Around My House: New Deck Railing

Do you ever feel that by the time you finish all the projects in your house, it will be time to move?

We've been in our house over 11 years, and I'm finally getting around to making the deck a nicer outdoor living space. It wasn't a disaster; it's just that it was never finished, and I am determined to get it "deck-orated" before the summer starts this year. 

The deck has slowly been evolving. When we first moved in, there was a lower deck with a built-in table and bench. (This picture was taken before we purchased the house).

Not only was it unsightly, it was awkward to climb in and out. Plus, we kept getting splinters in our butts, which was annoying, as well as uncomfortable. And it's not that easy taking splinters out of one's own posterior, if you know what I mean. We ripped out the table. Buh-bye. 

Besides, we had our own table from another house. I would have preferred to replace it, but while it was in good condition, I couldn't justify it. For seven years, I kept waiting for the mesh to tear, or the metal to rust, but…Nothing. It looked as new as the day we bought it. And then, one evening back in 2009, I went outside to set the table for dinner, and this is what I found:

Shattered! The deck furniture gods finally answered my prayers! We had a stretch of 100-degree days, which was highly unusual for April in the northeast, and I guess the glass just couldn't take all that heat.  I was secretly thrilled! No, truth be told, I was overtly thrilled.  And, needless to say, we ate inside that night. 

I hightailed it to the outdoor furniture store to pick out a new set.

When our puppy, Sadie, joined the family, we wanted her to be out on the deck with us, so we put up a plastic fence to keep her in. And we left it there. Yup, for four summers. I don't know why, but I guess we got so used to seeing it, that we hardly noticed it. Plus, I didn't spend much time focusing on an alternative. Until...

...A few weeks ago, Mr. Goo Shoes and I were sitting outside, and that darn plastic fence was glaring at me. "I wish there was something we could do to get rid of that ugly thing." Maybe it's whatever was in his lunch that day, but suddenly, Mr. Goo Shoes had a brainstorm: extend the railing, and put two gates by the steps. The solution was so simple... it was amazing that we hadn't thought of it in all these years.  

And then, I wanted it done NOW. I thought I was going to have to nag Mr. Goo Shoes to call the contractor, but he was as eager as I was to get it done. This is not the way things usually go around here. Mr. GS usually needs to ponder things a good long time before making a decision. 

The contractor came earlier this week, and did the entire job in one day. We have to wait a month before we can stain it, but here's the outcome:

We also had them make another gate to replace the Ugly Baby Gate. We didn't put it in the same spot; instead, we put it at the very end of the deck, where it looks better. Plus, it gives Sadie even more room to roam around.

I think it came out pretty fabulous. Between this addition, the new pillows, and the new rug, I think I need to start planning a barbeque. Hmmm… Mr. Goo Shoes' birthday is coming up in June. 

Sounds like a plan! 

Ms. Toody