We are so excited to finally use our deck!  Last fall it was a race against time to get it built before the babe arrived.  Because we have a sloped lot, our kitchen is actually on the second level in the back and there was no direct access to go outside.  We decided to build a second story deck from our now open kitchen so we had some great outdoor space that had a nice flow for entertaining and easy access to our rolling back yard.  The last rail was attached one week before the baby was born… needless to say, we didn’t get to use it much since October!

the far left of the house is where we built the deck.

Now that it’s greening up and getting warmer, its finally time to get this deck together!

First the bones… we used Azek decking although it ain’t cheap, its a great product and fairly indestructible.  We wanted it to be a deeper wood tone to add contrast as the house was such a light gray color.  We also did something unconventional for coastal New England… we DIDN’T use white rails!  Gasp!  While the typical white railings were the standard choice of contractors and architects in the area for most popular building styles (ie- Colonial, Cape, Country Victorian), it didn’t seem right.  First, we have a mid 50’s ranch- why hide it?  It didn’t make sense to add something not typically found in the style of house.  Second, I didn’t want a wall of white rails on top of a white stairwell and covered shed which would not only tower overhead, but block the view as you sit on the deck.  My solution?  A black aluminum railing typically used in urban settings or for contract purposes with a small top rail.  The size of this rail system is really much more tailored than the traditional colonial styles.  It makes the rail disappear into the foliage and really adds a different dimension to the property!

I mentioned the shed, well, with a little one I didn’t want a stairwell going straight down a flight, I wanted it to turn on a landing, so we utilized the space under the stair as an outdoor shed.  Great for outdoor tools!  The rest is open for now, we plan on eventually screening it in for evening entertaining (as it gets QUITE buggy in dear Scituate) where it will also be partially protected from the elements.  We’ll tackle the below level later on, but for now, it’s topside!

needs a little color, but great space!

We have some simple furniture that needs a new coat of paint.  We need a rug for both color and so the wee one has a place to play.  Some cushions, planter boxes and an umbrella would also go a long way to cheer it up and make it inviting for guests.  There’s a good space to put the grill and we have a new little fire pit for when it gets chilly- just need to get a fire mat for that.

My goal is to pull it all together in the next two weeks.  We’ll see if I can pull it off!