We are very excited to be building a deck on the front of our cabin Kiss the Clouds. The front of the cabin gets a lot of sun and driving rain. And, it takes a beating. We thought that putting a double deck out front like the rear deck and a roof over it, it would protect the front of the cabin.
We started our deck build in late October. The weather and scenery were breathtaking. The above picture is taken from the side of our cabin looking out the back. The back of the cabin is mostly wooded. Not many homes to see out there. I feel like I am on top of the world when I sit out on the back deck. The back deck is shaded most of the day. So, it is nice in the summer because it doesn’t get too hot.
And, the project begins. It was a huge undertaking. And, we hit many roadblocks. But, we were determined to push on. Our first task was to break up the pavement, dig down deep and make concrete pads for the huge posts to rest on.
It was time to frame in the bottom deck. Every evening, we had to bring in all of the tools and nails and equipment. It took a long time to set up each morning. Bill and I thought this was something we could do to help. We don’t have much experience with this kind of thing. Bill was a banker, and I am a CPA. So, we don’t work with our hands.
Then it was time to lay the deck boards on the bottom deck. Bill and I were able to get the deck boards down ourselves. We had a shortage of help and we wanted to do all we could to get this project going.
The huge posts were extremely hard to maneuver. They are very heavy. The lower deck boards were painted and in the sun all day but still were tacky after a couple of days. The upper deck was framed, and it started to look like a deck. The 2x4s are just there for safety.
We changed out the log look railings on the back deck with black aluminum railings and put those log look rails on the front. It ended up being a lot more work trying to get the railings from the back deck to fit on the front deck. The steps were a lot more difficult than I ever imagined they would be.
We hit many setbacks. We had people getting sick. We had wood on backorder. We had the windows order lost and it took 4 months to get in. So, we didn’t get done in November like we had planned. Then, every time we set aside some time to work on it, it rained.
We tried again in January. But, we had issues with getting people to help. I can’t imagine building a whole entire house. We had enough issues with a deck build.
We allotted two weeks in February and framed in the roof.
The 2x4s could be removed and the bottom railings were painted.
Finally got the tongue and groove on the roof rafters and you can see the opening cut out for the French Doors. Bill got the little supports in the corners on the big posts on the bottom deck. At this point, I think the bottom deck is almost done. How exciting to be getting things done after all of this time.
It has been hard work, but I think my husband has enjoyed working with our handyman on this project. He says the more he works with him, the more respect he has for the old man.
The painting may need to wait until this summer. It seems to take a long time to dry and you are supposed to paint when it is warmer.
The windows and French Doors still need to be installed. And, the roof needs to be shingled. We may opt for a metal roof. Roofers are trying to talk us out of the metal roof. But, it sounds like there are options for shingles that can withstand high winds. It gets very windy up there sometimes. It is very nice sitting out on the back deck in the summer because it is shaded and there normally is a nice breeze.
The weather cooperated and my husband was able to get the rails painted. The French door is in. But, most of the windows will have to wait until we have an opening between bookings again.
The main level lower front deck is mostly done (above picture). The upper-level front deck is usable (Pictured below). However, still a lot of small things that needs to be done to it.
There is a nice view from the front deck (pictured above). However, the best view is still from the back deck (below picture). Here is a picture we took of the sunrise one morning. Definitely worth getting up for.
That is the progress so far. It’s been a little slow going. We just can’t seem to get it done within the time we allotted. Then, we have to wait until we get another span of time that we can work on it again. We hope to have everything completed soon. Thanks for bearing with us while we take on this project.
Took a week and got the windows in on the front of the cabin. Painted the trim around the French Doors. Had new roof put on.
Above is the view across the court from the new front top deck. Below is the view of a sunrise in March from the back deck. The back deck has black aluminum railings.
Just a few more finishing touches and it will all be done. We will have the entire cabin stained in May. Below is an example of why they call them the Smokies.
Above is the latest picture we have. It’s been a long project. A few finishing touches and we will be ready to enjoy sunsets from the new front deck.
Great Smoky Vacations 