Pool Deck - here we go!

As I referenced a few months ago regarding a pool deck, we have the plans needed in order to start! And if you've been following, you'll realize that we thought we'd break ground in April, when the ground thawed.

Ha.

Haha.

Hahahaha.

It's now the middle of May and it was 40 degrees yesterday and rainy.

And it's been that way for the last week or so.

Everything is disgusting.

It's a complete swamp in our backyard.

And it's freezing.

But.

BUT!

We knew today was the ONE day it's supposed to be decent. Meaning, 60's and partly sunny. There's a chance of rain (this is WNY, you know), but not until late afternoon/evening.

Also, Steve met someone at work.

Let me explain.

He meets all sorts of really interesting people.

Rich people.

REALLY rich people.

Complete trash.

Old-ass women wearing moo-moos and slippers.

Sometimes he meets people that become friends.

He happened to meet someone who built houses for a living. I believe he said the gentleman is in his 70's, but that he was very knowledgable in deck design and construction.

Steve had helped him out with his truck and really listened to him and they eventually just started chatting about life and whatnot.

He offered to come over and help Steve get started with the deck. I'm so pumped that A) he'll have help, and B) help who knows what he's doing (hopefully).

We are going with the tried and true Lowe's for our materials and lumber. They have these great plans that we can customize, based on our desired dimensions and style. It provides all the information needed to purchase including part numbers, cut lines, lengths, etc. I think all of that upfront set up and organization is half the battle.

We are opting to go with Trex material for the decking and wood for the railing. Composite material lasts basically forever and has very little maintenance, versus wood which would need to be stained or painted and otherwise dealt with each year.

And, splinters.

Here is the the plan! I'm excited for how large it is and we are planning to paint the railing white. The decking is a "clamshell" color, which looks grey-ish to me. 

My plan is to get a table/chairs/umbrella set up - something simple since we do already have our patio set down with our pergola. I'm going to have to dig up pictures of that project and post about it. THAT SUCKED.

It turned out beautifully, but it was a tough one.

ANYWAY.

I also want to have lounge chairs along the side.

I want greenery and flowers everywhere.

I want to find a cute outdoor rug to add color and flair.

I want to be able to sip an iced coffee, read my Kindle and watch my girls play in the water.

For reals.

Ugh.

CANNOT WAIT.

Oh, and if you know me in IRL, COME OVER!

Legit.

I'm hoping to make my house a fun place to visit. When people come over, they usually stay a few hours. No one really "just stops by" because it's quite a hike from everyone we know.

I want my kids and their friends to enjoy being here, so they will continue to want to hang here as they get older (so I can keep them under my watchful eye!)

The guy comes over today and they will start to plan it out. I'm excited to go home and see whatever progress they will make!