Building our deck is going to be a challenge, because the project will also include replacing our kitchen window with a door. Right now, the only way we can access our backyard is via the garage, which is a bit of a pain! (We had to put up the plastic fencing to keep Coco contained within our property. She wandered out of the garage a couple of times... and being such a runaway dog... we were too scared we'd lose her.)
When we do replace that kitchen window with a door, we decided that we did not want to lose our view of the backyard. So we've decided to install a full-size glass door, with a matching side-panel of glass (I think the correct term is a "sidelight"). We figure that if it's white, it will match the other windows in the kitchen.
We're not quite sure in what order we'll have to tackle these two projects: building a deck + installing a door? However, since the door will be utterly useless (not to mention dangerous) without steps, we'll probably build the deck first.
So, to get a feel for where the deck will go, we twined off an area in the backyard. We even added some patio furniture just to see if it would meet our needs. Here's where we are going to put the deck. From henceforth, this will be known as the official Whitney BEFORE deck photo.
Essentially we are looking at building a deck that's about 16' x 20'. We are planning to put in a low deck because our fence isn't that high. We think we'd feel like royalty on display if we built the deck at the same height as our kitchen. So the plan will be to walk out the kitchen door (which currently is still a window) onto a small platform. Then we'll walk down three steps (the entire width of the platform) out onto the deck.
Here's a plan of what we're going to build. Snazzy huh? Joshua and I discovered that Better Homes and Garden has a nifty tool called "Arrange-A-Deck". Lots of fun.
Because of our basement windows (they have wells), we need to start the base of the deck at least 6 feet away from the house. I think the code requires that all structures be 3 feelt away from the wells. Providence Building Codes are compelling us to protect our family and friends from falling in those window wells. No more wild parties for us!
I think that we might even have to put a grate over the wells, in the event that anyone decides to take an running start and leap off our deck into those wells!
On the deck, we want to have a place to store the BBQ, patio table and chairs (lets hope that we have a nice fancy set by then... instead of our old plastic set), and possibly one of those covered porch swings. Maybe if we place that swing to the left of the stairs (see grey bench in plan above) it'll stop those "well jumpers" in their tracks!
We had planned to have a special place to store our fireplace. However, now that we've scorched the grass (see previous blog entry), I'm thinking that we'll plan on keeping that firepit as far away from the deck as possible. Who needs a deck with burn marks?
As for deck materials. We are most definately looking at going with TREX decking. Knowing how lazy we are, we know we'd never get around to staining & treating the deck each year, so why even pretend? I'm glad that we're honest. Going with the wood composite that never needs to be treated will end up saving money for us in the long run.
Below is an example of a professional TREX deck. Sure hope ours looks as stunning!
