How To Create a Relaxing Deck

I start out every Spring/Summer with a list of projects that need to be done before fall.  And this year was no different…my big summer project was to paint the house.

Then my plans got broadsided by a family of raccoons and I had to change my priorities. For those of you who do not know, Toronto is inundated by these destructive beasts. I guess it was inevitable that they would eventually recognize weak spots in my old deck and decide to take up residence underneath. They smell bad, make noise, are fearless, get into everything, can damage roofs…you get the picture­­…they are very unwelcome roommates!

If you want more information on raccoons and how to deal with them, torontowildlifecentre.com has quite a few good articles.

I consulted a pest control company and learned that the only way to evict the critters was to demolish the existing deck.

Then dig a 1 foot deep trench around the outside edge of the new deck, pour concrete to keep the raccoons out and extend wire mesh beyond that.

Then construct a new low-to-the-ground deck or stone patio.  Luckily, a contractor friend just happened to have a gap in his schedule, with crew standing idle, so it was out with the old and in with the new all within the hottest week of August.

After all that was done, I was finally able to create a relaxing deck.  Read on to find out how.