Summer lake project update {deck + stairs}

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Last weekend we worked on building stairs from the existing deck to the camper as well as finishing up the deck that overlooks the lake. Hopefully we will have a couple days in a row with no rain in the forecast so we can start staining the decks! I can’t wait to see how the old faded wood looks once it has a coat of fresh new stain applied. Last week I shared how we demolished most of the existing deck with a chain saw and now you can see, we have added new flooring, sides and braces in the water. Structurally, this baby is sound now! We removed most of the underneath braces and the ones that were still stable, we left and reinforced with new 2×4’s. We still need to add new wood around the sides (floor) area to complete and give the deck a finished look. As you can see below, the existing deck where the camper is needs a little TLC as well as new stairs leading to the camper. We started building the stairs this past weekend which was a learning experience for me. I had no idea that you build a box and then another box to create the steps. I guess I never really thought about how stairs were created before. I will share the stair tutorial soon but in the meantime, here is my dad building box number 1. Purchasing the camper and renting a seasonal spot on a lake is proving to be one of the best decisions we have made. The kids love swimming, my son is enjoying fishing and my parents and husband are loving the serenity. I love having a new place to decorate and landscape ;). Isn’t this view amazing? We have talked about this camping idea for years and finally, the day is here where we are now saying, “I can’t believe we finally did it.” My husband jokingly says, “Jess, what took you so long to make this happen?” He is a funny one!

UPDATE: Click here to see full campsite and deck makeover.

Meet Jessica

What started as a hobby, Jessica’s blog now has millions of people visit yearly and while many of the projects and posts look and sound perfect, life hasn’t always been easy. Read Jessica’s story and how overcoming death, divorce and dementia was one of her biggest life lessons to date.