Sunday

The Deck


This will be my last outdoor project for a few weeks or months.. going to get my heart taken care of and wanted to finish my deck....now I can go sit out on nice days. But I'll continue to do simple fun crafts that don't require much physical activity.

 Almost two years ago we put in a new deck. Our old one was rickety and rotting and I was determined to keep it the natural wood look.  So I used water seal and did all that I was told to do, to keep it beautiful. Then the trees got to it!

We have these two very tall Hickory trees that drop something each season.  Leaves in the fall, flowers in the spring, nuts all summer. ( the squirrels drop the nuts like bombs).   The squirrels also munch and drop what looks like snow from their munching.. then the rain lays on all of that and leaves such stains. I did go out at least 4 times a week and wash the deck with hopes of eliminating the mess from leaving brown marks.. well I was not able to keep up with it.

 The Hickory trees directly over the deck are so beautiful and provide shade from the hot Florida sun. But, look what they did to the deck.
.

  
The stained deck.



 Last week I borrowed my neighbors power washer and scrubbed the entire deck, even the green mold that took over in the corners (we have that much rain this time of year, not to mention the humidity).
I chose a good deck stain in chocolate brown. The guy at the Depot said "This will protect and keep it looking good for 10 years and the stains will not show through. We will see about that!

He was right about the paint hiding the stains.


 Our local weather man said "No rain for the next few days" so I got to work.. took me three days and I took my time and only worked in the mornings. Was much too hot after 11am. This past few days they are talking of tropical storm or hurricane Matthew or Nicole possibly coming our way in a week or so. That will give the deck time to cure.


 

The above photo was taken as I inched my way, paint brush in hand, into the house.  I had this silly thought of painting myself into a corner and being stuck out there. ( I actually did that once when painting a basement floor)
 I'm starting to question this home ownership thing.. so much to do and if you don't do it yourself it is so expensive to pay someone to do such work. Besides, I love to do hands on projects!  (don't tell my Cardio doc, he would have such a frown on his face.)

There, it's done! 

Oh no, after I stepped back to admire my work I realized the upstairs balcony also needed to be painted! I forgot that was also replaced! 
Maybe if I smile sweetly I can find some
kind soul who would like to climb up there and paint it....

Ok Hickory trees,,, do your thing!
(and our little friends the squirrels)

I'm linking to these fun parties
click on the links below to see what other crafters are up to




12 comments:

Unknown said...

Nice deck! Good Job^^v

Darla said...

Very nice job, our decks are in dire need of paint!! Prayers for a successful fix on your heart as I do not know exactly what you are having done.

Nancy's Notes said...

Your deck looks really great, you did a good job! Take care of yourself and do leave the upper deck to someone else, good thinking.


Enjoy your day~
Nancy

Granny said...

I hope the new deck stain holds up for you. That is quite a job redoing it. It looks great with the dark brown. Hope the squirrels like it. :)

You will be on my mind and in my prayers tomorrow.

Hugs, Jackie

Faith said...

Lovely, oh how I would love to have a deck, you are so blessed..You did a great job..now rest and enjoy.

Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal said...

I know what a hard job it is to redo the deck. Looks great and I'm sure you are glad it's done. I hope all goes well with your heart. I will be thinking of you.

Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal said...

I forgot to tell you, my mom is moving back to Clearwater next week. She is so excited to be around all her old friends again.

Linda @ A La Carte said...

It looks wonderful. Love that color and I hope it does hold up for 10 years!!

Pondside said...

What a big job! When we had a deck, the staining was my task and I always seemed to pick the hottest day to do it.
Good luck tomorrow - I don't know what it is you're having done, but I've had my share of heart 'stuff' so can know just a wee bit. I'll think of you - good thoughts.

Anonymous said...

Sandy, love looking at your projects. Next one is your health - take care and be well.

Kathy said...

The color look great on your deck -Now the most important project is you -Take care of yourself -so you can continue to share many projects around your home. :-) Many prayers heading your way -

Jad Smith said...

We all know that deck adds beauty and value to home. Deck is a wonderful addition to the exterior of your house that provides a great place to relax.
--------
Decks Dallas