Our Urban Oasis in Jersey City : ORC Week 3
This week for our One Room Challenge, we focused on the research and planning, and then got the very first step done for updating the fence.
One major thing we realized was missing from our list was finishing the deck. Our daughter has been getting tons of splinters and we finally realized that they are coming from the deck, which was built in the fall of 2018 but due to weather during the construction, it was never finished… so we will do that now to make sure that the wood is properly finished and sealed and we can relax a bit more with bare feet running around.
Here are some of the things we did, and what we were able to research and order:
The top of the fence had that classic spiked shape to it, we removed the spikes this past week and this coming week, we will take the sander to them to smooth and even them out, and then I will add a lattice to the top.
Only one problem with me doing a project like this. I tend to like things that are a little different than what’s available at the hardware store so it looks like I’m going to have to build the lattice myself. I settled on a style/pattern that I like, and figured out what wood would work best to build it from, the dimensions, etc. and then did the math to determine how many pieces we need and ordered them for curbside pickup!
I researched the heck out of what steps to take to properly finish the deck as well so that I know that it can be done and done right, and we ordered all the necessary pieces to do so. It’s a small surface, and so we ordered a hand sander for the surface instead of renting a big one-hopefully I won’t regret that-but the small sander will also help us with evening out the fencing and getting that ready to go, so it will get more use overall.
We did a deep dive into our inspiration for the space and decided on colors for the fence, the table, the lattice and the deck. We are going bold!! The stain has been ordered, and although it will take another 2 weeks to get here, I think this will make one of the largest impacts in our space, and I am excited!
I also started researching the planter bench that I want to build for the back perimeter of the yard, but I haven’t done the full math and ordered materials yet, that will be something I work on after the fence and lattice are done. (Or at least well underway!)
Pat has been on paver duty and then hunt has so far left us feeling a bit disappointed, but the good news is that we have time and a lot of other things to work on, so for now, the only thing we have ordered to help with that, is leveling gravel to put in the low spots, and a hand truck to help with hauling them through the house since this pregnant mama is just going to stand by and direct. (The joys of a row house make it so that we only have access to our backyard through the space, which is really nice for privacy and has it’s benefits for sure, but not being able to access the space when trying to do work or get furniture, tools, pavers, you name it is a little tricky. Fortunately this will be a one time project. We plan for this to be a full overhaul and once it’s done, to settle in and just enjoy it!
So, all that said, here is a look at our list:
(DONE) Clean up/remove tops of existing fence.
Paint or stain existing fence.
Add a clean and simple lattice at the top.
Where the fence is missing between the decking and the next panel- add in a full height of lattice.
Add some vining plants there to add a nice focal point and give E some of those flowers she is looking for.
Remove the existing pavers.
Bring in larger, natural stone pavers, ideally spaced a few inches away from each other with grass planted in between to add softness and expand the visual appearance of the yard.
Build a planter-bench for the back perimeter space.
Clean up and paint the picnic table- I’m thinking yellow!
Clean, sand and prep the deck for refinishing.
Seal/stain the deck.
Add plants in the planter box portions of the bench.
Add in finishing details- additional seating, pillows, plants, etc.
The One Room Challenge is such a great way to conquer a project in your house that has been nagging you and you feel empowered to do yourself. There are 20 host bloggers and designers who lead with their projects each week on Wednesdays, and then there are countless guest bloggers and designers who share their projects weekly on Thursdays. The standard ORC continues for 6 weeks, but due to the pandemic, not only was the start of this one delayed, but the timeline was also extended-if I’m being honest, that extended timeline is what finally convinced us to get back on board as a guest participant this year. 8 weeks instead of 2 makes a huge difference!
The ORC is an incredibly fun and supportive challenge, there is a great sense of camaraderie amongst the participants, and I strongly encourage you to hop around and read through some of the other incredible projects that people are working on for this Spring’s challenge-you won’t regret it!