Transforming Calderwood Cottage: Our Journey to Building a Massive Outdoor Oasis

At Calderwood Cottage, our vision has always been to create a home that blends rustic charm with modern functionality, maximizing both indoor comfort and outdoor enjoyment. This pursuit led us to embark on an ambitious project: constructing a sprawling, durable wood deck. We proudly partnered with Wood, Naturally, an organization dedicated to promoting the many benefits and uses of wood, to bring this grand outdoor living space to life. What began as phase two of a larger renovation quickly evolved into an epic undertaking, demanding more effort and resilience than initially anticipated. Yet, looking back at the stunning transformation, every challenge was unequivocally worth it. This expansive deck not only visually enlarges Calderwood Cottage but also provides an invaluable additional area for relaxation, outdoor dining, and hosting unforgettable gatherings.

Battling the Elements: Unexpected Weather Challenges

Our journey to build this magnificent deck began under relatively mild conditions, with several days spent working comfortably in shorts. However, Mother Nature had a dramatic plot twist in store. Overnight, the temperature plummeted by an astonishing 40 degrees, ushering in a relentless spell of cold, wet, and thoroughly miserable weather that persisted for days. The ground transformed into a quagmire, making every step a struggle and every task exponentially harder. The biting wind and ceaseless rain tested our resolve, slowing our progress and chilling us to the bone. Despite the adverse conditions, our determination never wavered. We might have been delayed, but we were certainly not defeated. This unexpected turn of weather served as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of outdoor construction projects and the importance of adaptability.

The Power of Community: Friends and Family Lend a Hand

Large-scale DIY projects like building a deck are rarely solitary endeavors, and we were incredibly fortunate to have a strong network of friends and family ready to pitch in. Our dear friend Chantelle arrived just when we needed her most, dedicating several days to help us navigate the challenging conditions. She came prepared, armed with a complete set of rain gear, humorously labeled “one size fits all” (which, in reality, meant XXL!). We gratefully donned the oversized protective layers, appreciating every bit of extra defense against the icy rain and wind.

Chantelle’s impeccable timing proved invaluable. There was absolutely no way Julie and I could have maneuvered the colossal 26-foot-long laminated double 2×10 beams into position by ourselves. These structural behemoths, crucial for the deck’s foundation, were heavy and unwieldy. Even with three of us, it was a Herculean effort. The thick, clinging mud added another layer of difficulty, increasing the weight of our shoes by an estimated 20 pounds each step. I vividly remember losing one of my boots entirely to the mud’s suction while attempting to carry a beam across the site. Such moments underscore the sheer physical demands and unexpected hurdles of large-scale construction, and how much difference a helping hand can make.

One beam successfully in place marked a small victory, but the battle was far from over.

In the throes of a sleet storm, we managed to set the second beam. The relentless cold and fatigue then drove us indoors. Huddled together, we sought not just warmth, but also a chance to regroup and critically reevaluate our approach and project goals. This pivotal moment highlighted the essential need for flexibility in construction planning.

Embracing Flexibility: A Necessary Change of Plans

Our reevaluation session led to a crucial decision: to simplify some of the more elaborate design elements we had initially envisioned. Considering the extremely challenging working conditions, we decided to forego the planned level changes and curved sections. Our primary goal shifted from achieving intricate aesthetics to completing the deck sometime this decade – and without succumbing to frostbite! This strategic simplification allowed us to eliminate the middle beam, effectively cutting the amount of work needed for the next phase in half. This experience profoundly reinforced a fundamental truth in construction: being flexible with your plans and processes is not just advisable; it’s an absolute necessity for project success and maintaining sanity.

To combat the piercing cold and lift our spirits, we built a roaring fire. The crackle and warmth were a welcome reprieve, thawing our hands and toes, and providing a much-needed morale boost. It was during this period that Julie, while trudging through the seemingly bottomless, thick mud that clung to everything, actually lost the sole of one of her shoes to its stubborn grip. Such was the intensity of the elements we faced!

Renewed Hope and Progress: Onward and Upward!

With a fire warming us, half of the structural work brilliantly streamlined, and, as if on cue, the sun finally breaking through the clouds, our spirits soared. Suddenly, the task of building an enormous deck no longer felt insurmountable but a perfectly manageable project. We had cleared the most daunting hurdles. The remaining steps, while still requiring precision and effort, seemed straightforward: cutting and attaching the joists, installing the decking boards, adding the railings, and building the stairs. The renewed optimism propelled us forward with fresh energy and determination.

Protecting Your Investment: The Importance of Stain and Sealer

One of the most critical steps in ensuring the longevity and beauty of any wood deck is proper treatment. We opted for a high-quality penetrating sealer to stain and seal the decking boards on three sides before installation. This proactive measure is essential for protecting the wood from environmental stressors and preventing common issues like warping, bowing, and twisting as humidity levels fluctuate. A well-sealed deck is a durable deck.

Our product of choice was Ready Seal, a product we wholeheartedly recommend for its ease of use and exceptional performance. Its unique formulation allows for incredibly simple application – you can literally mop it on, and it consistently delivers an even, professional-looking coat without streaks or lap marks. Ready Seal boasts remarkable flexibility, with no temperature restrictions for application, and astonishingly, it can even rain moments after application without compromising its effectiveness. The primary consideration when using Ready Seal is ensuring your lumber is sufficiently dry, with the manufacturer recommending a moisture content of 12% or less. Another significant advantage is its reapplication process; years down the line, you can simply reapply it without the arduous task of stripping or removing the original coat. Consistent sealing with a product like Ready Seal is key to preserving your wood deck’s aesthetic appeal and structural integrity for many years to come, truly making it a lasting investment.

The Reality of Decking Installation

With the joists firmly in place and the boards properly sealed, it was finally time for the satisfying task of installing the decking boards. Like many DIY enthusiasts, we optimistically believed this final planking phase would be a quick victory, perhaps just a couple of hours’ work. The allure of seeing the deck surface rapidly take shape was powerful.

However, reality, as it often does, had a different timeline in mind. Clearly, both Julie and I have a consistent tendency to overestimate how quickly complex tasks can be completed. The meticulous work of aligning, spacing, and fastening each board, ensuring a flawless finish, required far more time and precision than our initial optimistic estimates. Every plank needed careful attention, but the end result was well worth the effort.

Once all the decking boards were meticulously installed, we applied a final top coat of our chosen stain/sealer to the entire surface. The transformation was instant and breathtaking; the rich, natural tones of the wood emerged, radiating a gorgeous, glorious finish. At this point, we were just mere moments away from declaring the main deck structure complete, a truly satisfying milestone in our journey.

The Final Flourish: Railings, Stairs, and Skirting

As the project neared its grand finale, our brother, Sid, made a timely arrival, offering his invaluable help for two incredibly productive days. We were immensely grateful for every second of his assistance during this crucial phase. Together, we tackled the essential finishing elements that truly define a deck’s safety, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. This included expertly installing the skirting around the deck’s perimeter, meticulously constructing the steps that provide graceful access, and adding critical bracing for enhanced structural integrity. Finally, the posts, railings, and spindles were put into place, transforming the open platform into a secure and stylish outdoor extension of the home.

Sid, unfortunately, had to depart for home before we could finish installing all the spindles, meaning he missed seeing the completely finished masterpiece. Perhaps we can entice him with an invitation for another trip out here – ostensibly to admire the completed deck, but definitely not to be roped into another project! 😉

From the initial ground breaking to the final spindle, the entire construction of this immense 12-foot by 32-foot deck took us a total of 10 days. That’s a remarkable feat for a structure robust enough to support, well, maybe not a literal herd of elephants, but certainly a small pack! The sheer scale and solidity of the deck make it a true testament to solid craftsmanship and unwavering dedication.

Currently, our yard is still in its dirt phase, so I took a little creative liberty by editing some lush green grass into the photos. It offered a wonderful dose of instant gratification! Grass or no grass, the addition of this magnificent deck has made an absolutely monumental impact on the entire aesthetic and functionality of Calderwood Cottage.

Let’s take a moment to recall what Calderwood Cottage looked like when we first acquired it:

The transformation is truly amazing, isn’t it?! We are eagerly looking forward to the day we can cultivate some real, vibrant grass to complete this picturesque scene. The addition of the deck has already elevated the home’s curb appeal and functionality to an entirely new level.

Ready to Move In! Envisioning Life on the Deck

With its generous dimensions and seamless integration with the house, this new deck is an absolute dream for anyone seeking to embrace outdoor living. It’s the perfect setting for entertaining guests, hosting lively dinner parties, or simply unwinding while soaking in the beautiful country views that surround Calderwood Cottage. Our design goal was to extend the deck along the entire length of the house, gracefully connecting it to the original porch. This thoughtful layout ensures that guests can effortlessly enter the house through either the main front door or the convenient side door, creating a natural flow for social gatherings.

For the host or hostess, the deck offers unparalleled convenience. The side door provides easy and direct access to the kitchen, streamlining meal preparation and serving. Furthermore, items can even be passed through the nearby window, making outdoor entertaining a breeze. This design truly optimizes the flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating an ideal environment for relaxation and festivities.

The ample surface area of the deck provides incredible versatility for furnishing and functionality. There’s more than enough room to comfortably accommodate a dining table for six, perfect for al fresco meals. In addition, there’s generous space for a full sectional sofa and several additional chairs, creating multiple zones for lounging, conversation, and enjoyment. This thoughtful arrangement transforms the deck into a true extension of the home’s living space, offering diverse options for relaxation and social interaction.

The finished deck is so beautiful and inviting, I sometimes wish Julie would move to Tennessee and live in Calderwood Cottage for a while to fully enjoy it! However, our mission is clear: we need to sell this transformed property to fund our next exciting project house. Our passion lies in taking houses with untapped potential and helping them reach their absolute maximum potential, creating beautiful and functional spaces for new families to cherish.

For more inspiration and innovative project ideas, we encourage you to check out the Wood, Naturally website. They are an incredible resource for anyone considering projects involving wood, whether indoors or outdoors.

Product Source List: (monetized by Viglink)

• Dining table and Set of 4 Dining Chairs – Lowe’s
• 2 Wicker Chairs, black and white striped umbrella, black and white striped square pillows (square and lumbar), black and white round floor pillow, Outdoor rugs, and white linen chair seat cushions – Target
• Storage shelf, bar cart, various pillows, poufs, and most accessories – Home Goods (Please note: specific links unavailable as Home Goods inventory varies)