We've Begun the Deck!

Over the weekend Mike started building the deck off the kitchen and living room. It is very exciting to see progress. Almost all the deck boards are on (some need to wait until the posts go up) and work has begun on the pergola which is going over the deck. The pergola will extend from the overhang out to a foot past the edge of the deck. There are some challenges to building it, including attaching to the house. And then the pergola has to built around a gutter that runs along the edge of the overhang. Mike is up to the challenge, though, and is making good progress after Labor Day weekend.

Here is a site that gives you a sample of some pergola designs. A pergola is basically a structure that provides some shelter and shade (not water-proof) for an outdoor area.

http://www.gardenstructure.com/page/custom_pergola_plans.html

We are also planning on adding a larger concrete landing and a pergola by our front entrance. This will coordinate the exterior and add a better transition into the house (plus give a nice spot to sit outside and observe activity in the driveway). When this happens, we're not sure, but it's in the plans. The back deck will not have a pergola. It will be nice to enjoy the views of the pond from the deck once it is finished.