DIY: The Deck
Before we start to do a home project, I always do a little research so that I can learn from the experiences of others. Should you find yourself in need of some deck revitalization this summer, please review the following plan:
Step 1: Notice some paint peeling on the deck and start picking at it with fingernail. Decide that this isn't the proper tool to use once finger starts to throb and go to garage to locate scraper. Scrape loose spots. Wait one year.
Step 2: Wait for the hottest weekend of the year which coincides with first event-free weekend, spend six hours pressure washing the deck and trying to keep the kids out of the way. Let deck dry in unrelenting heat. Apply several layers of aloe onto husband's back since he forgot to apply sunscreen. Point to his back as an example and explain to the children why we're so diligent about applying sunscreen to their little backs.
Step 3: Build new bench tops to rest on top of rotting slot-style benches. Prime entire deck with tinted primer and hope that the new paint will match the house and not the tinted-primer. Spend entire afternoon saying things like "stop that" and "put that down" and "I SAID DO NOT SPRAY WATER ON THE DECK!" Hold 2-1/2 year old on left hip while crouching down to paint bottom boards, then bring her in the house when she falls asleep on your shoulder. Watch as dark clouds move in, and run everything into the garage as the pouring rain washes away the last section primed. Order pizza.
Step 4: Wait one week and line up babysitter to watch kids while you finish the deck. Re-wash deck, dry it with squeegee, towel and then leaf blower. Paint tops of planters navy blue and wonder who put cornflower blue paint in your navy blue paint can. Paint deck in record time, finish up just as kids are returning from a five-hour tour of all the parks in the neighborhood.
The Deck: Q & A (both provided by me)
Q: What is the best vantage point to view the deck upgrade?
A: From a distance, like from the neighbor's yard or from the jungle gym.
Q: Is that the shade of blue you really wanted?
A: I think the perfect shade of blue is the one that is already applied and dry.
Q: Why did you paint the deck in the first place?
A: The deck was originally stained, complimenting the beautiful cedar wood. Then, one afternoon the owner (Marty's Grandma Harriette) went shopping and when she returned, she found that the deck had been re-done as she'd asked - but it had been painted to match the house instead of re-stained. "Well now we're going to have quite a mess on our hands," she said. And she was right.
Q: How long do you think your slap-happy paint job is really going to last?
A: It will last as long as the wood holds out. When the first person falls through the deck, then we'll know it's time to replace it.
Q: Who will want to come over and sit on your rotting-wood deck knowing it could fall apart at any time?
A: My friends are very brave and always willing to take one for the team. A potentially rotting deck won't keep anyone away, as long as the wine holds out.
A finished project is a thing of beauty and a joy until the next one has to begin.
Step 1: Notice some paint peeling on the deck and start picking at it with fingernail. Decide that this isn't the proper tool to use once finger starts to throb and go to garage to locate scraper. Scrape loose spots. Wait one year.
Step 2: Wait for the hottest weekend of the year which coincides with first event-free weekend, spend six hours pressure washing the deck and trying to keep the kids out of the way. Let deck dry in unrelenting heat. Apply several layers of aloe onto husband's back since he forgot to apply sunscreen. Point to his back as an example and explain to the children why we're so diligent about applying sunscreen to their little backs.
Step 3: Build new bench tops to rest on top of rotting slot-style benches. Prime entire deck with tinted primer and hope that the new paint will match the house and not the tinted-primer. Spend entire afternoon saying things like "stop that" and "put that down" and "I SAID DO NOT SPRAY WATER ON THE DECK!" Hold 2-1/2 year old on left hip while crouching down to paint bottom boards, then bring her in the house when she falls asleep on your shoulder. Watch as dark clouds move in, and run everything into the garage as the pouring rain washes away the last section primed. Order pizza.
Step 4: Wait one week and line up babysitter to watch kids while you finish the deck. Re-wash deck, dry it with squeegee, towel and then leaf blower. Paint tops of planters navy blue and wonder who put cornflower blue paint in your navy blue paint can. Paint deck in record time, finish up just as kids are returning from a five-hour tour of all the parks in the neighborhood.
The Deck: Q & A (both provided by me)
Q: What is the best vantage point to view the deck upgrade?
A: From a distance, like from the neighbor's yard or from the jungle gym.
Q: Is that the shade of blue you really wanted?
A: I think the perfect shade of blue is the one that is already applied and dry.
Q: Why did you paint the deck in the first place?
A: The deck was originally stained, complimenting the beautiful cedar wood. Then, one afternoon the owner (Marty's Grandma Harriette) went shopping and when she returned, she found that the deck had been re-done as she'd asked - but it had been painted to match the house instead of re-stained. "Well now we're going to have quite a mess on our hands," she said. And she was right.
Q: How long do you think your slap-happy paint job is really going to last?
A: It will last as long as the wood holds out. When the first person falls through the deck, then we'll know it's time to replace it.
Q: Who will want to come over and sit on your rotting-wood deck knowing it could fall apart at any time?
A: My friends are very brave and always willing to take one for the team. A potentially rotting deck won't keep anyone away, as long as the wine holds out.
A finished project is a thing of beauty and a joy until the next one has to begin.
Jennie
I think your deck looks great, well done. I am definately willing to brave the rotting deck if we can play gin all afternoon with a gin! ( oh yea, and our husbands and kids away having a camping adventure!)
Miss you!
Meggie
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