The Project A tired old deck doesn't always have to be rebuilt or demolished -- with a little work and creativity, it can be reborn! In this episode, host Mayita Dinos provides a close-up look at a start-to-finish deck revival with truly stunning results. And get ready for more amazing transformations: this project is just the first of 13 Weekend Landscape episodes featuring a host of dramatic upgrades to one potential-packed property, transforming it from an ordinary yard into outdoor living space. (Best of all, each project is designed to fit neatly into a single weekend and requires only basic to intermediate-level skills to complete.) The History Since this house recently underwent an extensive exterior makeover, it's now in need of a landscape design that will do the same for its mundane yard. Figure A shows a digital image of the house as it appears before our project. Using computer design software, Dinos enhances the picture with images of steps and plantings to create a beautiful and realistic preview of the final results (figure B). With the plan in place, it's time to get started! Planning and Preparation When properly maintained, a deck can be a wonderful asset to a home's exterior. If not, however, it becomes a liability to the property's appearance. "Dressing it up" -- a quick and affordable solution -- adds value and impact to the yard. Intermediate do-it-yourselfers will find this project to be relatively easy to complete. On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the most difficult, the project is rated a 2 and takes about 18 hours to complete. Aside from making sure to have all materials (figure C) on hand before starting, no prep work is required for this project. Materials: Computer design software and digital image of home (optional)
8 terra-cotta planters
2 vine pots
Potting soil
Planting material*
Compost
Pine bark
Mulch
Deck stain (or porch paint and primer)
Roller brush
Bucket and screen
6 stone pavers of the desired shape and color
Hose or water-filled watering can *The featured plants are selected to suit the designated region (the Northeast, figure D) and include hedges and flowering trees, which are accented with foundation plants (figure E) and container plants (figure F). Plant varieties should always be selected based on their compatibility with the climate where they're located. Designing and Building the Steps In this landscape plan, the main goal is to relocate the home's primary entrance from the side to the front, where the deck is located. In doing this, the design will be geared to making the entrance both prominent and dramatic. The first step in achieving this goal will be add a nice, wide set of stairs. The question is, how wide? By experimenting with various widths on the digital image, it's evident that a narrow set of stairs (3' wide) looks out of proportion with the size of the deck and does nothing to add emphasis or drama to the entrance. The final width set for the two steps is 6', which equals 1/3 of the deck's 18' length, a ratio of classical proportions. To further dress up the deck and provide definition and enclosure, hedges will be added along each side of the deck. Note: While actual railings are omitted in this design, many areas of the country require them on decks with a height of 18" or more. Particularly if you live in an area where winters are icy, railings are recommended; check local ordinances for specific code requirements. The two steps are constructed with a simple "box" design using 2x6 boards (figure G). The tread depth is 12", while the riser height is 7" (figure H). Centered directly in front of the front door, the steps will offer a grand welcome and provide extra seating when the homeowners entertain on the deck. (The generous width will also allow potted plants to be placed along the edges.) Applying the Stain Once the steps are complete, it's time to stain! An extended-handle roller is used to apply deck stain first to the deck itself (figure I), then to the new steps. Note: The deck's surface must be entirely clean and dry before any product is applied. After cleaning or rainfall, the deck should be allowed to dry for two to four days. Otherwise the product's application will be hindered. The deck stain featured here is actually an opaque variety, which functions more like a paint than a stain, completely covering the grain of the wood. Its light-taupe color will reflect -- not absorb -- heat, which will help prevent the deck's surface from becoming excessively hot in high temperatures. Tip: Color consideration is especially important in warmer climates, where heat absorption can cause the deck to become uncomfortable for bare feet. If the desired color isn't available in a deck stain, porch paint may be substituted in its place, but it must be preceded by a coat of primer. Most deck stains have a built-in sealer, but these usually aren't as durable as separately applied sealers. Particularly in harsher climates, a separate sealer should be applied over the deck stain. Adding Pavers To prevent a trench from forming at the base of the steps due to rainwater runoff, two rows of three stone pavers are placed along the edge of the lower step (figure J). After the pavers have been laid in place (making sure they're centered), a spade is used to mark an outline around their perimeter (figure K) so the area can be dug out to a depth of 2" to 4". Once the area is outlined, remove the pavers and dig out the space to a depth that will allow the surface of the pavers to be even with the surface of the grass. Tip: For easier leveling later, the area may be dug slightly deeper than the thickness of the pavers and lined with a layer of sand. Replace the pavers in the dug-out area and check to make sure they're level (figure L). Make any necessary adjustment to the underlying soil (or sand) until each square is perfect. This will prevent the pavers' tipping when stepped on or causing someone to trip over an uneven edge. "Water in" the pavers with a light spray or rinse from a hose or watering can to help settle them in place. Time elapsed: 4 hours.
RESOURCES :
Plants from Monrovia Growers
Monrovia Growers
Website: www.monrovia.com
La Jolla Landscape Pavers from Mega Bergerac
3 1/2" high x 14 1/2" square
Belgard
Fontana, CA 92337
Phone: n/a
Website: www.belgardhardscapes.com
GUESTS :
Ken Short
Perennial Productions
4661 Palmero Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90065
Phone: 323-550-8900
Fax: 323-550-8989
Email: perennial@earthlink.net
Art Director
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