sitting on the rail above him. It was pretty late by the time we got to this part and getting dark fast. Just after the bottom picture was taken, the level fell on Tom's head. He swore REALLY loudly. I told him to shush because it was so late and I didn't want the neighbours to hear. I'm horrible and didn't even ask if he was okay. Our neighbours told us later that all they heard was, "#$&*%@!!!!!", and then, "Shhhhh! We have neighbours!", and then, "The level fell on my head!" They thought it was hilarious and weren't offended at all.
This was one of our first big projects at this house and I'm so happy we did it. Before, we hardly spent any time out here, but now it's one of our favourite places to be. We worked so hard on this deck, doing everything ourselves, but I think that makes us appreciate it even more.
And the dogs love it too. You have to fight Chloe for a seat (usually the loveseat), and don't even think about lying in the hammock by yourself if Sasha's in the area.
And don't forget our DIY fold-up bar. Duffy's Bar & Grill is now open!
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I'm linking up here this week! You should too!
15 comments:
Awesome job...can we trade? We are still working on ours since last summer
Oh wow you guys did a wonderful job! It looks sooo much nicer and cozier! I bet summers will be very much enjoyed with your new space!
Wow -- what a big job! It looks great though -- the turtle pillow is my favorite!!
Very, very, nice! Love it! Great job! Thanks for linking up to Give Me The Goods Monday! Can't wait to see what you bring next week! Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof
It looks great! I love the hammock - so funny that your dog loves it too! :)
Love your deck {especially the hammock!} Your hard work paid off in the end :-) Thank you for sharing this at our All My Bloggy Friends Party ! Hope to see you again tomorrow :-)
Linda
With A Blast
Thanks, Linda!
Isn't that cool? It was a birthday gift from my aunt - we have one on the front porch too.
Now we just need the sun!
Having a nice space outdoors have a lot of advantages for the family, especially during the warmer climes. And when opting to build a deck, or in your case rebuild it, making the most out of your space and budget is truly a great way to go at it. And what can I say? You really did a great job with this project. The old deck was way too narrow to even think of relaxing there. Now with the new one, I can only imagine how much fun and relaxing time you and your family are having there. Congratulations!
Angelina @ Archadeck Outdoor Living
The deck looks amazing! I love the black ballisters you added. Thank you so much for coming by and linking up to the Pinworthy Projects Party!
Awesome job...can we trade? We are still working on ours since last summer
Can you tell me where you bought your balusters and connectors for your deck railing? That is exactly what we've been looking for!
Hi Dave,
The balusters and connectors are from a company called Deckorators (http://www.deckorators.com/products/balusters/). They have so many different styles and accessories for deck railings. They're great because everything is sold individually so you can plan out exactly what you want without having a lot of leftovers. We bought ours at Home Hardware, but they're available in plenty of other stores. They have a "where to buy" page on their website that is really good.
Good luck!
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