The Mommyhood Chronicles

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It is time to start redoing my backyard!

Let me bring you back to February 2010. If you live in Rhode Island, you will very vividly remember the devastation of the huge flood that occurred in our home state. As a result of the flooding, people lost houses and lost their livelihood! I remember waking up and seeing the mall that I call my pit stop everyday, completely submerged in water. I immediately ran downstairs to my basement and realized that our basement was destroyed. I was grateful, though, that we did not lose more. We lost a few toys, a few pictures, a few valuables. However, in the grand scheme of things, we still had out our home. We ended up ripping the carpet and dry wall out and starting over. In January 2013, we will begin to completely renovate our basement.

As time went on, I also began to see that the floor of my deck was effected by the floods. We began to get mold in the baseboards of our deck. I immediately turned to my husband and realized that we needed to start renovations on my backyard. In my head, I was not upset because I had envisioned already to do several projects in our backyard.  At the time, when I brought up the renovations I wanted to do, my husband wanted to wait. Now that mold began to form, he agreed it was time to start rebuilding our backyard.

One of the first projects I want to do is put in composite decking.  I was reading some magazines last year about building decks and I was so intrigued about the concept of using composite decking. What I truly love about it, is the fact that it not only looks beautiful, but requires a ton of less maintenance than your typical wood deck. By going this route, we will not have to worry about the potential mold that could form in the event of another flood. The lifespan of using this type of material is incredibly long.  When I presented my husband with doing this,  he agreed ten-fold.


We also agreed we would  put a composite railing around the deck area. It would be nice to surround our deck with beautiful railings.  We never really had good railings before and both felt that this would be a nice addition. We could enclose the deck and be able to block off areas of the deck we wanted closed.  Our neighbors use composite for their railings and I fell in love with the beauty. I wanted to replicate the beauty in my backyard. 


We are also considering doing composite fencing. We never had a fence before but with two small kids, we realize the necessity of a fence. I am always scared that one of my children will accidentally try to run into the street for the one second that I turn my back. I have thought about doing a fence for a long time, but figured there is no better time than the present. I would love to match up the fence with the same materials used on the deck to make the backyard esthetically pleasing.


So, I have to say, I am so excited to start on our basement and backyard. Yes, I know, this will be two long projects but I am ready. I have been ready for 5 years now!  Wish us luck!







*This is a partnered post. All my opinions are my own and not swayed by outside sources.






Comments

  3. Candice Moretti says

    My cousin and her hubby have this type of decking all around their pool and it is fantastic!

  4. Mariah @ Formula Mom says

    I would love to have composite decking and fencing! My mom and I were actually discussing these types of products this weekend. I just wonder about the cost compared to plain old wood.

  5. Jai Devereaux says

    I'm on the other side of the country (Oregon) but I remember reading about this. You guys are taking a bad situation, turning it around, and ending up in a better place than where you started. You're definitely doing it right!

  7. Samantha says

    These all sound like great ideas! I can't wait to see before and after pics. I am sure it will turn out beautifully!

  10. MySentimentExactLee says

    We don't have that option in our home owners association, I have a white fiberglassish (not sure what it is) fence. It's nice though! This sounds better.

    Lee

  14. Kenda says

    We need to do this so badly in our yard (and lay a fire pit veranda – eesh). This is a great inspiration – thank you!

  16. Rob says

    Sounds like you have a lot of work ahead of you but it sounds like your yard is going to look awesome once done. Be sure to share those pictures! Have fun and good luck!

  17. Kass says

    What you need to do is pick a project each year and do it. Then its not overwhelming. We do this. Our second year in the house we did the patio and last year we did the rest of the fencing and the swingset. This year we will be replacing a couple of windows and saving for the basement refinishing later this year. Work on a house is never finished. Can't wait to see how it comes out.

  18. MrsAshley says

    Good luck! That is a project I'm scared to take on but I'm excited to see pictures of yours. 🙂

  21. Karen says

    So sorry to hear about the flood damage, but glad you are able to get started on redoing it all. Can't wait to see the pics of the re-do.

  22. cookiesANDclogs says

    I'm excited to see your progress on the project! Fences don't alway have to be tacky and I'm sure you'll find something you will love 🙂

  23. baby deals says

    You have some amazing ideas. I think fences can look very nice, and I'm excited to see your progress!

  24. garden designers surrey says

    Appreciable work keep it up and redesign it more beautiful than before..good luck