Summer Deck Refresh

Summer Deck Refresh

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After painting the fence, we just couldn't live with the deck the way it was... All I could see was RED!

You've got to see how the fence turned out! It went from old and icky to revived and gorgeous! Painting A Fence

Before we get started, let me welcome you to a week long of Summer Home Tours! This year I've joined with 25+ other bloggers to share our homes with you all. My friend, Marty from A Stroll Thru Life , hosts this beautiful Summer Home Tour. If you are visiting from Thrifty and Chic, welcome! Alicia has been blogging for many years and has a wonderful eye for decor. If you haven't seen her home tour, definitely click over and check it out!!

At the end of this post you will find the entire week's schedule of homes with links to each one. 

Let's dive in! Like I said there was no way this deck could stay red for long, after painting the fence that gorgeous Arrowhead color! (You can see some of the fence painted in the background.)

Deck Before

Deck Before view 2

When we first moved in the deck was in terrible shape! Lots of scrubbing and cleaning!

Deck mold in June 2021

So while I was painting the fence, Hubby decided to start cleaning the deck. The deck was in pretty rough shape. There was still some mold and mildew. 

Mold & mildew on deck

Hubby cleaning deck

Before we stained the deck, we decided to paint the rail and balusters. We had plenty of paint left over from the fence, so it made sense to paint them the same color, Valspar Arrowhead. I didn't want to get out the big paint sprayer we used for the fence, so we invested in a Graco TrueCoat 360 Variable Speed Paint Sprayer. This was perfect for this little job. I am hooked. I will use this on so many other projects in the future.

Spray painting rails and balusters

Deck rails and balusters painted

I'm so glad we painted the skirting. That was such an eye sore, now it just disappears. 😊 Let's start rolling. We used Valspar Exterior Solid Wood Stain and Sealer in the color Sleepy Kitten. What a difference!

Painting upper deck

Upper Deck painted

Painting the deck

This solid stain did such a great job covering with one coat. Time will tell, but it seems to have bonded well to the deck. We only did one coat, so we may add another one next year.

Deck Painted

Wow! The power of paint! It literally looks like a new deck! There was one board that was completely rotted through. We did replace that. I'll have to wait a month or so to paint it, since it will be treated wood.

Our deck has an odd stepped down section. We have no idea why the previous owners did this. But to help people see it and not trip, I painted 'caution' stripes as a warning.

Painted caution stripes on deck step

Now for the fun part! I had 5 window boxes that I filled with herbs and flowers. I can't wait for them to grow and bloom. The two urns, I spray painted with my favorite spray paint! Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch 2X Ultra Cover in Flat Black

Adding window boxes on railings

When we moved in the previous owner left several square planters, that were all the red terracotta color. Nope, no more red for me! I spray painted them too! I usually spray them with primer first. Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch 2X Ultra Cover Primer If you don't have one of the comfort grip triggers, you are missing out! I love mine! It makes spray painting a breeze!

Spray painting planters

Once the planters were painted, I purchased some flowers that would help keep bugs away like lavender and rosemary. I also decided to pick up some perennials that I could add to our yard this fall. I think the daisies and salvia will be a good start.

Planters on the deck

Planter painted and filled with flowers

I also "planted" some faux arborvitae in the urns. I've had these since 2017. They have always been outside and have held up exceptionally!

faux arborvitae

All of these plants and flowers will make this space feel like we're in a garden oasis. 💗

One of the last projects we did, was add flagstone steps off the deck. It just seemed so natural to put them there. It was a nice use of the flagstones we have all over the yard. 

Deck flagstone steps

Our deck has a few hours of sun in the late morning and early afternoon.

Deck Refresh - view from yard

Deck Refresh - sunny view

Deck Refresh - view from upper deck

The rest of the afternoon and evening is in glorious shade from our beautiful Japanese Maple tree.

Deck Refresh - shade from tree

Deck Refresh - shade from tree 2

To spruce up the table and chairs, I added a table runner with a few lanterns and decor. A few pillows also freshen up the space.

Deck refresh - decor

We put up our outdoor cafe lights, the first year we moved in. They add such a fun mood to our deck. Now, we get to enjoy this space for the rest of summer and years to come!

Summer Deck Refresh finished - enjoying

Blessings,
Lori

UPDATE!! I just had to share!!

Updated lights & deck plants

The planter boxes along the deck railing have just blossomed! They are so pretty and full now. Also, we decided to replace our outdoor lights with something a bit more us and more modern. We love them and they will really pop once we paint the house! We picked the lights up on Amazon for a steal! $37.99 for two! Here's the link. Outdoor Light Fixtures

Don't forget to check out who's next, Laura from Adore To Decor! You don't want to miss her beautiful home and style!

Click on any line below to catch up or see any tour.

Monday - June 5th

A Stroll Thru Life - Simply2Moms - Our Southern Home - The Tattered Pew - Whispering Pines Homestead

Tuesday - June 6th

Eleanor Rose Home - The House of Silverado - Calypso In The Country - StoneGable - My Wee Abode - Southern Home and Hospitality

Wednesday - June 7th

Worthing Court - Thrifty and Chic - The Stonybrook House - Decor To Adore - Chalking Up Success - She Gave It A Go

Thursday - June 8th

Shiplap and Shells - Pasha is Home - DIY Beautify - CitrineLiving - Thistle Key Lane - Country Road 407

Friday - June 9th

White Arrows Home - It All Started With Paint - Southern Crush at Home - Amy Sadler Designs












30 comments

  1. What an amazing transformation!!! I’m also not a fan of that cedar red and the new paint and stain have brought this deck up-to-date! Love that you even gave the planters a facelift! This was a lot of work, but you’ll enjoy it all summer and beyond!

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    1. Thanks so much, Doreen! Yes, a ton of work, but sooo worth it! :)

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  2. Hey Lori,

    I am so inspired by your fabulous summer deck refresh! It is an honor to join you on this blog hop tour.

    Here's to celebrating the beautiful season!

    Cheers,
    Brendt

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  3. What an amazing transformation. I can't even believe it is the same deck. The color palette is so much more pleasing. It is a joy to be on tour with you.

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    1. It really is amazing! Every time I look out there! Thank you!

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  4. Oh wow, that is an amazing transformation. I love how your deck and yard have turned out. Such a beautiful spot to sit and enjoy outdoors. Your color scheme of gray and white looks perfect with your brick home. Truly changed everything. I also really love your flower selection and the planters looks so pretty. You two have transformed that house into such a beautiful place. Thanks so much for joining the tour again this season. I love seeing what you are up to next.

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  5. Wowza, your hard work paid off! It looks fantastic and what a fun place to be. Love the large tree and all the extra planters and color you've surrounded yourself with. I'd love to see it at night with the lights on sometime. Happy Summer!

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    1. Hi Cindy! It has been a ton of work, but sooo worth it! Thanks for stopping by!

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  6. What a stunning transformation, wow!! The new color is so perfect and I just love that full view of your yard - it's gorgeous! Love the new planter color also! You must just adore being out here. Nothing like gorgeous summer days spent lingering outside! Happy summer! xo

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    1. Thanks, Tamara! We are sooo looking forward to all of our summer nights!

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  7. Wow! That was a lot of work for you but boy was it worth it! Your outside area looks fantastic, I love the color your chose for the decking too! Great idea to paint the flower containers, I have some that could do with a makeover so thanks for the tips. (Pinning so I can come back to read how you did that). Hope you spend many beautiful summer evenings enjoying the fruits of your labor! Happy summer!

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  8. Sorry forgot to add my name to that comment - oops

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  9. That transformation is amazing!! Your deck looks stunning and is decorated so perfectly for summer, I love it!! I'd sit out there all day if I could!! Happy Wednesday friend!

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    1. Thank you, AnnMarie! We are enjoying the deck so much!

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  10. Wow! It really does look like a new deck! Such a great transformation and now you can enjoy it all summer! I also love the greenery and how you decorated! Great touring with you again!
    Shelley

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    1. Hi Shelley! Thank you! We definitely are looking forward to warmer evenings on the deck!

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  11. Loved reading about your outdoor makeover, Lori. Yes, paint DOES make such a difference. And what a nice gift for the former owners to leave you those lovely containers! Those aren't cheap! ;-) Fun touring with you!

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    1. Hi Julie! Yes, the power of paint! I know! I'm just glad to be reusing as much as we can!

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  12. Looks like all your hard work has paid off, and now you have a gorgeous deck to enjoy! I love the color!

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  13. Lori ~ Wow! What a great before and after! I love it! So fun doing this summer blog hop with you! Let's do it again soon!

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  14. I can't believe what a difference your paint job made. It looks so fresh along with your planters. The bistro lights are the perfect touch. All your hard work definitely paid off.

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    1. Thank you, Kim! Now to enjoy it all summer long!! For years to come!

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  15. Wow - what a difference paint makes Lori!! It's a whole new space and looks so much cooler and relaxing. Wonderful job!

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    1. Thanks so much, Kate! We are thoroughly enjoying it! :)

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