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.

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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

Met Monday