An oldy of me enjoying an ice cold lemonade my deck. |
Any way, I digress. In commenting to Val, I had a hard think about our deck needs. "Our 25 year old deck needs some major sprucing up, really could be replaced, but just not the priority financially. I hope that we can repair where needed, fix the wonky stairs again as we did eight years ago, and gave it a good power washing and it will continue to be serviceable. We live back there all summer. We know though that eventually we either need to replace because the railings on the lower part pulled away about 12 years ago, so DH just took them off, so they do not meet code, or just take down and let it go to grass where the deck sits, with a simple step. We couldn't sell like this, but would hate to spend the money on a new deck or patio, when we could just reduce the price of the house a bit and let the new owners decide what they prefer. We're at least 6 years from that though."
Well, dear readers, below are assorted pictures of my deck and back yard. I'd love your ideas and recommendation on how we can make over the back yard and deck area on the cheap to help make it a summer oasis. Keep in mind we are slowly but surely tidying things up, but unfortunately too many of our weekends and DH's days off have been spent dealing with the lake place, so we just are not far along. Also, neither of us are avid gardeners. Obviously the railing needs to be repaired, and the steps are wonky. I'd love a much bigger table, but for the three of us, the small one works most of the time, but I'm on the look out for an option-free or with minimal money spent. Have a hand at redoing my back yard-I'll be might appreciative.
Lorraine's before. |
Lorraine's after. |
My reading spot. Table/chairs hasn't been put out yet. |
Wonky steps replaced 8 years ago-need to be again. |
Side view of yard. |
View from back-railing repair needed. |
Odds and ends from fallen tree in fire ring. |
Least is best, repair the railing, give it a good power wash and enjoy, life's too short.
ReplyDeleteThat's where I'm leaning in my head.
DeleteSent you an email with a couple pics of a deck we redid.
ReplyDeleteI updated my post. Thank you again.
DeleteWe have an open deck and a screened in deck. We use the screened deck as additional living space and go out nearly every night to read there. (Understand that we can use it year round as long as we have a small space heater out there) Screening was necessary or the mosquitos would eat us alive without it. Rebuilding our deck was some of the best money we ever spent.
ReplyDeleteHow long ago and for how many years? I should do a cost per year comparison. It is cash outlay now that would be tough.
DeleteIf it was mine I would repair it and paint it . A coat of paint/ decking paint would improve the look of it and preserve it which would make it last longer. Then I would add some plants in pots for some color.
ReplyDeleteI think so too, but something more drastic in the future has to happen. It is wonderful back there in the late afternoons and evenings.
DeleteI would tear it off, start over, and enjoy that new, nicer, safe deck for six years until you sell. No matter how much you reduce the asking price, there are always people who will reject the house if it has no deck or an unsafe deck or a repaired deck.
ReplyDeleteIn our neighborhood, I'm not worried about future buyers. Homes go up and sell in days because of the price point for young families, and we have four bedrooms and two baths and back up to a park. If we decide to start again, it would be for our own enjoyment. I'm just not sure coming up with the kind of money it would take to do it nice is enough of a priority to knock something else off our list of where to put money.
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