We set out to enjoy the new deck by Labor Day and managed to squeeze in with just a few days to spare. I’m genuinely thrilled about it — picture me doing jazz hands. The end-of-season furniture sales helped us score real pieces instead of a rickety card table and folding chairs, which feels like a win. We still have a few finishing touches planned, and we’ll wait to stain or seal the wood until it’s properly dry, which will add much more richness and a polished look to the surface.
To start furnishing, we centered our freshly sealed World Market table on the deck, aligned between two seams in the boards. There isn’t a gigantic amount of room on each side, but there’s about three feet of clearance (each board is roughly 6″ wide, giving around 32″ of usable space). That width is workable for our needs and allows comfortable movement behind the chairs once they’re in use.
We added acacia wood chairs that should harmonize nicely with the deck after staining or sealing, then brought out pillows, a runner, and a few accessory pieces. I couldn’t resist — pillows are basically my weakness. On the table we placed a runner we’ve owned for a few years, a thrifted yellow dish for napkins and other small items, and a handful of casual outdoor pieces like a woven decanter and woven cups. An ikat-style outdoor seat cushion finished the look and added comfort.
In photos the space beside the table can look tight because I cropped in to highlight the accessories, but there’s actually enough room for practical movement. When someone sits in the chairs, there’s typically about 16–18 inches behind them for passing by. It’s not ballroom space, but it’s perfectly fine for slipping past. If we ever need more clearance, the table can be pushed toward the house, but so far the current layout works well.
One of my favorite accents is a cheerful yellow ceramic fish that adds personality to the table. We also continue to use the playful bird napkins we bought for a party — they keep reappearing in our shopping trips, and I never leave without picking up more. For a little play zone, I set up a temporary corner for Clara with a plush spot in mind for later, some toys in a woven basket, and a green drum stool borrowed from a guest room. A small rabbit figurine joined the scene, and a soft outdoor pillow rounds out the cozy corner.
We revealed the deck to Clara after she woke from a nap and her reaction — “ooh the pretty pretty deck!” — made the whole effort worthwhile. She immediately dove into her toy basket while Burger, our dog, waited nearby for his turn with a big orange ball. The deck has become a family spot already.
The yellow chairs were a dream from the beginning and they finally came together as the focal point. They arrived painted with durable outdoor automotive paint and ready to go, which saved us additional prep work. With added seat cushions they reached the perfect height at the table and the arms even tuck under, allowing them to be pushed in when needed. They’ve quickly become the best seats on the deck.
We did need to add a bit more railing to meet county code, and that ended up being a practical benefit since Clara uses it to climb up and down safely. For extra peace of mind during evening hangs, we repurposed an old baby gate at the bottom of the stairs to keep Clara and Burger on the deck area — a simple temporary solution that worked great.
Looking ahead, our deck plans include:
- stringing large bulb lights overhead across the length of the deck
- adding many planters and plants to soften the hard edges and bring in greenery
- adding a plush chair in the play corner along with Clara-friendly items like a sand & water table
- painting the electric meter to better blend with the brick
- creating a small paver patio at the bottom of the deck steps for the BBQ
- installing a more attractive gate to replace the temporary baby gate
- staining and sealing the deck once the wood is properly dried
- eventually painting the siding a medium gray that coordinates with the brick for a more balanced look
The transformation removed an awkward, weedy alley and replaced it with a welcoming deck space. One small visual annoyance — an electric meter near the deck — will be painted to blend with the brick, a trick we’ve used before to make utility boxes less conspicuous. It’s a simple update that can have a surprisingly large visual impact when done carefully and with permission where required.
We also replaced a rotting balcony off the hallway with the new deck, eliminating weeds and the old view of the air conditioner. Eventually we might swap the sliding doors for French doors, but that’s something we’re still pricing and considering. For now, we’re enjoying the newly furnished deck: the color, the comfy seating, and the cheerful accents have already changed how we use the space.
So what’s your favorite part? I’m all about the yellow chairs and ikat cushions, while John is excited about gathering around the big table to fill it with food. Clara loves the simple joys — toys and a $2 ball from the store — and honestly, that’s perfect. The deck feels finished enough to be enjoyed now and flexible enough to grow into the vision we have for it.
