Ah, the “alley.” This affectionate moniker perfectly captures the peculiar void of space that gracefully divides the original section of our home, standing proudly on the left, from its newer addition, which extends to the right. While we genuinely appreciate the foresight that preserved this gap – a decision that saved countless windows we would have lost had the structures been directly joined – it undeniably presents an architectural quirk, a slightly awkward interstitial space that has long puzzled us.
In its current incarnation, this peculiar alley plays host to an undeniably brief and exceedingly weathered balcony. From this precarious perch, one’s gaze is met with a rather uninspiring tableau: a dense patch of liriope, the humming presence of our outdoor AC unit, the bulky form of our oil tank, and a glimpse of the neighbor’s property. It’s a space that, despite its potential, feels entirely neglected and underutilized.
To be frank, this space has proven utterly useless to us. Its primary function, if one could even call it that, seems to be to provide a fleeting thrill of uncertainty, leaving anyone who dares step onto its crumbling boards to ponder the imminent question of when, not if, the decaying wood might finally succumb beneath their feet. Such an experience is hardly conducive to relaxation or enjoyment, solidifying our resolve that a significant transformation is not just desired, but imperative.
Some time ago, our minds began to churn with ideas for this overlooked area. One early concept involved transforming it into a charming walk-out path, complete with descending steps leading to a beautifully paver-ed area adorned with potted plants. However, upon deeper reflection, we recognized that this initial vision lacked genuine functionality. Beyond serving as a somewhat impractical spot for parking bikes or a mere thoroughfare, it wouldn’t offer much value. We already possess a fantastic patio that we painstakingly built on the opposing side of the house, which already fulfills those casual outdoor needs far more effectively. This realization sent us back to the drawing board, prompting a rigorous re-evaluation of how this space could truly serve our lifestyle. We focused on function, on something we would genuinely use and cherish, and through this process, a brilliant idea emerged: a dedicated deck for alfresco dining. We understand that this image, captured from the far end of the alley, might not immediately conjure visions of a grand dining space. Yet, its strategic location directly off the hallway adjacent to our kitchen makes it an incredibly appealing prospect. Imagine the ease of carrying plates, utensils, and glasses just a few steps, a stark contrast to the lengthy trek involving multiple sets of stairs to our existing patio.
Let there be no misunderstanding; our love for the existing patio remains undimmed. We frequently enjoy it for casual lounging, reading, hanging out, and even the occasional “rock-box-ing” session, often stepping out there almost daily. However, for the specific purpose of dining, we’ve only utilized it a mere two times since its completion, largely due to its inconvenient distance from the kitchen. This observation solidified our conviction: by constructing a spacious new deck in the alley, complete with an inviting dining table, and perhaps eventually adding a charming pergola adorned with swagged string lights, we believe we can transmute a significant structural oddity into a delightful, functional, and charming asset. Who wouldn’t covet an easily accessible outdoor dining space, mere steps from their kitchen?
The dimensions of this space are surprisingly generous, deceiving initial appearances. It spans nearly eight feet in width, making it only a fraction narrower than the entire den in our previous residence! It’s quite astonishing to recall that our former den measured a mere 8.5 feet wide. This contextualization truly highlights the ample potential residing within this often-overlooked alley. This isn’t just a sliver; it’s a legitimate opportunity for expansive outdoor living.
To aid in visualizing this ambitious transformation, we meticulously crafted a preliminary drawing in Photoshop. While this future deck won’t be a sprawling party platform designed for the entire neighborhood, it will comfortably accommodate a medium-sized outdoor dining set, perfectly suited for cherished family dinners and intimate gatherings. Its impressive length, estimated at 17 to 21 feet, will rival or even surpass many interior rooms in terms of footprint. This drawing, though rough in its execution, effectively conveys the overarching concept and immense potential: a dedicated outdoor haven for culinary enjoyment and social connection.
Furthermore, consider the current eyesore presented by the oil tank and AC unit, a prominent and unsightly view from the sliding door that accesses this space. One might naturally wonder why we wouldn’t simply relocate these cumbersome elements to improve the aesthetic. It’s a valid question that we’ve thoroughly explored.
However, relocating these vital components would be an undertaking of immense complexity and cost. Moving an oil-heat tank, for instance, is a monumental task involving stringent county regulations and significant logistical challenges. But here’s the ingenious solution: an elevated deck will, in fact, completely conceal them from view. By maintaining the existing height of the current small balcony – a decision we’ve made to ensure a seamless walk-out experience without cumbersome steps – the actual floor of the new deck (not merely the top of the railing, but the very surface upon which one stands) will rise to a level that effortlessly blocks these unsightly utilities. Allow us to humorously embody the future deck for a moment, demonstrating its visual impact.
Observe how effectively this elevated platform will obstruct the unappealing view, even before the addition of a railing, which will provide further, comprehensive concealment. We’re even contemplating an innovative design choice: incorporating a built-in planter box in lieu of a conventional railing at the far end of the deck. This planter would then be filled with vibrant greenery, not only enhancing the aesthetic appeal but also creating an additional screen against any lingering unpleasant views and offering a subtle layer of privacy from the neighbor’s house, which is currently somewhat visible through the surrounding woods. This thoughtful approach ensures both beauty and practicality.
Another profound reason for our excitement about developing this space with a new deck is its potential to bring a much-needed sense of coherence to our home’s somewhat unconventional shape. To truly grasp what we mean, let’s consider a rough floor plan of our house before any exterior work commenced. I’ve often struggled to find the perfect description for its unique outline; it’s akin to a very squat letter “T” with an extra “doohickey” – our bedroom – extending from its bottom side. Perhaps, if you squint a little, it resembles the number “4” flipped on its side? Whatever analogy resonates most with you, the core point remains: our home’s original footprint was characterized by two distinct areas of awkward, negative space. We successfully addressed one of these last year with the addition of our fenced-in patio. Now, this new deck project is poised to conquer the other empty sliver, imbuing our home’s overall footprint with a more natural, appealingly rectangular form. The transformation will be truly remarkable.
Do you see the impactful change? The addition of this deck will elegantly fill out that remaining awkward corner, creating a much more balanced and aesthetically pleasing foundation for our home. It’s about more than just a deck; it’s about optimizing our living space and enhancing our home’s curb appeal and overall functionality from the ground up.
So now, the exciting challenge lies in translating these promising sketches and visualizations into tangible reality. Unfortunately, this reality involves navigating the sometimes-arduous process of securing a permit from our county. While we remain hopeful that this administrative hurdle won’t prove overly cumbersome, we recognize that the project timeline might not align with the rapid pace we Petersiks typically prefer. The necessity of obtaining the permit and successfully passing two subsequent inspections will undoubtedly add layers of complexity and potential delays throughout the construction process. Nevertheless, we view this as an invaluable learning experience – after all, we’ve never built a deck from scratch before! We are fully committed to documenting and sharing the entire step-by-step journey with all of you, in real-time as we progress. Naturally, we’ll also provide a comprehensive breakdown of the associated costs, the total hours invested, and all other pertinent details to keep you informed. In the interim, preparatory steps are well underway: we’ve already placed a crucial call to Miss Utility to ensure no underground lines will pose problems during excavation, and, of course, the space itself requires thorough clearing of all existing bushes, weeds, and liriope. Concurrently, we are diligently compiling a precise material list and finalizing the detailed sketches required for our permit application. Our anticipation for getting this “deck train” officially moving is immense!
We’re eager to hear from our wonderful community: Does anyone else harbor grand plans – or perhaps vivid dreams – of adding a new outdoor living space to their property? Is it a spacious deck, a cozy patio, a refreshing pool, or perhaps an elegant gazebo? Furthermore, do any seasoned builders out there have words of decking wisdom or invaluable advice to impart? We would genuinely love to hear from anyone who has embarked on the rewarding journey of building their own deck. My own father successfully completed such a project, and he assures us it’s “not too bad…” – a sentiment we hope to echo upon completion of our own outdoor oasis.