A DIY deck makeover reveal with some backyard deck ideas for your own outdoor living area…
Stick a fork in it (or a patio umbrella) it’s DONE. The deck is done. Well done, I’d say. Especially if you recall where we started this adventure.
If you weren’t hanging around us back then, here’s a little refresher. This was our old wood deck. It is big, and it in pretty bad disrepair.
Before we get too far into the GAZILLION images of this space that follow, for those of you looking for sources in this space, here you go:
 Sources for our Backyard Deck Ideas
- Cabot Solid Acrylic Deck Stain {Seacoast Gray (decking), White (trim)}
- “Rug” stencil “Perfect Catch”
- Porch/Patio Paint for “rug”, Clark & Kensington “Heirloom China”
- Heavy Duty Paint Sprayer
- Buffalo Check Curtain/Pillow Fabric
- State flag for throw pillows
- String Lights
- Outdoor Pendant Light kits for Oyster/Coffee can chandelier
- Outdoor Patio Umbrella
- Home State Pillows
- Antique Pepsi cooler
- Vintage crab bushel
- Vintage oyster tins
- Outdoor-rated table tennis table
We started this project off with some major clean up and prep work that included replacing a few rotten boards, a bit of sanding here and there, and then a thorough cleaning with an outdoor bleach product.
If you didn’t see all the mildew and grime on this deck initially, go check out that post.
That deck washer was super useful since it kept us from having to scrub the deck on hands and knees…plus, we used it to clean the siding…bonus!
After removing the old railings and posts, the deck already looked way more open and inviting. For all those safety captains out there…fear not.
This deck, even without the rails is to code (it is less than 2′ off the ground), and once we save some more money we plan to install a perimeter step.
But for now, it’s sans railings. I love the openness. And even my three-year old can step right off the side without problem. Re-staining the deck though was what really brought it back to life.
We researched a lot of options for deck stain, and landed on Cabot’s solid acrylic deck stain.
We chose to go with Cabot’s Seacoast Gray for the decking, and white for the trim. The last time we took on a deck staining project, it took F.O.R.E.V.E.R. because we used brushes and rollers.
This time, we were smart, and got a sprayer.
We used this paint sprayer. I can’t say enough good things about this sprayer. It cut the time needed for this project down by probably 75-80%.
What a difference, right?! And the coverage on that stain is amazing. As you could see, the deck was a very strong red color before. We honestly didn’t need more than one coat of stain.
I couldn’t believe it, because we’ve painted over red on interior walls before, and it typically takes 3 coats…even with the best brands of paint. So one coat was amazing. One more look at that before…
And now…
To be completely honest with you, I was very overwhelmed when I started this project. I LOVE to decorate interiors.
But I had NEVER tackled an exterior project before. It was daunting for me. But luckily the backyard deck ideas started flowing.
What made it more daunting was that we didn’t have a big budget.
So I treated it kind of the same way I’ve always worked on my interior spaces. I thrifted, and I DIY’d my way through it.
For now, we’re using our old outdoor coffee table for a bar area. Complete with a vintage Pepsi-Cola ice chest/cooler I found roadside a while back, and a big ol’ vintage crab bushel for waste.
I tried to break the larger deck down into smaller, workable spaces that I could design around, rather than tackling the space as a whole.
Over by the grill, that we have situated right off of the kitchen door, we have a little seating area.
We used patio furniture I’ve been lugging around since college, a chiminea my brother brought back from his days living in Texas, and I spruced it up with some fun accents.
The dining area is my favorite part of the deck. It’s in the middle of the deck, where we built the pergola.
We DIY’d an outdoor chandelier using some outdoor pendant kits and vintage oyster cans, which you can find on eBay! I also threw in a couple of old coffee cans that I was able to save from my grandfather’s garage.
My Dad thought I was nuts for pulling these out of there, but I’m so in love with this light fixture now.
Not only because I think it’s super unique, but mostly because there is some special meaning behind it.
We did a tutorial on our tin can chandelier, affectionately called our “candelier”. Check it out HERE.
The hubs and I both come from rather large families, so when figuring out a plan for our outdoor table, we had two requirements:
1. It had to be LARGE
2. It had to be INEXPENSIVE
Our solution? This was another one of my fave, unique backyard deck ideas. A tad unconventional, perhaps…
We bought an inexpensive ping pong table topper from eBay and tried to polyurethane it to make it safe for outdoor use. It didn’t work. That thing bubbled up and took in water like a drinking straw.
At some point when we’re financially able, we’ll sink some money into a real outdoor grade table tennis table, but for now, despite the blemishes, and slightly uneven surface, this one will suit us just fine.
We cover it at night with a tarp to try and keep it from getting too much worse. Sometimes you have to just try something and fall on your tush, you know?
*Update: We bought an outdoor grade ping pong table in 2016, and have had it now going on 7 years. It has held up AMAZINGLY well, and is super easy to fold up when not in use, and fold down whenever we want to use it to eat or play table tennis!
I highly recommend the model we bought!
I really love the concept of having this ping pong table out here. Not only is it functional as an outdoor table (the net removes when we want to eat at the table), but it’s SO quirky and FUN!
And we take table tennis, AND fun seriously around here. Just ask this guy…
Over on the other side of the deck is where we have our outdoor living area.
We used our patio furniture that we’ve had for years, and just added a few key touches to the mix.
Most importantly, our SUPER FUN outdoor firepit table that has built-in seating underneath.
There are four pie-slice shaped stools that conveniently tuck under the table that can be pulled out for extra seating or a little more table space.
PLUS, this one has room to sit a plate, or a wine glass around the perimeter of the firepit. Clutch. Sadly, I don’t think this particular model is manufactured anymore.
I’m not the “lounging” type, but if I were, I know this would be the perfect spot.
The pillows we got from an awesome Etsy shop with our home states of Virginia and Maryland highlighted have so much personality!
They make the space really homey and comfortable.
Here’s a close-up shot of the Maryland pillow…
Awesome, no?!
Need more backyard deck ideas? Did you notice our stenciled outdoor “rugs”??
This is a geometric stencil called “Perfect Catch”.
You can check out the tutorial here for the DIY outdoor painted rug.
I’m not gonna lie, it took some time to do this, but I love the results. I’ve always liked the look of outdoor rugs, but the reality for me, at least, is that they end up a mildewy, disgusting mess unless you take them inside and haul them back outside when you want to use them.
I didn’t want that kind of commitment to a rug, so a stenciled-faux-outdoor rug was our solution.
They add some color, and pattern, and help break up the larger spaces into more manageable and cozy areas. That patio umbrella? It’s from Overstock.com and was on sale for UNDER $100!!
That’s a phenomenal price for a 10′ offset, tilting umbrella based on all the pricing I did, so we were pretty excited about that.
My favorite time in this space is definitely the evening.
We’ve strung a bunch of outdoor patio lights, and they give off such a warm glow.
I can’t even get over the difference now on our wood deck. Before, I really didn’t even want to come out here. Every time I walked past my kitchen window, I wanted to duck and cover. But now,
We’ve got a functional, beautiful deck with cover!Â
On the hunt for more simple home improvement ideas, and DIY home decorating inspiration? Be sure to check out these articles, too!
Jolena says
Nice job! I love the painted rug idea for outdoors.
Laura Pawlak says
Hi, did you ever put up a detailed post on the pergola? Very interested in that!
In the mean time I am painting my umbrella, ella, ella, ella today! I tried spray paint first. It looked ok, but open under the sun it was too splotchy. So I am slapping it on with a roller today! Thanks so much!
Heather says
How’d your umbrella turn out?? And yes! Posting that pergola tutorial this summer 🙂
Kim Anderson says
When will the pergola tutorial come out?
Heather says
Actually, it will be published on Remodelaholic first, in a couple of weeks! If you follow on facebook, I’ll be announcing it as soon as I get word it goes live Kim 🙂
Karen says
Hi Heather, I have been a subscriber for quite a while so I don’t know how I missed this deck makeover, but it is fantastic! We had a smaller version of your orange deck and painted over it with SW kind of a dark brown/grey for the floor and a lighter taupe for the rails. I too am so sick of the railing. I keep telly the husband we need to open it up; however, our grown slopes down on one end so it might be too high to go without rails on that end. I so want to do this though and the pergola….just what I had in mind too. I wish out deck was big enough to have the separate rooms that you have created. So cozy. Anyway, my question: Did you cover your stencil with any kind of clear lacquer or sealer? We have wrought iron furniture and I see chairs being pulled in and out and scratching it all up. How has it been holding up? Do you move your furniture around on the stenciled part? Thanks. Love it!!
Heather says
Hi Karen!!! Thanks so much 🙂 Yes, we are lucky we could get rid of those railings. It made a HUGE difference. So, I didn’t cover the rugs with anything. It’s just the paint. We DID put some protector pads on the bottom of our furniture legs though so those wouldn’t scuff up the paint. It’s only been a year, but the rugs are holding up GREAT. I’m happily surprised, actually!!
Darrel says
Heather your deck is really beautiful without the railings and I love the white paint you painted it with
Heather says
Thanks so much!!
Kari says
I came over from Hometalk to check out your can chandelier – I have some old tin pails that need a purpose and this looks perfect for them! So I stopped to gawk at your deck – I cannot believe the difference you made with one coat went from red to grey – that sounds like amazing stain to do that job in only 1 coat! So many loves here – the multipurpose ping pong table idea, the painted rug, the fire table is brilliant for a deck with the bonus of the benches. The red and white drapes are so cheery – how well did that fabric do outdoors this yr? How wide out from your house is your deck? Is it about 16 ft? I am adding on a deck this spring and want to cover half with a pergola as you have done – this looks so great!
Heather says
So kind of you Kari! Yes, those dimensions are about right…16′. And yes, the stain was unbelievable. I wouldn’t have believed the white could have covered that red in one coat. Thanks so much for visiting!!!
Jessica says
Amazing! PLEASE share how you made that wonderful outdoor chandelier!!! I MUST make it for our new place, LOVE it!!!
Heather says
Of course!! Here’s a link to the full tutorial 🙂 https://heatherednest.com/2015/11/diy-tin-can-outdoor-lighting-tutorial.html
AJ says
LOVE your big reveal! The painted rugs and the pillows are my faves! You and your brood make it feel like Chateau Thibodeau! Well Done yet AGAIN my friend!
Tulu says
What a great space!! I love outdoor spaces! You did such a great job. It looks beautiful and inviting and fun! Now I’ve gotta make sure we have a deck in our next house 🙂
Heather says
Thank you so very much! I’m glad we have outdoor space we will actually use now!!
Pamela Smith says
Wow! What an amazing make-over! This is a fabulous space. I love so much about it! The stenciled floors, the curtains, the ping-pong table…Wonderful! Thanks so much for sharing it with us!
Michele @ Our Rosey Life says
Heather,
BRAVO to you and your husband!!! You did an amazing job on your deck. I love how you’ve created several different “spaces” on your deck. I wish we could get rid of the rails on our deck, because it looks so open and doesn’t block your view. Our deck is 8ft off the ground, that just wouldn’t work for us. Although my kids have asked for a slide off the deck. Congrats again and LOVE your deck!
Heather says
Thanks so much Michele! Yeah, 8′ would probably be a bit risky…I’m getting flack about 2′ 😉 But I think the slide idea could be a winner for sure!!!
Becky says
Lovely job! Everything looks so nice. Lots of great ideas here.
Lori from LL Farm says
It’s all so pretty…like adding another room to your home. (now following)
– Lori
Marie says
While I like some of it, I would have stairs going down from the rug area. I would add railings in certain areas. I adore how you did the rug and the canopy over it. Firepit area is gorgeous.
Steph @ The Silly Pearl says
Such a gorgeous deck! My favorite part has to be the stenciled rugs! But I love it all.Thank you for the inspiration!
Cyndi says
Beautiful make-over!
We have a similar deck on a much smaller scale. Do you have critters making homes under your deck and has anyone fallen off the deck since there are no railings?
Thank you
Heather says
Nope, no tragedies yet Cyndi 🙂 I can step right off the side into the yard without trouble. Eventually, when money allows, we will build a step along the whole perimeter, but for now, it’s open and we love it, and don’t feel worried about the lack of railings even one teensy tiny bit, to be honest. No critters either, although that’s a possibility under any deck, I suppose.
Margi says
I love painted wood decks and porches, even steps. My husband was totally against a wooden porch when we built our cape cod. Even now I would love to be able to paint or stencil the concrete to look like wood, but time and resources just don’t allow.
Our deck (12×40) is very worn from the southern sun exposure (which is what we wanted when we bought the land). I am wanting to clean it, sand down the ones that can be sanded, replace the planks that need to be replaced, and paint it with something like you have done. But again, time and resources.
Any ideas would be welcome.
Kim says
Great job, Heather! Love all the cute unique ideas like the lights and the table. Great price on that huge umbrella!
Enjoy your new space!!
Heather Metzler says
The rug. The ping pong table. The fire pit. The view. Seriously. It’s ALL amazing!
Heather says
THANKS Heather! Bring your boys over…they can have a ping pong tournament and go get lost in the cornfield while we have a glass of vino!
Karen says
So beautiful Heather! And your styling is gorgeous as always. It really makes your house look bigger!
BTW, the photos MMS took in your house are sick! You must be so excited!
Karen
Heather says
I know Karen…she’s massively talented. The images that actually made the magazine are even more amazing. We are excited for sure 🙂 Hope all is well “up on the hill” 🙂
Kim Roy says
THAT ‘RUG’ IS AWESOME!! Seriously, love all of it. Like that you left the perimeter railings off too. xoxo
Heather says
Thanks Kimila 🙂 Can always count on you for a sweet compliment 😉
Patty says
Your deck is absolutely beautiful. I may be using that phone number because I am so tired of painting our very small front porch that I am going to sand it down and try to stain it. I am also going to do a stenciled rug too. Our porch is approximately 1/16 of your deck so I hope it won’t be too hard. I don’t know why but I didn’t remember that you were in Maryland. My hubby is from Baltimore but we truthfully don’t go back anymore. My youngest just came home from Ocean City yesterday.
Leigh Anne says
Wow Heather, this is spectacular!!! I can’t even imagine the time and work that went into this but rest assured it was WORTH IT!! I especially love the nigh time view with all of the lights giving off a warm glow. Oh I so want to come visit you and drink hot cocoa with a blanket on this deck!! *swoon*
Heather says
Do it!! You’re not too far away!!
Emily @ Table & Hearth says
Heather!!! It’s amaaaaazing! I think we all need to come up there and do some serious gabbing around that fire 🙂
Carrie S. says
Another amazing transformation!!! We very much have a smaller version of the “before” deck – I am really inspired to try the stain and some creative ways to dress up our gloomy deck. I love it!!!
Heather says
Thanks Carrie! Is yours red too?? I couldn’t believe how well the stain did covering it. You are welcome to come see ours anytime 😉
Carol Frazier says
I love everything about your deck! Can you give me some info on how you made the lattice cover? It would be great for our gazebo!
Thank you,
Carol F
Heather says
Hey Carol!! I need to post a tutorial on that process at some point, but we just used 8′ sections of lattice, and secured them to the top of our pergola, across the joists. On top of that, we used the pneumatic stapler to staple down screening material for more protection from sun, bugs, what-have-you.
Carol Frazier says
Heather,
Thanks so much for the info! I am going to see if I can have this done.
Thank you again,
Carol F