New Outdoor Seating.

We got a new outdoor couch for our back deck! I am thrilled about it because it is going to totally change the way we use the backyard. It feels so much more lounge-like with the couch instead of the table and chairs that we had last summer.

Last summer's set up.

In theory, having a patio table and chairs sounds like a great idea. In reality, I don't actually like to eat outside. You have to truck everything outside, your napkins all blow away, not to mention all the bugs. Maybe I'm being dramatic but I just don't fully get its appeal. I'd actually rather prepare my plate inside then eat off my lap outside. Anyone with me on this?

This summer's set up.

We kept the two armless chairs from last year and moved them so that they sit side by side. The new couch sits adjacent to them. Perfect for conversation.

We were on the hunt for an outdoor sectional for a while. We couldn't really find anything that fit our style and fyi, they are not cheap! I happened to be flipping through the latest Style at Home mag and came across some super cool white outdoor dining chairs. I was surprised to see that the source was Walmart.ca! Who woulda thought? 

This prompted me to check out their website where I found lots of awesome outdoor furniture. Ours is the Golden Beach collection and I subsequently found the same collection on Amazon and ModernFurniture.ca but with a higher price tag.

We ordered a few pieces, intending to make a sectional. When it arrived, we played around with a few arrangements and decided that just the couch worked best with the pieces we already had. Perfect, because this saved us some money when we sent one piece back. Win!

It also came with cushions to run along the armrest but they are the same size as the back cushions so hung off the end a bit, which seemed weird to me. Instead, we are using a couple of outdoor pillows that I picked up from the Threshold line at Target.

It was nice to sit out there on Saturday morning, lounging and having our coffee. I'm thinking I'll be much more inclined to sit out this this summer now that that the table is gone.

Beaufie's Fence.

Yes, you heard right! After 3 years of being tied up in the backyard, Beaufort is going to be able to roam free! We are putting a new fence along the front if the backyard and adding a gated section across the driveway so that the whole yard will be closed in.

Our neighbors on one side put in a new fence which goes along one side of our property so we figured we might as well go for it now that there was only one section left open. Thanks neighbors!

You can see the old fence to the left of this photo.

Steph took the old fence down on the weekend and dug the holes for the posts, while I was working away on the front door.

Those are some deep holes. Don't fall in Beaufort!

Monday night in the rain, we put up the posts. That's a job and a half, especially when you're working with the guy who makes sure everything is perfectly level:) Made me especially thankful that we weren't doing the whole yard.

It's funny having the old fence down. Countless people have commented on our backyard as they walk by or those who have driven past. It's always been our little hidden oasis behind the fence and now it's open for all to see. We are glad people seem to like it!

Here's hoping it gets finished up soon. Beaufort is very excited! Actually, it's me. He constantly has his leash wrapped up around a tree or a bush and I have to go rescue him. This will be so much more convenient!

Backyard Progress.

The add-on to the deck is almost finished! One board left to add on the left side and then it will have to be stained to match the rest. We will let the wood dry out a bit and it will likely be on my summer to-do list.

Did you spot Beaufie's little face? "Whatcha doin' out there mum?"

We also planted a few more things in the pea stone garden. The pea shrub was once on the side of the house where it didn't get much sun so we transplanted it here. It will eventually grow fuller and cascade downward.

We also added some blue oat grass along the path. They are tiny now but will fill out and look a little like these. We planted some last year and know they will do well in the stone.

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I also put a Miscanthus on either side of the pea shrub and I'm now realizing they may have to be moved in a few years because they get rather large. Hopefully they will look nice and full for the first while, even though they are pretty puny right now.

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 So thrilled to see that my Japanese Maple trees are coming back and looking healthy. I forgot to cover them over the winter and apparently that's bad news. Oops! I'm relieved and learned my lesson.

The weather has been just fair this Spring in PEI. Actually, we nearly froze on Saturday, it felt like winter. The heat was back on in the house for a couple days last week. Kills me! Now we have rain in the forecast until the weekend. Makes it really hard to get yard work done and for things to get blooming. Patience I suppose... :)

Backyard Transformation - Part 2

I've shared the above photo before. Last summer we constructed a new deck and chose to forgo traditional stairs in favor of a long layered walkway from the lower deck to the upper deck. We loved the streamlined look and call it "the runway". I actually may be my favorite part about the whole project!

What I avoided showing in the photos the best I could, was the ugly walkway leading from the driveway to the back door. (Shocking that a blogger shows only the pretty stuff!?) It's broken, crooked and we hate it! Tossed around the idea of removing it but those pavers are thick! It would have been a big job and while an interlocking stone walkway would have been stunning, we are pretty thrifty and wanted to spend elsewhere.

What we ended up deciding to do is place a similar deck/walkway as we have on the other side - right on top! Steph got to work on it over the weekend and got it all framed.

He was able to get some of the boards on this week but there are still more to finish up. The fence is also getting redone and there will be shrubs planted along the fence line. It's getting there but we are getting several days of rain starting tonight so it may be on hold for a bit. I am so excited to have it all finished!

I love summer projects!

The Deck: Your questions answered.

Thanks for all your comments yesterday on my new blog design! It certainly feels like a breath of fresh air to have something new!

I've had a few emails about our backyard project that we tackled this summer. I've decided to answer them here in case others were wondering as well. If you missed the deck reveal, you can check it out here.

What color/brand of stain did you use?

We choose to use Sico translucent stain. It is an oil based product that has a semi-gloss finish so it almost gives the appearance of hardwood floors. It doesn't absorb water like a water-based stain so when it rains or when we spray the deck, the water beads up instead of absorbing. It's pricey at $85 a gallon but goes a long way since it doesn't soak into the wood. We did 2 coats. The floor/base of the deck is called Maple Bark and the walls are Oak Brown.

 
Why did you put up walls against the siding?
The walls were put up simply for aesthetic reasons. When you sat on the lower deck, it felt modern and zen-like. Then, you turned and looked at a wall of white siding... It just didn't seem to fit. Although a bit time consuming with all the cutting and spacing, we are thrilled with the result and feel it ties everything together. The pattern was then mimicked on the bottom of that deck as well. I'll admit, staining that part was a bit of a pain. We originally bought the dark stain for the whole deck and decided after doing just the walls that it was too dark for the whole thing. I ended up loving the two tone effect.

Where did you get the lights in the tree?

The lights are from Canadian Tire. They were meant for a patio umbrella but we just used them without the clips. They were $24.99 a pack and we used two sets. Much cheaper than anything we sourced online.

How much gravel and pea stone did you use?
A lot. Four tonnes of gravel and Five tonnes of pea stone. We had it delivered then moved and spread it all ourselves. I tell myself I'm strong because I'm a Crossfitter, but it was hard on the body. I couldn't even move the wheelbarrow without tipping it and spilling it everywhere. Yes. It happened a couple of times, much to Steph's dismay.

Where did you get the L-shaped chairs with the green seats?
Those were a random find at Canadian Tire. They were in the clearance area at the beginning of the summer. The picture on the box was faded from the sun so the wicker appeared blue. I guess that turned people off. I simply couldn't believe that that was the case so opened the box, only to discover they were brown and super cool. I felt like I was stealing them, they were so cheap! The stool was a Home Sense find.

Is it finished?

Probably not.. We'd love to add a fire pit, fix the walkway from the driveway, plant a few more shrubs, and fancy up some of the fence. Is any project ever finished? 

When's the deck party?

Yes, the most important question of all.. It's too bad that we are so quickly slipping into Fall. I was hoping for a warm September but it just may have to be next year! You're all welcome though.. anytime:)

Deck Reveal.

Well, it's finished. We started in the spring with a blank canvas and have transformed our backyard into a perfect little oasis.

 Let's look back at where we started. 

A small little deck off the back door was all we had. It quickly came down.

Then after days of removing sod, shoveling gravel, lots of wood, the deck was starting to take shape.

Stephane really worked hard to get the building done and I did as much to help as possible, including the staining at the end and the landscaping. We used two colors of stain, one for the deck and one for the deck walls. I really like the contrast.

Here is our finished product. 

  

My favorite parts are:

The tree lights in the evening.

The deck walls with the mirror.

 The "catwalk" stairs to the lower deck.

I'll be back later with some more details for you about the build. 

Hope you like it! We certainly are enjoying it.

Linking up to Serenity Now Weekend Bloggy Reading.

Stain and Vibrations.

It's official! After two afternoons of staining the walls of the deck and realizing I have many more to go... I loathe staining. Although, I'll admit it's looks pretty sharp! As you can tell, we added a few more pieces that need a coat of stain. Excuse the fuzzy iPhone photo, I'll post better ones when it is finished.

In other news, our street is getting a new sidewalk this week and my house is literally vibrating. A mirror seriously just fell off the wall! Just got back from a massage and poor Beaufort didn't hear me come in for all the noise! Sounds like a good day to escape to Charlottetown. 

Back soon!

The Power of Teak.

Over the weekend, I used linseed oil to give our patio set a perk up. I am now a firm believer in the power of teak. Stephane bought this set in 1996! That's 16 years ago and it turned out amazing. We have left it outside, even over the winter and neglected it the last few years but a quick coat of linseed and it's good as new.

Here it is before. It's grey and weathered. I actually didn't mind the aged patina but it really needed some tlc.

Here is the set now. If I had know it would turn out so well, I wouldn't have waited so long to get it done! I still need to give the chairs a second coat but they are fine for now!

While we're at it, I thought I'd share more photos of how the deck is coming along. The upper deck is still in progress so I'll share those another day. But for now, here is the lower/main portion.

Of course, Beaufort had to make an appearance. This is his happy place!

I'm very anxious for the plants and shrubs to grow. When I look back at photos from when we planted them, they certainly have but I want it to feel lush... next year or even the year after, I suppose. Patience!

We still want to plant a few trees as well. I'm thinking a dwarf Japanese Maple and some weeping pea shrubs. It will feel a bit more private and add to that lush feeling that I'm after. Again, patience, Jane.

The catwalk is my favorite part. The only thing I requested, when we started planning, were long steps that could be used for seating and laying in the sun. I'm not a fan of narrow steep steps. He came through on that request.. that's a long step! I love it.

We plan to work on the upper deck a little more this week so I'll be back to share it soon. 

Hope the sun is shining where you are!