DIY wooden deck

We recently had a tornado rip through our neighborhood.  Thankfully, everyone was unharmed but our trees and landscaping did not fair so well.  We lost a lot of mature trees and shade leaving us with a blank, unattractive canvas and zero curb appeal.

Lots of debris to clean-up & just a bit hazardous!

Standing in our front yard looking towards ours neighbors house.  Thank the Good Lord the tree fell the direction it did!

We had the downed & threatening trees removed and the ground leveled out some as well.

Once clean-up was done, the storm forced us to rethink the future of this space.  We desire to transform an area that was ripped apart into an extension of our home that is a functional, fun space to relax and entertain.

Once we started our clean-up, our vision became clear!  We picture this area filled with bright green sod, and a lighted footpath made of paver stones.  The path would lead to a wooden deck that encompasses the tree that was saved in the storm.  String lights draping overhead would create a cozy ambiance as well as a fire pit to warm up to on cold nights. Of course, some shrubbery, colorful flowers, comfortable seating and maybe an outdoor game or two.

So….we began.  Shrubs, sod and gardenias!  THAT SMELL!

Then we broke ground to decide the lay out of our deck that will encompass one of our remaining front trees!!!

Sod laid, plants in the ground, pathway done!  What an amazing transformation already!

Time to build!  My husband and I started with this on Saturday afternoon…..

and had THIS by Sunday at 1:07 pm!!  {Yes, I checked the time!}  It was a lot of HARD WORK but soooo worth it!  And boy did we enjoy relaxing for the rest of our day!

Deck complete…for now!  We still have a long checklist but the hard part is done!
We still need to :
frame the porch
add bench seating around the tree {maybe}
outdoor string lights
fire pit
Mulch / flowers
comfy seating
outdoor games
I can envision some warm summer nights under the glow of the lights and cold winters huddled next to the fire!  It’s still a work in progress but it’s open for some fun!!!

Linked:
Lovely Little Link Party
Making Broken Beautiful
Whimsy Wednesday
Talk of the Town
Before & After Wednesday
Brag About It
Celebrate Your Story
Monday Funday