Now when it comes to applying the finish I had two options available to me:
In the estate where I live we have our own community Facebook page, so I sent out the word for recommendations on a company who could assist in applying a finish to the deck, and a couple of people pointed me to a Melbourne based team called Decks Alive.
- number 1, get out there, clean the deck, apply a finish, or
- number 2, get someone else to do it for me!
In the estate where I live we have our own community Facebook page, so I sent out the word for recommendations on a company who could assist in applying a finish to the deck, and a couple of people pointed me to a Melbourne based team called Decks Alive.
What Decks Alive do is strip back any existing product on the deck, do a deep clean with an industrial cleaner, and then they apply two coats of Intergrain Ultradeck. It was going to work out at about $28 per sq. metre and would be done in a day, which is much easier than me getting out there and doing it!
Graeme from Decks Alive showed up as scheduled, the weather was great, and the whole thing was completed on the day.
Below shows the landing and deck all nicely cleaned and polished with nair a bird poo in sight.
Graeme from Decks Alive showed up as scheduled, the weather was great, and the whole thing was completed on the day.
Below shows the landing and deck all nicely cleaned and polished with nair a bird poo in sight.
 |
| Deck and landing all looking spick and span |
The framing on the top of the landing area and the lights look really great as you can see below.
I guess if I could change anything I would have left a larger gap from the top of the door sill to the deck level. I built the landing boards to be level with the sill as you can see below, but in hind sight it would have been better to leave a gap so I could at least fit a door mat under the door!
 |
| A lovely deep colour to the timber matches in with the stair light fittings |
No it's not trick photography, the picture below is just a good perspective on the finish with the steps blending into the boards. Looks weird!
 |
| It looks like trick photography with the step disappearing into the deck |
The curve came out great with the juxtaposition I was looking for with the decking meeting up with the crazy-pave stonework. Edgy!
 |
| The contrast between the stone and wood is perfect |
The stairs are a work of art! The effort it look to cut all those little bits and pieces to give the mosaic effect on the outside stair stringer has paid off in spades.
 |
| Steps and deck |
Below shows the completed deck and stairs. I was so impressed with the photo I made it the new cover for the blog! A few plants and it will be all done.
 |
| I was so impressed I made this my new blog cover photo! |
Looking up the steps to the side of the house you can see the side deck.
 |
| Those stairs are looking good |
The side deck that we completed the year previous was also in need of a new coat so we got both decks completed as part of the same deal. 100 sqm in total (1036 sqft) and it's come up a treat.
 |
| The side deck is two years old but looks as good as new |
The garden beds have really taken off giving the side deck a very tropical feel.
 |
| Looking good |
Looking down the side yard shows both decks together leading down to the lawn area at the bottom.
 |
| The view down the side yard to the bottom deck |
Nice clean boards for the moment. I am sure the possums and birds will quickly change that! It's hard when there are so many trees large overhanging, which look beautiful, but you pay the price in maintenance.
 |
| Very tropical |
Now I really need to do something about that kid's trampoline I can see over the neighbours fence. Hmmm....I wonder...
 |
| Neighbours be gone? |
