Step 8 – Deck – GARDEN BEAUTIFUL

When envisioning my garden, I wanted to be sure to incorporate a sitting area. Some early ideas included a table and chairs in the center of the garden and/or a bench area.

After seeing some interesting wooden deck photos, I decided to utilize the very back of my garden to create a small deck which would provide a good vantage point to the rest of the garden. Additionally, this deck would be visible as you initially enter the garden providing some good perspective.

Given the narrow size of yard and the height of the fence, I had to keep the deck low to the ground.

For ease of installation I utilized DEK Blocks to provide support and elevate the deck, keeping the wood beans off the ground. Each DEK Block was positioned to allow for cross beams of treated wood. The cross beams simply insert into the opening on the top of each DEK Block and provide a secure foundation. Some adjusting and aligning was required to ensure a proper fit.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_19070-1662-DEK-BLOCK+BRAND+PIER_0__?productId=3613302&Ntt=deck+blocks&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Ddeck%2Bblocks&facetInfo=

I also buried each DEK Block about 4-5 inches deep to provide the correct height for my deck making sure to clear the dirt under my deck area to avoid the wood to ground contact.

While I used treated wood for the cross beams, I opted for Redwood for my deck. At this point I wasn’t sure if I was going to stain the deck so the higher quality redwood seemed to provide me more options if I wanted to leave the wood a natural color.

http://www.ganahllumber.com

I really wanted a tree in the corner of my garden where the deck was to be installed so I decided to incorporate space for a tree in my design cutting the redwood plants to allow for an in-deck placement.

Prior to installing the redwood, I ran the all the sprinklers and electrical wires for watering and highlighting the tree with lighting. The installed wiring will also power the lighten on my Japanese Lanterns.

Before installing the redwood I laid out the pieces to make sure everything fit and then I stained the redwood a dark brown utilizing Behr Deck Protector and Stain.

http://howto.homedepot.com/videos/watch/934262931001/Behr-Premium-Weatherproofing-Wood-Stain-for-your-Deck-The-Home-Depot.html

Once the stain dried, I installed the redwood and attached them using the same Black exterior screws I used on the Bamboo fencing.

The last element was planting the Cherry Blossom tree I purchased at San Gabriel Nursery. While I understand it will be difficult to get his tree to flower in the spring in California given the lack of a dormant season, I am hoping the partial shade location may help.

http://sgnurserynews.com/site/