Friday, 3 August 2012
Hit the Deck!
At the back of my house there was just a tiny balcony and a rather boring concrete patio, just big enough for my garden table and a few chairs. But I wanted more outdoor useable space.... so I got the deck people in.
The deck had to be built as a stand-alone floating unit, and not attached to the existing structure so the framework was built on concrete deck blocks. Pressure treated lumber was used.... this will withstand the harsh winters and the hot summers and will weather to a soft grey. Unless I want to stain it in a couple of years.
The wooden rail on the existing balcony was removed, and a few damaged boards replaced. A sturdy rail was built all around the new deck, and a matching gate.... to keep babies and dogs in!
There's enough room for my patio table and six chairs, and a couple of sun umbrellas. And a cedar privacy screen that smells wonderful when it gets wet. I've already entertained family and friends with BBQ dinners al fresco. A few pots of flowers and hanging baskets will decorate it beautifully. I know I'll be making good use of this new outdoor room..
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That looks amazing and will be a very useful outdoor area. What a lovely area you live in.
ReplyDeleteThis looks wonderful Shammickite!...what a lovely place you live in. I'm guessing you and your neighbours share an open area at the back of your homes, how good is that - you all get open space. Your new deck looks great, you must be the Jones's of the area - they will all want one now. all the best...ann.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous!! Our deck at the hideaway desperately needs replacing but there's so much red tape we have to go though. We've been working on it on and off for 2 or 3 years and haven't accomplished anything. We have similar weather conditions, piles of snow in the winter and blistering heat in the summer, which as you know, wears a deck out.
ReplyDeleteOh...That is just fantastic! Really really Beautiful, and how great to use that space to extend your living area...!LOVELY, my dear....!
ReplyDeleteLove your documanting of the whole process, too!
"DOCUMENTING"...How did that 'a' ever get in there...lol!
ReplyDeleteThat patio looks great Shammickite. A great place for nice cool drinks in the sun - Dave
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful! I am envious. We live in a flat and although it is very nice and there is lots of outdoor space, we don' t have direct access. I make do with a couple of balconies, neither of which is very big.
ReplyDeleteI would love an outdoor room like this!
Nice job by the deck people, and yourself for documenting same. Nice little oasis for your get togethers.
ReplyDeleteGreat place to visit and eat and play outside. I like the photos from beginning to end.
ReplyDeletewow. great job! you'll enjoy that a lot!
ReplyDeleteYAY for envisioning this to completion, Sham. I think you just added significant value to your home in more ways than one!
ReplyDeleteIt looks great, Shammie. Well designed.
ReplyDeleteYet another reason that I wish you were my neighbor, Shammy! (I like how Hilary wrote "Shammie." Maybe I'll adopt her spelling.)
ReplyDeleteAnyhow, my good town of Bolingbrook would be even better if you were here. There's plenty of room for the whole family, and we always get a good rating on those lists of best places to live. Food for thought.
Ah, but if I ever find an opportunity to go up North, we'll have to share an iced tea on your new deck. :-)
What a lovely patio! I see a backyard party in the near future at your house.
ReplyDeleteOh what a gorgeous deck! Doesn't it feel wonderful sitting out there? We just put in a fancy new fence for our new puppy. It gives the back yard a whole new appearance.
ReplyDeleteYour stand-alone deck is a success! It looks like you have your own cottage right there. It reminds me of those cozy spots outside food and beverage shops. I won’t be surprised if you’ve been eating outside since the deck was made. :) Honestly, all decks should be like this – comfy and useable.
ReplyDeleteGreat job - will be doing something similar come spring. Question/advice - If I were to want a pergola instead of just a rail, would I use taller posts at various points to support that like you did for the rail? Or would you suggest adding them by attaching them to the finished deck?
ReplyDeleteAny recos appreciated much!
Great post... I'm considering constructing my deck in a similar manner. I have a question though. Now that its been a couple years, how is the deck holding up with the freeze/thaw cycle? Do you see any heaving of the deck, or is everything still level and plumb? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteLove how you constructed your deck. Have you seen any issues with heaving or your deck coming out of true since you built it? Thanks!
ReplyDelete