Working to Transform Our Decks: It’s The Messy Middle Weeks
I have decided to combine weeks 3 & 4 for the Spring One Room Challenge because they are essentially the same tasks on repeat.
This is the time frame of every project that I often refer to as the messy middle weeks.
Over the past few weeks, we have made great progress, but progress has stalled because some tasks are taking much longer to complete.
Like scraping layers of paint off the exterior doors. Yep, that is where I am at.
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Here is what we have been working on for the past two weeks:
The old, unwanted, or broken furniture was finally hauled away.
At the top level of our 2-level deck on the front of the house, a new dining table and chairs were set up. But we forgot to get an umbrella stand! Pictures of this to share in later weeks.
The picnic table and bench seats have been cleaned and completely sanded down to remove any remaining finish that hadn’t become damaged during the past few winters. My orbital sander, one of my favorite power tools, did a wonderful job of removing the old finish.
Many hours have been spent scraping the many layers of paint off the back and front doors. At this point, I am worried about getting this part of the project done in time because the sun-baked paint is being a little stubborn to remove.
I have been shopping for deck ideas for outdoor tableware and accessories.
And I have been preparing for our unwanted and uninvited guests – bugs and spiders!
The struggle is real!
One of the biggest deterrents to using our outdoor space is the bugs and spiders!
Living on a wooded lot has many perks. Beautiful views. Plenty of shade. Wildlife to watch. But not the bugs. And especially not the spiders that follow them.
In a few weeks, the size and number of spiders blocking the entrance at my front door are going to be scary. At least to those like me who fear even the smallest of those creatures.
My theory is that if I can eliminate some of the bug population, I can also reduce the number of their predators that show up.
When I was young, I would spend my summer months helping my Granddaddy in his large garden. He always planted a row of blooming marigold flowers every few rows. He taught me that bugs hate the smell of these flowers, so they are a great way to protect the garden and people. He even taught me how to harvest seeds to ensure an abundant supply each year.
This is a practice I have often used to avoid nasty mosquito bites while enjoying the outdoors. So far, I have planted nine pots of marigold seeds, hoping for a beautiful outcome.
I am planning to incorporate as many natural pest deterrents as possible. Besides being kid-safe, I want to make sure what I use is safe for pet & wildlife. I am still researching my options to make this happen.
So, for weeks 3 & 4, there is just a quick recap of how my dream deck projects are coming together.
The messy middle weeks are not very exciting. They are necessary, though, to get to the final reveal week.
Until next time,
Other posts in the 2026 Spring One Room Challenge:
