Modern Cabin Deck Renovation- Part 2-The Demo

Deck demo is well underway! Let’s walk around the cabin as I share this exciting aspect of our modern cabin deck renovation!

Taking down our existing decks is a pretty straight forward process. It reminds me often of the work done to prep for painting a huge room. The progress may seem slow but with each board placed in the dumpster we are one step closer to a new deck system around our cabin.

We have unearthed a few additional tasks in the process too. We fully expected to have a few unknowns pop up and are grateful to have a little extra money saved to solve these small problems. So let’s take a walk around the cabin and see the demo progress we’ve made. As we do, I’ll share what additional small jobs will need to be taken care of.

Catch up here with Part 1, when I shared the vision for this major deck project.

The Front Deck

Our front door sits at what will be the top of our new front deck. This section of our decking came down quickly and easily. As you can see the pipe that runs along the length of the cabin is our natural gas line. It will be updated and brought to current code in the coming weeks.

Additionally, we are also going to add a water spigot to this side of the cabin and my gardening heart is so happy to not have to haul water for my flowers!

The Lower Deck

The lower deck (see above and below pictures) was also a pretty straight forward demo and haul away. This deck sits closest to the ground and we look forward to the new one.

We did find some old wiring for our driveway lighting that was somewhat of a fire hazard. Our contractor found it on the ground directly under the deck, exposed to water, nibbles from critters, and taped together. Needless to say it will be corrected.

The Master Deck

We were the most worried about the master deck. It proved to be the most precarious to dismantle. It had an enclosed deck frame so we weren’t sure about its underside condition. There were three small storage areas under the master deck too, and the underside of the deck had a unique (and somewhat weird) drainage system on it.

Thankfully the damage on the inside was minimal. There was some rotting but nothing that damaged the main structure of the cabin.

So the drainage system is being redesigned along with the deck and storage system below. The footprint will be staying the same but we are making the storage below more efficient and safe for long term use.

The Back Deck

As I write this, the back deck is in process of being demo’d. Approximately half of it is in the dumpster and the rest is on the way.

We plan to reposition a natural gas line for our grill and are finalizing the simpler streamlined design.

Deck Demo

As the deck demo starts to come to a close, we’re getting more and more excited to watch as the building stage begins.

I’m looking forward to sharing reflections in a final deck renovation post down the road. But for now I’d say be patient, communicate often with your contractor/ builder/ or your team if you are doing the work. The more I observe this process the more I realize it’s important that it isn’t rushed. This aspect of the project can unveil some unknowns and it’s important to stay safe and take your time.

It’s nearly time to start building the decks! We have concrete and a little excavation work that needs to be done still but each day we are little closer.

See Part 3- The Build here!

I hope I leave you with hope for you and your intentional home,