My deck project and progress.

I thought it fitting to give an update on my deck project since it’s labor day weekend. While many people tend to go to the beach etc for this long weekend, a great percentage of people(like myself) also take the long weekend to tackle a home project. Although,  i started this project long before labor day weekend, it has been a slow process because i am doing this all by myself and also working around a very active 16 month old:-). I am proud to say that the deck is almost done with just some finishing touches left to add.

Ok, let’s revisit what i did:

This is a picture of my deck showing i weathered and in need of some TLC.  I decided to refinish it because i also wanted baby Zion to be able to safely walk barefooted out there.

  The first step involved thoroughly cleaning the deck of debris and buildup. To accomplish this, i rented this pressure washer from Home Depot and tackled that task. I even pressure washed my drive way since i had rented it for the day:-)

The next step involved sanding the deck. I rented an orbital sander from Home Depot and boy, this baby was heavy.  However, i love challenges and although i was worried about how i was going to remove it from my truck by myself,  i was able to figure it out! I was so proud of myself. If you look closely, you can see a difference in the area that i had started to sand too.
The third step(staining the deck)  took place weeks later because of the weather. It was raining constantly and i needed a sunny forecast for at least two consecutive days before i could stain.
I was going back and forth about whether i should go with a transparent or opaque deck finish. Ultimatelyi i chose an opaque finish because that option covers imperfections best and the deck was full of those. I usually use Benjamin Moore paint, but since i was at Home Depot so often, i bought the deck paint there. I purchased the Behr weatherproofing wood stain(solid colour) in their premium line.

Here are some pictures of what the deck looks like now:

    The chairs and table are from Pier1. Originally, i wanted these tables and chairs from CB2, but then i went to Pier 1 and saw the ones above and decided to get those instead. As a result, i wouldn’t have to pay the hefty shipping and handling cost that CB2 was charging. I also got the Pier 1 purchases at a discounted price.

    The rectangular umbrella is from Pottery Barn.

I finally bought Eat, Pray Love this weekend at Barnes and Noble and it goes everywhere with me(indoors and outdoors). I hope everyone is having a great day. “See” you all here tomorrow! XX