Front And Back Decks: Simple, Stylish, And Affordable – ORC Week 8 Final Reveal

This was my sixth time participating in the One Room Challenge, and the first time I haven’t been able to finish the project.

In my defense, it was more about the weather than my lack of motivation and time.

As I write this final reveal post, we are on our fifth consecutive day of heavy rain, with a forecast for another week of daily downpours.

Instead of being ungrateful for the blessing of much-needed rain, I accepted that I would have to share the reveal post with an unfinished front door, missing house numbers, and uninstalled outdoor solar lights. I also accept that I will have to return to the tedious task of removing the many layers of old paint from my beautiful carved front door at another time and in another post.

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Updating both decks this Spring was such a rewarding experience!

In the past, some of our One Room Challenge projects required much more construction work, more money, and definitely more time than we had planned. But for the deck makeover projects, I was able to do most of the necessary tasks by myself. Which was a nice break for my husband, and a confidence builder for me.

I have wanted to transform both our front and back decks into more functional outdoor spaces since we had them rebuilt a few years ago. Designed to be an extension of your home, decks are a valuable outdoor living space to decorate and enjoy.

Watch this short video for the reveal of both decks!

The Back Deck Makeover

My deck project started with new outdoor rugs from Amazon and outdoor furniture from Home Depot to set the style and colors for a beautiful deck space. Both the front and back decks now have seating and dining areas.

The back deck makeover didn’t require much work or a ton of money to give it a new vibe. A lounge area was easy to establish with the new outdoor area rug near the side entrance, which is the main entrance we use every day. I have always enjoyed changing out the decor in this area every season, so it is currently filled with fun Patriotic decor for the Summer months.

Around the corner on the back deck, leading to the newly painted Sunroom door, is the refinished picnic table in the corner of the deck. Sitting at the back entrance is a painted bench with a rainbow bridge tribute to our beloved family pets.

The Front Deck Makeover

The two-story front makeover made a huge difference in how our house looks and functions, and it hit our bank account the hardest. This is still the least expensive One Room Challenge we have done, though.

The center of the front deck is established by the new large outdoor area rug, the outdoor table, and the umbrella. Additional seating areas are available near the front door and surrounding the table. Portable, outdoor solar lights from Walmart provide flexible lighting for evening meals and gatherings.

Establishing a container garden, or two, with seasonal plants selected for their insect-repellent qualities was a great way to create a cozy atmosphere for our outdoor living room. The umbrella and the natural tree shade on the front deck make it a fully functional outdoor space to enjoy, even during the hot days of late summer. But the Summer months in the South also bring the annoying buzz of mosquitoes in your ear. Plants, diffusers, candles, and small portable bug zappers are a must.

In the past, the One Room Challenge has motivated me to give one room or area of my home my whole attention to get it done. This time I will get to enjoy the summer and early Fall days on either one of my more functional deck spaces, which now has more comfort, style, and purpose.

Thanks to Frogtape for supplying painter’s tape so I could repaint all three exterior doors for this project. Even though I was unable to finish the front door in time, I will definitely use the amazing products they provided to finish the painting once the weather clears up. And share the update on the blog.

Hugs,

Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Other posts in the 2026 Spring One Room Challenge:

Week 1, Week 2, Weeks 3 &4, Weeks 5&6 Week 7