DIY Network

Curb Appeal for a Cottage From "Desperate Landscapes" episode DDSL-305

DIY Network's Jason Cameron and the Desperate Landscapes crew head to the beach where Kim Rogers' beach cottage is all shabby and no chic. In a neighborhood of teardowns near the beach, she is struggling to keep her cottage from being swallowed up by "McMansions." While the neighbors love her fighting spirit, they hate her landscape. Jason helps Kim realize that potential by building a fence, staining a deck, painting the house and so much more.

Before: Zero curb appeal makes for an unwelcoming beach cottage.

After: Colorful plantings, a spiffed-up porch and a beautiful new fence transform this vacation retreat.

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	Figure A
	Figure B

Repairing and staining a deck

The biggest obstacle to repairing the deck: a tree is growing up through one of the steps on the deck. Jason cuts the tree down with a chain saw (figure A), then replaces the step, using pressure-treated board. He attaches the board with deck screws, which are less likely than nails to loosen over time.

Jason and his crew also use an environmentally-friendly stain to protect the wood against water, UV rays and fungus — without harming the environment. Using rollers with 3/4" nap, the crew applies the stain and allows it to cure for 24 hours. (The stain dries to the touch in two to four hours.)

Tip: You'll know it's time to apply a new coat of stain if you sprinkle water on the deck and the water is absorbed into the wood.

Dressed in its new stain and flanked by beautiful but low-maintenance trees and shrubs, the porch promises plenty of pleasant vacation days ahead (figure B).

Jason also fences off the back- and side yards and creates a beautiful gate that will be a focal point. Get tips on building a gate.

environmentally-friendly stain - Defy Epoxy Fortified Wood Stain - SaverSystems

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