Monday, August 4, 2014

Decked

We have known for years that we needed to rebuild the deck on this house.  The first couple summers Ken dutifully power-washed and stained the boards but sun, heat, and snow take a toll on low-grade wood no matter what you do.  We offered the boards to a friend who needs a temporary deck solution and he politely refused; he said our boards are in worse shape than the ones he removed from his own deck.  We didn't take offense but felt vindicated in what we've known all along.

Two years ago we started the research needed to learn all we could about the variety of decking materials now available.  I am glad we waited because in that short time new composite materials have been developed and we are pleased with our selection. 

It's a big job.  All the old boards have to be removed~
The first section measures 36 feet long by 10 feet wide
TimberTech Earthwood Evolutions Terrain has boards the exact length we need~
Boards in 16 and 20 foot lengths will fill the space
Fascia boards along the edge will also need to be replaced due to water damage~
Upper boards were not properly painted before installation
It took several hours to interpret detailed installation instructions~
At the start Ken strategically positioned planks to work from
 After the first few courses the work moved along more smoothly~
Ken's using a hidden fastening system
 After four weekends there is a lot to show for all Ken's hard work~
Looking toward the backyard
Boards in the porch area need to come up so work can begin there~
This space is 20 feet by 8 feet
It felt good last night to survey the progress so far~
The railings need to be replaced, which is another story
Pollen, leaves, and acorns are all welcome~
The raised grain feels good on my feet

9 comments:

Balisha said...

Isn't it nice to have a new deck floor? We didn't realize how bad ours looked until we replaced it.
Great job by your hubby...
Balisha

teri said...

This will feel so good when it is done. Good for you and congrats on your daughter selling her house. xoxox

Deb said...

Oh I feel your pain, we rebuilt our deck from the ground up last year. Your new decking looks beautiful Sharon, hope the rest of your project goes just as smoothly! Deb

Anonymous said...

What a project!

Helen said...

Love the look! Lots of work but will give many years of enjoyment.

Will do some research to find out the tolerance for extreme UV exposure in the desert southwest. Agree there has been amazing change in decking materials in recent years.

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

Looks so good.
My deck is now 5 years old.
Good shape except for the continual mold from damp woods.
This year no pressure washing was done.
Hope it last as long as the few
years I have left. Few when you know I have been on earth into
the late 70's :)

RURAL said...

It is so much work, but so worth it, and the composite boards will last a almost lifetime right?

Just imagine doing all of that work before, and having to replace it in a few years.

I've certainly noticed that the weather does a number here on stuff...anything in fact. It's tough up here.

Thank you so much for the wonderful and thoughtful comment. They mean so much to me, I've been reading them slowly because it's a little overwhelming each time.

Jen

MsGraysea said...

Love that new decking material. It looks great. A lot of hard work but so worth it! Hope you get to enjoy some lovely "porch time" before long.
Moving day is upon me.....hope to be back writing regularly soon. Last day of work was yesterday. Ahhhhhh.

Carolynn Anctil said...

That is awesome!! We need to do so much work around here, including extending our patio area. *sigh* All we need is time and buckets of money.