It has been about a year and a half since we bought our hot tub. We had a three year outdoor upgrade plan that we needed to do in stages in order to pay for it. The first stage was to get a hot tub. The second stage was to build a new deck around the hot tub. And the third stage is to decorate and landscape around the new hardscape.
Stage 1:
We had the hot tub installed at the bottom of our deck stairs. This was the most convenient spot, not the prettiest. We used it this way for a year. And during this year we planned out how we wanted the new deck to be. We changed our mind several times, which delayed the actual building of the deck for a while.
I did try to make it somewhat pretty during that year. I added hanging plants and pots of plants. You can read more about how I stretched my plant budget HERE.
I hung a solar chandelier that I made for a bit of night time ambiance. You can read more about that HERE (the failure story) and HERE (the re-do and success story).
Stage 2:
We hired our next door neighbor, who is a contractor, to build our deck. We discussed several options with him and he gave suggestions. And once we made up our mind, and he broke ground, it really didn’t take him very long to get it done.
We moved the hot tub away from the original deck stairs to get it out of the way. It was out of commission for about 6 weeks and its amazing how many times I wanted to use it while it was empty! Absence really does make the heart grow fonder!
Moving the hot tub back into place was next. The ground at its proposed new location is very sloped and I had to build up one side quite a bit to make it level. Then Mr. Menace moved that 500 lb (more or less) hot tub into place in just a few minutes.
He let the motor rest for a few minutes and then did one more round and DONE!
The treated lumber was very wet and we have to wait for it to dry before staining it to match the original deck, so in the mean time, I started to decorate.
But first, spray paint.
Stage 3:
I used my Spa Blue Restoleum spray paint from Home Depot and gave everything an updated color.
Ahhhhh, that’s better!
There was nowhere to hang my solar chandelier near the hot tub, so I used one of my shepherd’s hook and it worked perfectly. I was afraid it would be too low, but it works.
Next was a few plants for more color and interest.
I brought these pots down from the upper deck. They have been empty for a couple of summers and now they have the perfect spot to sit and show themselves off.
I chose sweet broom for the 3 square pots. Yellow is my favorite color and the scent of these is terrific. I put a pink dianthus in the urn because I love pink and yellow together.
I love shadows made by good lighting.
Stage 3 is an ongoing phase and there are a couple more projects in the works. Be sure to come back and check it out again later!
Link Parties:
Over The Moon
Grand Social
Lisa Hollowell says
It looks fantastic! I love the chandelier on the shepherds hook. 🙂
gwingal says
Lisa, I think the chandelier is my favorite thing. And so easy! Thanks for visiting with me. 🙂
Lisa Hollowell says
And of course it’s the perfect color! I’ve noticed we both love that blue. 🙂
gwingal says
I am still loving that blue! They changed up my green so I’m not using it as much as I used to.
Debbie says
Love it, it is so inviting…
gwingal says
Thanks Debbie! We really like it so far. Can’t wait until I can afford a sofa for naps… hahaha
actualconversationswithmyhusband says
I’m kind of obsessed with the solar chandelier… I don’t know why I was unaware that this was a thing, but now I need a couple dozen of those in our yard!
gwingal says
Oh you should search Pinterest for them! Some are really glamorous! But they are so easy. You should make you a few. If you do, be sure to let me know! 🙂
LittleItaly2008 (@LittleItaly2008) says
I have been following your progress the past few years, what an amazing result! I love your new deck!
gwingal says
I am really loving the deck and having fun decorating it. Thanks for following. 🙂
Gentle Joy Photography says
Wow, what a great deck… the project turned out great… and you will get a lot of use out of it…. we sure use ours. 🙂
gwingal says
I am looking for an outdoor sofa that I can afford. When I find that I will be ecstatic. haha Thanks for stopping by!
Carol ("Mimi") says
Looks like you put LOTS of WORK into these multiple projects. It all looks great! I love your plants, flower pots, chairs, chandelier, etc. along with the fantastic deck build!
gwingal says
Thanks Carol. Yes, lots of fun projects here. And more to come. I love working outside so much. Thank you for visiting.
Lisa/Grandma'sBriefs (@GrandmasBriefs) says
Beautiful! I love the deck (can I hire your neighbor?) and it all turned out lovely. You’ve got me on a mission to make a solar chandelier now. Thank you, thank you, thank you. And thank you, too, for sharing in the GRAND Social link party on Grandma’s Briefs!
gwingal says
That solar chandelier is the coolest thing ever. I LOVE the way it looks when I go outside at night. Such a nice ambiance. And it looks good in the day time too! I want to do a fancy one next. Thanks for the party! 🙂
MyHusbandHasTooManyHobbies says
You are going to love your deck! Such a nice size! Looking forward to seeing your upcoming projects too! Thanks for sharing. Pinned 🙂
gwingal says
To tell you the truth, it turned out bigger than I expected. Mr. Menace added to it at the last minute and and and….. I love it! Thanks for everything. 🙂
Grammy Dee says
Nice deck, good size. Now I’m wanting a solar chandelier. Thank you Nikki for attending the #WednesdayAIMLinkParty. I shared your post.
gwingal says
Oh Grammy, You NEED a solar chandelier! They are so cool. Way better than can be shown in photos. Thanks for everything! 🙂
Stephanie says
Looks so nice! Thanks for sharing at To Grandma’s House We Go.
gwingal says
Thanks Stephanie! I am anxious now to get it decorated and outiftted with furniture! 🙂
Beverly Roderick says
Your outdoor space looks great! The solar chandelier is a wonderful touch.
gwingal says
Thanks Beverly! I do really like my solar chandelier. 🙂
Jann Olson says
The deck is beautiful! Your three year plan is unfolding before your eyes. I love when that happens! 🙂 Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
gwingal says
Yes. I think it might be one more year before I can purchase furniture though, so maybe a four year plan. haha Thanks Jann. 🙂