As you can see below, in a "Before" pic, the original deck on the right was very small. A previous homeowner had enlarged the deck by adding the section on the left. The deck flooring had deteriorated and was popping up in places, creating a real hazard. The stairs stuck out into the center of the yard...not a great design. On this first Met Monday, I thought I would share some of the exterior changes that took place when the screened-in porch and decks were added.
Before pic:
The pic below was taken right after the workers tore off the old deck. I was so happy to see it gone! You can see how over the years the dirt underneath the deck had splashed up onto the house when it rained and had discolored the siding. Notice the boards nailed across the doorways. I asked one of the workers to do that because I was afraid that during the construction, I would forget and open the door to let the dog out. No doubt, he would have rushed straight out and that first step would have been a big surprise!
See the door going into the terrace level--the one below the small window? I had that door turned into a window and had French doors added to the wall behind the ladder. This added even more daylight to the terrace level. You'll be able to see this change in next picture.
In the pic below, the porch, decks and terrace level are in mid construction. During the additions of the porch and decks, I, also, completely re-did the previous owner's basement renovation. It had been completed with a hung ceiling, orange carpeting and really dark paneling. I finished the basement/terrace level back in with sheet rock walls, tray ceilings, and pretty columns where ugly, metal poles had been. The only thing the terrace level needs to be complete is flooring and to be painted.
The deck on the far left was designed to hold the grill, as well as my existing patio furniture which included an umbrella. The deck on the far right (under the kitchen bay window) was the perfect spot for another seating area with a pergola overhead. That was another feature I really wanted.
Another view showing the edge of the steps on the right. Having the steps coming down on the side of the deck was a much better design than having them sticking out into the center of the yard as they had done previously.
The future screened-in porch...can you believe it once looked like this?
Let's get to those "After" pictures! Here's the screened-in porch...
This photo was taken from the same angle as the one above. It's come a long way!
Same angle again, only an evening view... By the time this photo was taken, I had added sheers to the porch. You can read all about that HERE.
This is interior photo taken from the same angle as above. You can read more about the green hutch, HERE.
Since this house has a full terrace level, the screened-in porch and decks are one story up...good for catching a nice breeze on the porch. The pic below shows the deck that was added with the pergola overhead. You can just make out the outdoor candlelier I hung from the pergola.
A view of the area with the pergola overhead... The candlelier came from Smith & Hawken.
An exterior view of the screened-in porch...those "things" hanging on either side are bird feeders. This pic was taken right after the porch was finished last April.
I'm often asked how I keep the porch looking so clean. I think it helps that it's a full story up. The only really messy time is during pollen season...once that's over, it isn't that bad...just needs a once a month vacuuming and light dusting. Since it's an outside room, I don't stress over it being perfect.
In this view, you are looking across from the kitchen door to the exterior deck--the one with the table and umbrella.
In the pic below, you can see the portion of the deck that houses the grill. I had a gas line run to the grill so I don't have to worry about ever running out of gas. Plus, I don't have to lug those heavy propane tanks back to the store for a refill anymore. If you are renovating your deck, I highly recommend this. It does require a grill designed for that kind of connection, but the cost of running the gas line to the grill is less than you might imagine. To read about how to hide those ugly metal swing chains, click HERE.
Hope you enjoyed this Metamorphosis! Can't wait to see all the "Before and Afters" on this, our first Met Monday.
For additional pictures of the porch, click HERE.
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