If you were following along on Instagram, you probably know we took a quick little design-y hiatus to Dallas last week.
Ashley was thrilled with the rainy weather because she was able to don her boots.
I was more thrilled over our truck.
It was literally a fight over if we should drive through the puddles or if she should get out and wade through them in the boots. Yeah it doesn’t take much to entertain us.
Our challenge was to create something fun with this little deck, and the wonderful Thompson’s Water Seal.
While it’s fun for Ashley to pose with her boots on the deck to create a stylin’ deck, we also thought about a realistic approach for people who may need a little privacy in little spaces. So we decided to go with an approach that provides a whole lot of privacy, instant ambiance, and a fun intimate setting for hosting parties galore.
This is a simple idea you can create on your own back porch with a little copper piping, 4 x 4’s and some outdoor curtains. (While any pipes would do, copper looks a little more polished, intentional, and gives a great patina over time)
If you do not already have 4 x 4 supports running vertical on your porch, you can change it up with a quick modification to make it look like they are a part of the porch.
First draw off a square where the 4 x4 will drop on the inside of the outside board.
Next simply remove the boards that have the marks you just made. Then measure out 4 inches from each corner. This will be where your 4 x 4 will drop in. Now for our deck since it sat directly on the ground this simply meant all we would need to do is cut the 2 x 4 with a reciprocating saw, drop in the 4 x 4, pop in a few lag screws and we could move on.
An optional route: If your deck is suspended and already being supported by 4 x 4 or in another way, you can buy some galvanized half base plates to support the 4 x 4 and this may be your best option… but for a more clean and cohesive look you can simply remove some deck boards and adjust the frame. (Also the base plates don’t offer great stability so you’ll need to brace the post.)
You can get creative in a number of ways depending on your structure. A few easy alternatives to this would be adding the wood on the outside, or going with pipe all the way if you’re a little hesitant with those power tools. It’s a quick, easy fix for a whole lot of character.
Next, we needed to trim down our 4 x 4’s to the correct height. With a little measuring, marking and cutting with our miter saw we had the length we needed in no time.
Then we simply attached them with 3 1/2 inch lag screws.
Cut our deck boards to fit back around the post.
Then we drilled into the 4 x 4 to create a hole to support our copper. We used 3/4 inch pipes, so we drilled with a 7/8 inch bit to give us a little wiggle room. Make sure to measure to the center on each 4 x 4 and measure down from the top evenly on all posts. This will ensure that everything is level.
You’ll want to drill in about 2 to 2 1/2 inches. This will give the pipes a good support.
Next you’ll need to measure your copper pipe.
Then use a large mini tube cutter to cut the pipe to length.
Then you’ll simply slide you pipe into place. I guess it’s not raining on the deck anymore #nomoreboots.
If your distance is over 10 feet, you will want to use a coupling to connect the two.
Connect all the sides to ensure a good fit.
Then add your curtains and you have insta-style and privacy from the neighbors peeping over the fence. {And if you don’t have a fence, there’s even more reason to try this quick little fixer upper.}
We can’t wait to show you the full reveal coming up! We call it our Glampy Cabana.
True story.
Even though I told Ashley not to say that out loud again.
Let us know if you have any questions – we’d love to hear!
Have an inspired day!
Anna says
Go boots! And this is a great idea. I’ve never thought of this for our small space.
Rach says
Yay for boots!
Looks awesome…can’t wait to see the rest. Love that you both have a great sense of humor. : )
ashley @ the handmade home says
HA! Thanks, Rach! We’re easily humored, I guess! ;}
Valrie says
We have really bad mosquito problem during the summer, what would you do to enclose the space? I want to build a “floating” space outside (not permanent because if we do an addition to the house later, we don’t want to have to tear down what we built), and I’m struggling with creating privacy and keeping mosquitoes away.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Well, It’s not a perfect solution, but if you’re looking for something temporary, I know they sell Mosquito netting by the yard. So you could always figure out something as far as that goes, for the top. OR, do a bit of a tent {in a stylin’ way} for the top, and drape netting from there to keep out those critters. I hope that helps get those wheels turning!